We all appreciate knowing where we are going in our classes as well as in life though some are always more comfortable with ambiguity than others:) What follows is my articulation of the outcomes for this sequence as it relates to the topics which define the scope of our investigations. We will collectively examine many of the topics listed at the tail of this page and explore the underlying scientific concepts and "laws" at a mathematical level consistent with differential and integral calculus (MTH 251/252/253)

Outcomes+:

For each of these physics concepts and laws you will be able to:

    • Identify the symbols and constants which are used to express them.
    • Describe their qualitative meaning verbally, mathematically, and in writing.
    • Recognize their application to settings in our daily lives.
    • Apply them appropriately to settings drawn from daily life.
    • Use them successfully to predict or extrapolate the behavior of an object or system of objects.
    • Use graphical techniques to construct an equivalent alternative representation of the behavior of an object or system of objects.
    • Reinforce your understanding through written descriptions and explanations of your solution process.
    • Use them to estimate a reasonable expectation for some physical value based on your defensible evaluation of the physical parameters in the setting.
    • Integrate all of the above to construct a personal understanding of the relationship of this physics to the world around you.

Through activities that you complete for this class you will develop an awareness that learning and doing science is enhanced by:

    • developing strong conceptual understanding first.
    • exploring multiple modalities for expressing your understanding including mathematical, graphical, oral, and written.
    • constructing a personal understanding of the ideas and tools through practice and self reflection
    • seeking out, listening to, and reflecting on the the viewpoints of others
    • the use of simplified models that have value even when details are not all accounted for.
    • understanding science as a process and not an answer.

Physics Topics:

    • Newton's Laws of Motion
    • Specific force models including friction and springs
    • Uniform circular motion
    • Vector nature of forces and addition of several generalized forces
    • The work/energy theorem and potential energy in several forms
    • 1 d kinematics describing up to two objects moving simultaneously
    • 2 d kinematics primarily in the context of projectile motion
    • Conservation of Energy and Momentum
    • Impulsive forces and momentum of systems of two objects in 2 d
    • Newton's Laws in their rotational forms
    • settings involving both linear and rotational equilibrium
    • Rotational Kinematics

Lab Skills:

    • Collect data according to a process and assess issues with data in process and modify practice.
    • Assess the implications of an investigation quantitatively and qualitatively.
    • Reflect on current data and results to improve or extend an investigation.
    • Communicate the process and results of an investigation to an appropriate audience.
    • Understand and apply, with integrity, disciplinary expectations of ethical work.

My thanks to the folks at the Cornell Physics Education Research Lab for thinking through the lab outcomes for the physics sequence in wonderful detail and clarity. See the breakdown of the broad outcomes above into finer detail.

+ The outcomes given here contain and extend the following General Science Outcomes articulated by COCC's Science Department. Upon completing this course a student will be able to:

    Gather, comprehend, and communicate scientific and technical information in order to explore ideas, models, and solutions and generate further questions;

    Apply scientific and technical modes of inquiry, individually, and collaboratively, to critically evaluate existing or alternative explanations, solve problems, and make evidence-based decisions in an ethical manner; and

    Assess the strengths and weaknesses of scientific studies and critically examine the influence of scientific and technical knowledge on human society and the environment.