Physics 202 Section 01: General Physics
Spring, 2009
Dr. Timothy BlackDeLoach Hall 214A / 962-7607
course web site:
Username: fizix / Password: ###666
lab web site:
Course Description: PHY 202. General Physics (4) Prerequisite PHY 201. Corequisite: MAT 162. Second semester of a two semester calculus-based introduction to the fundamental principles of physics for the physical and mathematical sciences. Topics include electric and magnetic fields, circuits, Maxwell’s equations, electromagnetic waves, and geometric and physical optics. Four lecture and two laboratory hours each week.
Text:Fundamentals of Physics, 8th edition, by Halliday, Resnick, and Walker
Class hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays: 12:30–1:45 p.m. and Wednesdays: 11:00–11:50 a.m.
Office hours: Wednesdays, 10:00–10:50 a.m., and by appointment.
Grading: Grades will be assigned according to the following weights;
Tests (3): The lowest test score will
be worth 12%, the other two will be
weighted 24% each, for a total of 60%
Final Exam:30%
Labs 10%
Special Events: 3 points
Attendance: ±2 points
All tests, including the final, will be "floated" to obtain a class average of at least 78.
Course Subject Matter: Electricity, DC Circuits, and Magnetism and Physical Optics. In addition, we will review certain topics in mathematics of particular value to the study and practice of physics. These include vector cross products, coordinate systems and coordinate transformations, and integrals in one, two, and three dimensions.
Topic / Chapter / Topic / ChapterElectric Charge / 22 / Magnetic Fields / 29-30
Electric Fields / 23 / Magnetic Induction / 31
Gauss’ Law / 24 / Maxwell’s Equations / 32
Electric Potential / 25 / AC Circuits / 33
Capacitance / 26 / Electromagnetic Waves / 34
DC Circuits / 27-28 / Geometric Optics / 35
Physical Optics / 36-37
Tests: In-class exams will be given February 4th, March 4th, and April 8th, from 7:008:50p.m.
Final Exam: The final exam will be given on Thursday, April 30th, from 11:30 a.m. until 2:30p.m.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: This is not a complete list of all you will be asked to study and encouraged to learn. However, after successfully completing this lecture and laboratory course you should at least be able to:
- The student will demonstrate the ability to think critically and to use appropriate concepts to analyze qualitativelyproblems or situations involving the fundamental principles of physics. [SAN 1]
- The student will demonstrate the ability to use appropriate mathematical techniques and concepts to obtain quantitative solutions to problems in physics. [SAN 2, QRE 1, QRE 2]
- Students will demonstrate basic experimental skills by the practice of setting up and conducting an experiment with due regards to minimizing measurement error. [SAN 2, QRE 2, QRE 3]
- Students will demonstrate basic communication skills by working in groups on laboratory experiments and the thoughtful discussion and interpretation of data. [SAN 3, QRE3]
These learning objectives satisfy the Common Student Learning Outcomes of University studies for Scientific Approaches to the Natural World and Quantitative and Logical Reasoning as listed below.
University Studies – Scientific Approaches to the Natural World
SAN 1. Demonstrate an understanding of basic scientific principles, theories, and laws as well as an awareness of the changing nature of science.
SAN 2. Analyze, interpret, and evaluate scientific hypotheses and theories using rigorous methods (including statistical and mathematical techniques).
SAN 3. Demonstrate the ability to write and speak critically about the essential questions addressed by the natural sciences, using the conventions and language of one of those disciplines.
University Studies – Quantitative and Natural Reasoning
QRE1. Create, solve and interpret basic mathematical models.
QRE2. Make sound arguments based on mathematical reasoning and/or careful analysis of data.
QRE3. Effectively communicate the substance and meaning of mathematical problems and solutions.
Student Opportunities to Learn: Both lecture and laboratory classes are provided to meet these learning objectives. Students are assigned reading from the assigned text, laboratory experiments, and homework sets. These all contribute to the student thinking about the course content. Students learn problem solving techniques in the classroom and then apply these methods in homework, which contains a significant number of quantitative problems. In the lab students complete laboratory experiments covering topics from the lecture material in which they explore basic concepts in physics, acquiring both qualitative and quantitative data using the laboratory equipment provided and present their quantitative data. Students collect and analyze data. They report verbally and in written language the experimental data, results, and assessment of reliability though communication with each other and reporting to the instructor.
Methods of Assessment: Assessment is accomplished with a variety of formats, such as exams, laboratory reports, homework assignments, or in-class quizzes. Assessment in the lab is accomplished using laboratory reports, participation, and the assessment of laboratory skills during the execution of the labs.
Academic Honor Code: All members of UNCW's community are expected to follow the academic Honor Code. Please read the UNCW Honor Code carefully (as covered in the UNCW Student Handbook). Academic dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated in this class. Please be especially familiar with UNCW's position on plagiarism as outlined in the UNCW Student Handbook. Plagiarism is a form of academic dishonesty in which you take someone else's ideas and represent them as your own.
Student Disabilities: UNCW Disability Services supplies information about disability law, documentation procedures and accommodations that can be found at obtain accommodations the student should first contact Disability Services and present their documentation to the coordinator for review and verification.
Campus Respect Compact.UNCW has recently instituted a Respect Compact to affirm our commitment to a civil community, characterized by mutual respect. The Compact is posted in each classroom and can be accessed at: