Course Syllabus

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Course Syllabus

PHY2048 Online

 Instructor Contact Information 

Instructor

Ravin Kodikara

Email

rkodikara@ufl.edu

Office Hours

Thursdays 3pm-5pm on Zoom

Office Location

2136 NPB

Course Description

This course is the first in a two-semester physics sequence for scientists and engineers. It focuses on Newtonian mechanics, covering motion and vectors, Newton’s laws, work and energy conservation, systems of particles, collisions, equilibrium, oscillations, and waves. The course emphasizes quantitative problem-solving and requires the application of calculus. 3 Credits

Purpose of Course

The purpose of this course is to provide you with opportunities to practice gaining a foundation in the concepts, fundamental principles, and analytic techniques needed to solve problems arising in the context of Newtonian mechanics. Designed for science and engineering majors, the course integrates critical thinking, analytical skills, and real-world applications.

Examples include calculating the maximum height of a projectile, the tension in a support beam, the velocity of an object after a collision, the pressure at a given depth in a fluid, and the resonant sound frequencies in an open pipe. The course is designed for people who have already had a basic introduction to physics in high school or otherwise. 

Course Objectivity

All topics in this course will be taught objectively as objects of analysis, without endorsing particular viewpoints, and will be examined from multiple perspectives. No lesson is intended to espouse, promote, advance, inculcate, or compel a particular feeling, perception, or belief. Students are encouraged to employ critical thinking and to rely on data and verifiable sources to explore readings and subject matter in this course. All perspectives will be respected in class discussions. 

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  1. Solve analytical problems describing different types of motion, including translational, rotational, and simple harmonic motion;
  2. Apply Newton's laws and conservation laws to solve analytical problems of mechanics.
  3. Identify and analyze relevant information presented in various formats such as graphs, tables, diagrams, and/or mathematical formulations;
  4. Solve real-world problems using critical thinking skills and knowledge developed from this course.

These student learning outcomes map to the UF general education objectives and will be assessed in the following ways:

 Content

  1. By the end of this course, you will be able to define and explain the fundamental concepts that form the basis of calculus-based mechanics, including kinematics, dynamics, energy, momentum, rotational motion, fluid dynamics, oscillatory motion, and waves.

Assessments: Individual weekly formative reading quizzes.

Critical Analysis

  1. By the end of this course, you will be able to identify, analyze, and utilize the information presented in various formats such as graphs, tables, diagrams, and/or mathematical formulations.

Assessments: Individual weekly homework assignments, 4 summative exams.

  1. By the end of this course, you will be able to apply the foundational principles of mechanics, including Newton's laws of motion and the conservation laws, to solve real-world analytical problems describing various types of motion, including translational, rotational, and simple harmonic motion.

Assessments: Individual weekly homework assignments, 4 summative exams.

Communication

  1. By the end of this course, you will be able to unambiguously communicate in writing your present understanding of and further questions about the discipline of physics.

Assessments: Discussion board posts.

Student Expectations

To achieve the learning outcomes, students are expected to:

  • Visit the weekly module page at the beginning of the week to understand the module learning objectives and to plan your engagement with course content for the week ahead.
  • Read the assigned chapters in the textbook and view the corresponding lecture videos.
  • Work through the examples presented in the text and in the practice problem videos in order to learn the physics concepts, principles, and problem-solving techniques.
  • Complete reading quizzes and homework assignments to self–assess your understanding of the module’s concepts and problem solving strategies on a weekly basis.
  • Seek help from your instructor and other students when specific content does not make sense, and seek out additional practice when needed to gain mastery before moving on to future modules. These additional materials are provided on each module page and in Wiley Course Resources to help diagnose, and offer remediation, until you feel comfortable and confident in the physics you have learned.
  • To seek help from university resources to support student success, which include use of peer tutoring (UF Teaching Center and Knack), peer mentoring, and wellness resources found at http://studentsuccess.ufl.edu

 

Course Information

Credit Hours: 3

General Education Designation: Physical Sciences (P)

Natural Science courses enable students to critically examine and evaluate the principles of the scientific method, model construction, and apply the scientific method to explain natural experiences and phenomena.

Physical Science (P) is a sub-designation of Natural Science courses at the University of Florida. These courses provide instruction in the basic concepts, theories, and terms of the scientific method in the context of the physical sciences. Courses focus on major scientific developments and their impacts on society, science, and the environment, as well as the relevant processes that govern physical systems. Students will formulate empirically testable hypotheses derived from the study of physical processes, apply logical reasoning skills through scientific criticism and argument, and apply techniques of discovery and critical thinking to evaluate outcomes of experiments.

