CaliforniaStatePolytechnicUniversity
Pomona Course Syllabus
Principles of Physics
PHY 121-02: 3 UnitsPre-requisites
CRN: 30597 MAT 106
Building/Room:8-4Co-requisites
Office: 8-229 PHY 121L
Lecture Time:M, W: 6 – 7:15 pm / Instructor:
Email:
Phone:
Office Hours: / Steve Boddeker

(909) 869-2893
M:11:30 – noon, 2:30 – 3 pm, 7:15-9 pm
W: 7:15 – 9 pm
COURSE
DESCRIPTION / Physics 121 is the first course of a three-quarter, algebra-based introductory sequence. The primary content of Physics 121 addresses vectors, motion, forces, gravity, work and energy, momentum, angular motion and mechanical properties of matter.
TEXT(S) / Physics, Vol 1 w/Mastering Physics, Walker. Prentice Hall OR
Physics, 5th Edition. James S. Walker, 2016. Prentice Hall
Mastering Physics( included with this book) – course ID: boddeker121walker
I-clicker Rebate (not used in this class, but likely will be used in 122 and 123)
COURSE
OBJECTIVES / Upon completion of this course, the students should have the following skills:
  • An introduction to physics’ role as a basic science with a fundamental understanding regarding natural phenomena
  • To develop your skills in recognizing and subsequently applying problem solving skills on naturally occurring events

COURSE POLICIES
HOMEWORK
QUIZZES
EMERGENCIES
ACADEMIC HONESTY / Each week new topics will be presented in order as indicated in the term calendar from Chapters 1 to 12 in the course book. Please check website for notes.
An assortment of Mastering Physics homework problems will be assigned. Our course website has a link to Mastering Physics. Due dates are included on the Mastering Physics website. Our course ID is boddeker121walker.
Quizzes generally will be administered at the end of the lecture period every week. The quizzes will include material that will be covered during the current & previous lecture and/or reading assignments. Quizzes will mainly be in the form of problem solving, short answer, and multiple choices and are completed in about 5 minutes.
If any unforeseen events occur, please contact me immediately (preferably with email.) I will respond to all emails within three school days.
You are expected for follow the University Policy regarding Academic Dishonesty as described in the University Catalog. The department takes this very seriously.
EVALUATIVE
CRITERIA / Homework / Quizzes10 %
Exam 1 30 %
Exam 230 %
Final Exam30 %

GRADING

/

Grade

/ Grade
Points / Numerical
Equivalent / Grade / Grade
Points / Numerical
Equivalent

SYSTEM

/ A / 4.0 / 90-100 / D / 1.0 / 60-69
B / 3.0 / 80-89 / F / 0.0 / 59 & below
C / 2.0 / 70-79
GRADING & EVALUATION POLICIES / Class average will result in a grade between a 1.8 to a 2.4 on a 4 point system.
To maintain this class average, a “flat” percentage will be added to the course. This percent added will be displayed on the online grade sheet.
The second “curve” method implemented is reducing the weight of the previous exams by 50%, and applying that reduced weight to the Final Exam. All students have this option implemented to their benefit.
As a result the final exam will be 30%, 45%, or60% of the total grade.
At the end of the term the lowest homework and quiz grade will be dropped.
Plusses & minuses will only be assigned in borderline grades
(i.e. C+: >79.0 & less than 79.5, B-: >79.5 & less than 80.0)
After the first Exam, grades are posted online in rank order. No identification is displayed so match your online homework grades to be able to identify yourself.
M,W / Notes / Physics 121 (meets M, W)
27-Mar / 3/31 Caesar Chavez / Ch 1: Intro to Physics: Dimensional Analysis, Units, Order-of-Magnitude
Ch 2: 1D Kinematics: Motion Diagrams, Velocity, Acceleration, Free Fall
3-Apr / Ch 2: 1D Kinematics: Motion Diagrams, Velocity, Acceleration, Free Fall
Ch 3: Vectors
10-Apr / Ch 4: 2D Kinematics
17-Apr / Ch 5: Newton’s laws
Ch 6: Applications of Newton’s Laws: Springs, Friction, Circular Motion
24-Apr / Exam 1 (Ch 1 – 5)
Ch 7: Work & Kinetic Energy (and Finish Ch 6)
1-May / Ch 8: Potential Energy & Conservation of Energy
8-May / Ch 9: Linear Momentum and Collisions
15-May / Exam 2 (Ch 6 – 9)
Ch 10: Rotational Kinematics and Energy
22-May / Ch 11: Rotational Dynamics and Static Equilibrium
29-May / 5/29 Memorial Day / Ch 11: Rotational Dynamics and Static Equilibrium
Ch 12: Gravity
5-Jun / Comprehensive Final Exam (June 5th, Monday 6 – 8 pm)
Break / Break Week

Course Syllabus – Page 2 of 2

03/2017