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.
    • Gather reasonable data to test and illuminate those concepts.
    • 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.
    • Build your understanding through effective questions, 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.
    • recognize and articulate the social, environmental, or ethical implications of the applications of science.
    • seeking out, listening to, and reflecting on the the viewpoints or studies 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:

    • Static charge distributions on conductors and insulators
    • Coulomb's Law for discreet and continous charge distributions
    • Magnetic forces on moving charges and currents
    • Right Hand Rules
    • Electromagnetic Fields relationship to Electromagnetic forces
      • conventions for graphical representations of fields
      • superposition of vector fields due to multiple sources
    • Electric Potential
      • connection to E fields and energy conventions for graphical representations
      • grad V connection to E fields
    • Basic sources of Electric and Magnetic fields
      • point charges
      • Biot Savart Law
      • wires and loops (more right hand rules)
    • Basic Thermal Physics
      • linear and volumetric expansion
      • heat transport mechanisms
      • latent heat,
      • ideal gas law
    • Basic DC electric circuits
      • use of the DMM
      • voltage,
      • current,
      • resistance
      • Ohm's Law,
      • Kirchoff's Laws
      • Capacitors as energy storage devices,
      • transient behavior *

* skills and expectations which are currently in development for curricular inclusion. May be only partially implemented at this time.

Lab Skills:

    • I need to think about this a little in the context of PH 212....

+ 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.