All General Education area objectives are on the General Education Subject Area Objectives page.

 

Course Schedule and Calendar

On Sunday of each week, a new module will become available providing access to lecture videos, worked example videos, and a homework assignment, and a reading quiz (generally due seven days later on the following Sunday at 11:59pm EST). The four Discussion Boards will have separate due dates based on the modules included in them.

An exam window opens for 48 hours during an exam week beginning on the Monday of the exam week (at 12:00am EST) and closing on the Tuesday (at 11:59pm EST). Final Exam is offered on the dates listed below in the calendar.  Please note that Florida observes Daylight Savings Time.

Module Due by Topics
1 - Motion Along a Straight Line Jan 18 Chapter 2, Sections 1-6
2 - Vectors and Motion in 2D and 3D Jan 25 Chapter 3, Sections 1-3 and Chapter 4, Sections 1-7
3 - Force and Newton's Laws of Motion Feb 1 Chapter 5, Sections 1–3 
4 - Applications of Newton's Laws Feb 8 Chapter 6, Sections 1–3
Exam 1  Feb 10 Modules 1-4
5 - Work and Kinetic Energy Feb 15 Chapter 7, Sections 1–6
6 - Potential Energy and Conservation of Energy Feb 22 Chapter 8, Sections 1–5
7 - Momentum and Center of Mass March 1 Chapter 9, Sections 1–8
Exam 2  March 3 Modules 5-7
8 - Rotational Motion March 8 Chapter 10, Sections 1–8
9 - Rotational Dynamics March 15 Chapter 11, Sections 1–8
10 - Equilibrium and Elasticity March 22 Chapter 12, Sections 1–3
11 - Gravitation March 29 Chapter 13, Sections 1–7
Exam 3  March 31 Modules 8-11
12 - Fluids April 5 Chapter 14, Sections 1–7
13 - Oscillations April 12 Chapter 15, Sections 1–6
14 - Waves April 19 Chapter 16, Sections 1–7 and Chapter 17, Sections 1–7
Final Exam (Cumulative) April 28 Modules 1-14

Course Requirements

Required and Recommended Textbooks

Halliday, D., Resnick, R., & Walker, J. (2021). Fundamentals of Physics, Volume 1. John Wiley & Sons.

WileyPLUS etext and homework system for UF, accessible via Canvas

How to Access the eTextbook & Homework System

Both the e-text and its associated homework system can be purchased with a single payment through UF's All-Access program. Please note that while you are welcome to search for and purchase a paper copy of the text (if preferable for your reading and studying habits), you will still need to purchase the All-Access materials so that you are able to submit your homework throughout the semester.

ALWAYS access the homework via the assignment links posted in this Canvas course. Your homework grades will not sync properly if you access the assignments directly through Wiley's websites.

Prerequisites

Prereq: high-school physics, PHY 2020 or the equivalent, and MAC 2311

Coreq: MAC 2312

Minimum Technology Requirements

The University of Florida expects students entering an online program to have acquired the necessary computer hardware and software for their degree program. Most computers are capable of meeting the following general requirements. A student’s computer configuration should include:

  • Webcam
  • Microphone
  • Broadband connection to the internet and related equipment (cable/DSL modem)
  • Microsoft Office Suite installed (provided by the university)

Individual colleges may have additional requirements or recommendations that students should review before starting their program.

In addition to the above, you must also meet/adhere to the following requirement:

Calculator: You may use the on-screen calculator provided during the exams. Physical calculators of any kind are not allowed. Using any type of phone as a calculator is strictly prohibited, and its use during an exam constitutes academic fraud. This includes the use of smartwatches; all smartwatches must be put away prior to the start of the exams.
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Minimum Technical Skills

To complete your tasks in this course, you will need a basic understanding of operating a computer and using word processing software.

Materials/Supply Fees

There is no supply fee for this course.

Course Policies

I expect that each of you will commit to following the guidelines presented in the "Netiquette" section at the end of this Syllabus.

As this is an online class, you are responsible for observing all posted due dates and are encouraged to be self-directed, taking responsibility for your own learning.

Requirements for make-up exams, assignments, and other coursework in this course are consistent with university policies, which can be found on UF's Attendance Policies page.

