Sample Syllabus

All policies described below are subject to change

Physics with Calculus 1 Laboratory (PHY 2048L)
Fall Semester 2014 (Ref. Num. 196483; 196484)
12:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m., Mondays in Science Building Room N306
Or 12:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m., Wednesdays in Science Building Room N306

Instructor: Dr. Zheng

Office: Room N312 in Science Building

Phone: 772-462-7516

E-Mail: qzheng@irsc.edu

Office Hours: Available during the office hours posted on the window of my office
(room N-312). If my office hours do not work for you because of schedule conflicts, you
can make an appointment for a time at our mutual convenience.

Course Learning Outcomes:

Using the scientific method, critically analyze and evaluate scientific data and utilize
analytical skills to solve problems relevant to the Physics with Calculus Lab course.

Course Goals:
1. Gain hands-on experience with physics laboratory apparatus in the area of
mechanics.
2. Develop skills in performing physics experiments.
3. Derive some satisfaction from measuring physical quantities and demonstrating
for yourself that seemingly abstract physical principles are deeply rooted in the
laboratory.
4. Analyze experimental data which may be verbal, mathematical, or graphical.
5. Interpret the results of the observations made which shall include an assessment
of the experimental error.
6. Develop skills in critical thinking about the nature in terms of physics principles.

At the completion of the course, the student should be able to:
1. demonstrate the basic physics laboratory skills in the areas of classical mechanics;
2. carry out the steps in physics experiments;
3. assess the experimental errors;
4. interpret the results or conclusions derived from the experiments;
5. enhance logical and critical reasoning skills in performing physics experiments;
6. use Blackboard for course content, documents, and communication.

Withdrawals: Thursday, November 6, 2014 is the last day to withdraw from the class with a
"W". Instructor withdraw will NOT be given after Thursday, November 6,
2014.

Official Holidays, No classes:
September 1, 2014, Monday Labor Day
November 26, 27 and 28, 2014, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
Thanksgiving Holidays

Special note on withdrawals:
PHY2048 is a corequisite of lab course PHY2048L. If you withdraw from
PHY2048, you must withdraw from PHY2048L.

Grading Policy: There will be one(1) written lab test given in the semester. The lab tests will
consist of questions that are similar to the questions and calculations you have to do for
the lab assignments.

Your lab course grade will be calculated from the following:
Lab Test: 40%
Lab Reports: 60%

A missed test will get zero and no make-up test will be given. The only
exceptions to this rule are (1) IRSC mandated travel, and (2) military service. For both of
these you must notify me before the exam; the make-up exam must be taken within one
week of the original exam date.
It is suggested that you check the grading of the tests with the answer key and
bring any question you may have to me.

Cell phone and electronic device use policy: The use of cell phones and/or other electronic
device are prohibited during class at IRSC. All cell phones must be set on silent or off
during the class period. Any student who uses a cell phone to make or answer a call, or
send and read text messages or emails, other than IRSC emergency messages during class
time may be asked to leave and may be considered absent for that class. No student has
the right to disturb the teaching and learning process.

Cheating/Plagiarism: Anyone caught cheating or plagiarizing will get an immediate F for
the test and will be reported to the Vice President of Student Affairs.

Americans with Disabilities Act:
In compliance with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504, and the
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, professional disability specialists and support
staff at the Student Disability Services (SDS) facilitate a comprehensive range of
academic support services and accommodations for qualified students with disabilities.
IRSC offers many disability resources at on-campus labs. Students who wish to request
an accommodation for a documented disability should contact the SDS at 772-462-7782
or 772-462-7808.
Non-Discrimination and Non-Harassment Policy:

Indian River State College (College) is committed to maintaining a fair and
respectful employment and educational environment. In accordance with federal, state
and local equal opportunity laws, Indian River State College prohibits discrimination on
the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, religion, age, disability, sexual
orientation, marital status, veteran status, or genetic information.

The following paragraphs set forth student's responsibilities in the laboratory:
1. Measurements: Work in pairs to take the data necessary to complete the experiment.
After the data have been collected, work individually on all calculations and analyses.
When you complete your work, leave your work station orderly and make sure your
equipment is disconnected and turned off. Failure to do so will result in 25 points
lower in your lab report score.

2. Reports: Unless otherwise instructed by your laboratory instructor, you are to turn in
your laboratory report at the end of the laboratory period. All calculations should be
done, and all questions should be answered in the laboratory.
3. Attendance: Laboratory attendance is mandatory and roll will be taken. If you have a
justifiable reason for missing a laboratory, you must notify Dr. Zheng before the lab.
It is entirely your responsibility to confer with me immediately to arrange a time for the
makeup. The make-up lab must be taken within one week of the original lab date.
STUDENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL ANNOUNCEMENTS MADE IN
THE LABORATORY.
4. Penalty: Your final laboratory grade will be lowered by 6 points for each laboratory
missed and NOT made up.

Grading Scale: 90-100 A
80-89 B
70-79 C
60-69 D
0-60 F

Tentative lab and lab test schedules:

Lab 1: Error, Significant Digits, Precision, and Accuracy
Calculations in the Laboratory

Lab 2: Instantaneous versus average velocity

Lab 3: Kinematics on an Inclined Plane

Lab 4: Projectile Motion

Lab 5: Newtons 2
nd
Law of Motion

Lab 6: The Force of Gravity

Lab 7: Frictional Force

Lab 8: Centripetal Force

Lab 9: Ballistic Pendulum (Method 1)

Lab 10: Ballistic Pendulum (Method 2)

Lab 11: Conservation of Mechanical Energy

Lab 12: Elastic-Kinetic Energy

Lab 13: Rotational Motion

Lab Test: Monday, December 8, 2014, 12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

All policies described above are subject to change which will be announced
during regular class hours. I encourage you to seek my help if you need it. You may
make an appointment to meet with me, but that is not necessary, it just may be
more convenient for you.