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College Physics 1 (PHYS 1131)

Total Credits: 5
Lecture Credits: 4
Lab Credits: 1

Description: This course is the first of a two-semester course sequence and is an algebra- and trigonometry-based course designed to familiarize the student with the physical phenomena underlying both the natural universe and human technology. Subjects include mechanics, heat and thermodynamics, wave phenomena, sound, physical and geometrical optics, electricity, Magnetism, and postclassical physics. Many science-related programs, such as pharmacy, architecture and physical therapy, require a physics course of this type. This course also satisfies the physics requirement for some premed curricula. This course includes two hours of laboratory instruction per week. This course is also appropriate for liberal arts students seeking General Education credits.

Topical Outline:
1. Position, displacement, velocity, momentum and vectors
2. Impulse and conservation of momentum
3. Acceleration, force and projectile motion
4. Work, kinetic energy, potential energy and conservation of energy
5. Uniform circular motion, gravitation, rotational motion and conservation of angular momentum
6. Pressure and heat

Learning Outcomes:
1. Determine physical quantities using mathematical models and graphs for one- and two- dimensional constant velocity and momentum situations
2. Evaluate the validity of conservation of momentum using mathematical models and graphs - use this knowledge to solve physical problems
3. Apply knowledge of forces and free body diagrams to determine mathematical equations describing the motion of objects
4. Evaluate the validity of conservation of energy using mathematical models and graphs - use knowledge of energy to solve physical problems
5. Apply knowledge of circular motion, gravitation, rotational motion and angular momentum to solve physical problems
6. Apply knowledge of pressure and heat to solve physical problems

Prerequisites:  Two years high school algebra and high school trigonometry OR MATH 1110 and MATH 1120 or MATH 1119 and MATH 1120 or MATH 1125.

MnTC: Goal 3: Natural Sciences