PH 211 General Physics with Calculus

PH 211 is the first term of the calculus-based General Physics sequence, PH 211, 212, 213. The sequence provides an introduction to fundamental physics concepts, analysis, exploration, calculation, and problem-solving that is required for engineering and physics majors, and also meets any existing General Physics requirements for students majoring in mathematics, computer science, health, and other science majors. PH 211 focuses on translational motion, particularly through conceptual understanding, visual and mathematical representation, calculation, and problem-solving. PH 211 introduces the nature of science, Classical Newtonian Mechanics, Work-Energy Principle, Conservation of Energy, Impulse-Momentum Principle, and Conservation of Momentum. The class includes labs, demonstrations, discussions, and individual and group activities.

Credits

5

Prerequisite

MTH 251 with a C- or better (or may be taken as a corequisite)

Corequisite

Math 251 (or the equivalent calculus course) must be taken concurrently or it must have been successfully completed previously.

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1. Choose from and apply the following key frameworks of Classical Mechanics: Multi-dimensional Kinematics, Newton’s Laws, Work and the Work-Energy Relation, Conservation of Energy, Impulse band the Impulse-Momentum Relation, and Conservation of Momentum
2. Communicate and reflect with significant conceptual precision about translational mechanical motion using applicable calculus concepts and appropriate visual and mathematical representations
3. Make decisions and communicate with significant conceptual precision about measurement, the use of scientific equipment to conduct experimental investigation of translational motion, the design of experiments and evaluation of results of experiments, and conclusions about possible explanations of translational motion from experiment and calculation
4. Formulate questions to move their thinking forward during learning Physics subject matter in general, conversation, and during problem-solving
5. Approach problem-solving in a manner appropriate to learning Physics and appropriate to the view of a problem as a situation in which the path to the solution is initially uncertain
6. Understand Physics concerns matter and motion in its most fundamental forms and is an open-ended scientific process as well as a body of knowledge
7. Appreciate that the insights provided by Classical Mechanics are valuable and useful, even though Physics has developed beyond Classical Mechanics and beyond mechanical theories of which Classical Mechanics is a premier and limiting example