PHYS 212

Description

This is the first part of the two-semester sequence of general physics for pre-med students. We will study measurement techniques, motion in in one and two dimensions, forces and their effect on motion, energy and momentum, equilibrium, basic physics of fluids, vibrations, waves, and, finally, temperature and heat. The students are required to take the labs, unless already passed them.

Goals

By the end of this course, the students should be able to understand the concepts included in the above topics, express their understanding with the correct terms, and solve related problems.

Requirements

The students are expected to have active knowledge of calculus. We will often analyze assymptotic behavior of various functions, plot graphs of functions and retrieve information from the graphs, calculate dot and cross products of vectors, take derivatives, line and surface integrals. You should be able to understand functional and vector analysis and perform it yourself in order to be successful with this course.

Syllabus

The syllabus contains general information about this course, grading scale, tentative schedule of lectures and tests, homework format rules and an example of homework problem solution.

Course materials and assignments

The lecture presentations, homeworks, and solutions for submitted homeworks and tests will be posted on blackboard. When solving a homework problem, the students must explain the logic and reasoning behind every step they make in the solution. This requirement is set to develop problem solving skills and make sure a student would be able to solve a similar problem during a test. Please note that for a correct answer alone you will be given only part of the credit.

Integrity

Identical homework and test solutions and their parts will be given zero credit.