PHY 2053

Instructor: Dr. Gerald Woods (gwoods@usf.edu)

Text: College Physics by Randall Knight 3rd edition
Office Hours: Tuesday TA-sessions (TBD), Friday 1:00 PM-1:45 pm ISA 2070
(By appointment).
Note: Office hour times and locations are fixed.
This course is part of the University of South Floridas Foundations of Knowledge and
Learning (FKL) Core Curriculum. It is certified for the core area of Natural (Physical) Science
(CANP) and for the following dimensions: Critical Thinking, Inquiry-based Learning,
Scientific Processes, and Quantitative Literacy. Students enrolled in this course will be
asked to participate in the USF General Education assessment effort. This might involve
submitting copies of writing assignments for review, responding to surveys, or participating
in other measurements designed to assess the FKL Core Curriculum learning outcomes.

Topics to cover in this course:

Basic measurement concepts
1-D motion
2-D motion
Newton's Laws of Motion
Rotational dynamics
Stability
Momentum
Energy
Basics of fluids
Thermodynamics (The Laws of
Thermodynamics)
Oscillations

Course Objectives:
1. The students will study Newtons Laws and how
they are applied.
2. Students will be introduced to aspects of circular
motion.
3. Students will explore aspects of energy and
associated transformations.
4. Students will be introduced to oscillatory motion
and its significance in nature.
5. Students will study basics of the Laws of
Thermodynamics.
6. Students will explore the basic fluid models.
7. Students will learn fundamental data analysis.

Students Learning Outcomes:

Module: Fundamentals of measurement and analysis in general physics
(1)Students will demonstrate fundamental knowledge in units and measurements. (2) Students will display a
fundamental skill set of basic trigonometry.

Module: Describing One-dimensional motion

(1)Students will demonstrate a knowledge of basic terms describing motion. (2) Students will illustrate motion in
the forms of diagrams and graphs. (3) Students will display both a conceptual as well as an analytical skill in
describing motion with kinematic formulas.

Module: Vectors and describing two-dimensional motion of a particle

(1)Students will demonstrate a fundamental knowledge of vectors and their applications. (2) Students will expand
their knowledge of one-dimensional motion to particle motion in two-dimension. (3) Students will display a
fundamental knowledge of equilibrium.

Module: Newtons Laws and their applications

(1)Students will display a solid foundation on the definitions and applications of Newtons Laws. (2) Students will
demonstrate the ability to integrate previously learned material when solving problems in Newtons Laws. (3)
Students will grasp basic physical knowledge of force and motion.

Module: Circular motion

(1)Students will demonstrate a fundamental understanding of particle motion in a circle. (2) Students will become
familiar with all of the fundamental quantities associated with rotational motion. (3) Students will become familiar

with the concept of rotational inertia and how it differs from inertia. (4) Students will display a firm knowledge of
the concept of torque and use it for real physical applications.

Module: Total mechanical equilibrium and an introduction to physics of solids

(1)Students will demonstrate a solid understanding of total mechanical equilibrium. (2) Students will apply
equilibrium concepts to real physical problems. (3) Students will display a fundamental knowledge in the basics of
physics of solids.

Module: Linear and angular momentum

(1)Students will demonstrate knowledge in the terms Impulse and momentum. (2) Students will understand the
basics of particle interactions. (3) Students will become familiar with conservation of linear and angular
momentum. (4) Students will display skill in integrating previous knowledge with applications to momentum.

Module: Work and energy

(1)Students will show problem solving skill with energy considerations. (2) Students will understand how energy is
transferred to an object. (3) Students will demonstrate how the conservation of energy is used in real physical
applications. (4) Students will become familiar with basic thermodynamic concepts as it relates to work and
energy.

Module: Fluids
(1)Students will demonstrate knowledge in static fluids. (2) Students will become familiar with dynamics of fluid
flow.

Module: Oscillations and waves

(1)Students will demonstrate a solid familiarity of simple
harmonic motion. (2) Students will successfully integrate previous
concepts to oscillatory motion. (3) Students will display basic
knowledge in waves and wave mechanics.

Course Outline:
I.
1.
2.
3.
4.

On-line activities
View on-line lecture
Take on-line quiz
On-line discussion of material/quiz
View any other supplementary videos

II.

In-class activities

1. Problem solving strategies

2. Lectures over fundamental aspects of
physics
3. Class activities (practice problems, quizzes,
discussions,..)
4. Q & A session on anything you want to
bring up.
III.

Independent work

1.
2.
3.

Mastering physics
Study groups
On-line quizzes

In-class working system

There will be a lecture for every class meeting. However, much of that will be problem solving and
discussion. But you will be given insight into the on-line lectures you were to view before class. You should
bring a calculator to each and every class. Note: The in-class activities and lecture material will NOT be
available on-line. If you miss a class, you need to obtain missed material from a classmate.

