Common Course Outline

Course discipline/number/title PHYS 1117: Introductory Physics I

Catalog Description

Credits 4
Hours/Week 5 (3 lecture, 2 lab)
Prerequisites (Course discipline/number) MATH 1117
Other requirements None
MnTC Goals (if any) Goal 3/Natural Sciences

Course Description

This course is the first semester of a two-semester algebra-based introduction to physics. The course covers topics from mechanics that include linear and parabolic motion, Newton's Laws of motion, energy, momentum, angular motion and torque, fluid mechanics, periodic motion, waves and sound, temperature, and heat transfer. Emphasis is on both conceptual learning and problem solving. The laboratory experience will provide the student with opportunities for discovery, measurement, report writing and data analysis.

Date Last Revised (Month, year)

March, 2025

Outline of Major Content Areas

  1. Background
    1. Measurements, unit systems, conversions
    2. Problem solving strategies
  2. Mechanics
    1. Vectors
    2. Kinematics
    3. Newton’s Laws of Motion
    4. Work and Energy
    5. Linear Momentum
  3. Rotational Mechanics
    1. Rotational Kinematics
    2. Torque
    3. Angular Momentum
    4. Static Equilibrium
  4. Fluid Mechanics
  5. Hooke’s Law
  6. Vibrations and Waves
    1. Oscillations
    2. Traveling Waves
    3. Sound
  7. Heat and temperature
    1. Thermal Expansion
    2. Gas Laws
    3. Heat transfer

Learning Outcomes (General)

The student will be able to:

  1. Use common definitions of terms found in physics.
  2. Explain and apply basic physics principles to their everyday lives.
  3. Use critical thinking and problem-solving skills to evaluate physical systems and predict future behavior.

Learning Outcomes (MnTC)

Goal 3/Natural Sciences

The student will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate understanding of scientific theories.
  2. Formulate and test hypotheses by performing laboratory, simulation, or field experiments in at least two of the natural science disciplines. One of these experimental components should develop, in greater depth,
  3. student’s laboratory experience in the collection of data, it’s statistical and graphical analysis, and an appreciation of its sources of error and uncertainty.
  4. Communicate their experimental findings, analyses, and interpretations both orally and in writing.

Methods for Evaluation of Student Learning

Methods may include but are not limited to:

RCTC Core Outcome(s)

This course contributes to meeting the following RCTC Core Outcome(s):

Critical Thinking
Students will think systematically and explore information thoroughly before accepting or formulating a position or conclusion.

Special Information (if any)

A scientific calculator is required