COURSE EVALUATION POLICY

Please understand that physics is a complicated subject. Most of you have never had a physics course
or you had physics in high school (not the same thing for a good part). Make every effort to come to
class so you can gain as much experience as possible. Tests will cover all module content as well as
lecture content. Note: Lecture material will not be posted. You will need to get it from a classmate if
you miss a class.
(i)
The course grade will be based on performances of five tests to be administered during
the course and your average on-line quiz performance (this should be very good if you
worked really hard outside of class). The fifth test is the final exam. This test can
replace a lower score on a previous exam. If you decide not to take the final exam, your
grade will based on the first four exams (and the quiz average). The grade is broken
down by the following:
Test 1 21 %
Test 2 21%
Test 3 21%
Test 4 21% (covers all modules)
Quiz Average 16%
Test 5 (final exam same format as Test 4) would likewise count 21% replacing the lower
score (if needed).
Grade scale:
A: 92-100 (A- = 91)
B: 80-90 (B- = 81, B+ = 86)
C: 70-80 (C- = 71)
D: 60-69 (D- = 61)
F: <60

NOTE [1]: You may have up to two times to take each quiz and I will take the highest
score earned. Quizzes will be due on Mondays and Wednesdays at 10 am unless I
specifically tell you otherwise. Also, once a quiz is closed, it will not be re-opened.
NOTE [2]: If a curve is applied, it will be applied to that particular test which fell below
the expected average (typically 75 %).
NOTE[3]: We do NOT round in the physics department
Typical causes of student struggle:
1. Not viewing AND thinking about on-line lecture material.
2. Not practicing example problems given in the modules and then finding similar
problems to work independently.
3. Not coming to class AND participating.
4. Refusing to think about the material in any way and not showing the maturity level
to be a successful college student.
(ii)

(iii)

Test day policy is as follows: (1) Tests will be scantron. (2) You will be assigned a seat
and you must sit in that particular seat to take the exam. A grade of zero will be given if
you do not. (3) You may use notes that you have taken yourself that are placed in a
binder. You may NOT use printed copies of the book or any other copy-righted
material. (4) You will be given your scores via U-number as a pdf file that will appear in
the modules. These grades will be entered into Canvas within a weeks time. (5) You
may not ask questions during the exam. If there is a mistake, keep working and I will
tend to that myself after the exam is over (youre grade will not suffer because of a
mistake that I made). (6) Always have IDs out and ready to be checked.
For practice, I offer on-line HW from the textbook. You will be allowed multiple tries to
get every problem correct. This is optional.

Here is some account information

you will need to register for online HW if you chose to purchase
it:
Course ID: PHY 2053: MPWOODS78265

Purchasing information: Knight/Jones College

Physics : A Strategic Approach unbound ,
three hole punched version of the 3/e with
MasteringPhysics access code package ISBN: 9780321908827
Standalone MasteringPhysics with ebook access code for Knight/Jones College Physics: A
Strategic Approach 3/e ISBN : 9780321908803

(iv)

Any student with disability is encouraged to meet with the instructor privately during
the first week of classes to discuss accommodations. Each student must bring a current
Memorandum of Accommodation from the Office of Student Disability Services (9744309, SVC1133).

(v)

You are required to present a valid ID during all tests. No cell phones are allowed
during lecture or during the exam.

(vi)

The punishment for academic

dishonesty or class disruption could
be a grade of FF plus suspension for
one year.

TEST DATES (ALL IN CLASS ROOM):

Test 1 Feb. 1st
Test 2 March 1st
Test 3 April 5th
Test 4 April 26th (cumulative)
Test 5 May 3RD 10 am 12 pm (optional)
NOTE: Test 5 is the same format as Test 4.

Fundamental requirements:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Be respectful and kind.

Participate in class.
Check email (daily).
Keep up with assignments.
Bring calculator to class.
Read this syllabus CAREFULLY.

POLICY ON MISSED EXAMS

"Instructors should accommodate a small number of absences when
students have a valid excuse. Reasons for excused absences include
documented illness, deaths in the immediate family and other documented
crises, call to active military duty, court-imposed legal obligations
(e.g., jury duty and subpoenas), religious days, special requirements of
other courses and university sponsored events (e.g., performances,
games/meets, judging trips, field trips), and severe weather conditions.
Employment schedules and athletic training/practice schedules of students
do not comprise a valid excuse for absences. The University, through its
faculty, will make every attempt to schedule required classes and
examinations in view of customarily observed religious holidays of those
religious groups or communities comprising the Universitys constituency.
No student shall be compelled to attend class or sit for an examination at
a day or time prohibited by his or her religious belief. Any student who
believes that he or she has been treated unfairly with regard to the above
may seek review of a complaint through established Student Academic

Grievance Procedures (found in the Graduate and Undergraduate catalogs)

and those provided by the Universitys Office of Diversity and Equal
Opportunity.
Procedures for Excused Absences and Make-up Work
Students are expected to notify their instructors at the beginning of each
academic term if they intend to be absent from a class or announced
examination for the approved reason as noted above in accordance with this
policy. In the event that a student is absent for one of these noted
reasons on a day when the instructor collects work for purposes of grading
(homework, quiz, etc.), the student shall be given a reasonable
opportunity to make up such work or shall not have that work averaged into
the students grade, at the discretion of the instructor. If excused for
an absence, the student is responsible for completing all academic work,
examinations, assignments, and labs within a period of time and in a
manner deemed appropriate by the instructor. The manner for accommodating
excused absences appropriately is in the hands of the instructor, but a
student who is absent for an excused reason should not be at a
disadvantage when compared to other students. The approved reasons for
excused absences apply even if a student in a course has the option of
dropping an assignment grade (e.g., dropping the lowest quiz score).
Excused absences for other reasons may be allowed or declined entirely at
the discretion of the instructor. Even if individual absences are excused,
excessive absences may threaten a students satisfactory completion of a
course. Absences may count from the first class meeting, including for
students who hope to add the class after the first day."
SUMMARY OF MAKE-UP POLICY: Must have emergency-like documentation or on
USF travel for me to offer you a make-up at semesters end.
Make every efforts to enjoy this important time in your life. If it starts to become
challenging, then thats the time to meet the challenge.