Course Evaluations

Students are expected to provide professional and respectful feedback on the quality of instruction in this course by completing course evaluations online via GatorEvals. Guidance on how to give feedback in a professional and respectful manner is available on the GatorEvals Providing Constructive Feedback FAQ page. Students will be notified when the evaluation period opens and can complete evaluations through the email they receive from GatorEvals, in their Canvas course menu under GatorEvals, or via the GatorEvals website. Summaries of course evaluation results are available to students at the GatorEvals Public Results page. For more information about UF's course evaluation system, please visit the GatorEvals Faculty Evaluations website.

Grading Policy

I will make every effort to have each assignment graded and posted within one week of the due date.

Course Grading Policy

Total 100
Assignment Categories Points / Percentages
Reading Quizzes 5
Discussion Posts 5
Homework Assignments 10
Exam 1 (Modules 1-4) 20
Exam 2 (Modules 5-7) 20
Exam 3 (Modules 8-11) 20
Final Exam (Cumulative) 20

Grading Scale

Percentage Achieved Grade Associated Grade Points
100-85 A 4.00
84-80 A- 3.67
79-75 B+ 3.33
74-70 B 3.00
69-65 B- 2.67
64-60 C+ 2.33
59-55 C 2.00
54-50 C- 1.67
49-45 D+ 1.33
44-40 D 1.00
39-35 D- 0.67
34-0 E 0.00

See the current UF grading policies for more information.

Note: A minimum grade of C is required to earn General Education credit.

Overview of Graded Components

  • Reading Quizzes (5%): You will respond to a reading quiz consisting of topical conceptual questions for each module's material throughout the course.
  • Discussion Postings (5%): You will regularly post, in a professional manner and in your own words, your questions about, observations on, and explanations of the material presented in this course. You will also regularly respond to your classmates' posts in a professional manner.
  • Homework Assignments (10%): You will submit a homework assignment consisting of your answer to topical physics problems for each module's material throughout the course. 
  • Exam 1 (20%): On Exam 1, you will demonstrate your mastery of the material covered in Modules 1-4 by answering topical conceptual physics questions and solving topical physics problems.
  • Exam 2 (20%): On Exam 2, you will demonstrate your mastery of the material covered in Modules 5-7 by answering topical conceptual physics questions and solving topical physics problems.
  • Exam 3 (20%): On Exam 3, you will demonstrate your mastery of the material covered in Modules 8-11 by answering topical conceptual physics questions and solving topical physics problems.
  • Final Exam - Cumulative (20%): On the Final Exam, you will demonstrate your mastery of all covered course content by answering topical conceptual physics questions and solving topical physics problems.
  • Due Dates: The majority of assignments (homework and reading quizzes) are due on Sundays. However, exams and discussion boards have their own specific due dates. Please check the due date for each individual assignment rather than assuming all work is due on Sundays.

Getting Help

Communication

For questions about course content, your grade, or other course related issues, please use the Canvas mail tool. You may expect a response within 24 hours, Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm Eastern. Please note that I can not guarantee timely responses to other emails outside the Canvas mail tool. (For emergencies, please write "URGENT" or "EMERGENCY" or similar in the subject line of your email so that it is flagged accordingly.)

Technical Difficulties

For help with technical issues or difficulties with Canvas, please contact the UF Computing Help Desk at:

Any requests for make-ups (assignments, exams, etc.) due to technical issues should be accompanied by the ticket number received from the UF Computing Help Desk when the issue was reported. The ticket number will document the time and date of the problem. You should email your instructor within 24 hours of the technical difficulty if you wish to request a make-up.

Health and Wellness

  • U Matter, We Care: If you or someone you know is in distress, please email umatter@ufl.edu, call 352-392-1575, or visit U Matter, We Care to report a concern, and a team member will reach out to the student in need.
  • Counseling and Wellness Center: Visit the UF Counseling & Wellness Center website or call 352-392-1575 for information on crisis services and non-crisis services.
  • Student Health Care Center: Call 352-392-1161 for 24/7 information to help you find the care you need, or visit the UF Student Health Care Center website.
  • University Police Department: Visit the UF Police Department website or call 352-392-1111 (or 9-1-1 for emergencies).
  • UF Health Shands Emergency Room/Trauma Center: For immediate medical care in Gainesville, call 352-733-0111 or visit the emergency room at 1515 SW Archer Road, Gainesville, FL 32608. Visit the UF Health Shands Emergency Room/Trauma Center website for more information.

Academic and Student Support

 Honorlock Online Proctoring

To maintain a high standard of academic integrity and ensure the value of your University of Florida degree is not compromised, course exams will be proctored. Some students will take their exams online and will be proctored by Honorlock. You will take your exam electronically using the course website. You do not need to register for your exam. However, you must install and enable the Google Chrome Honorlock extension before taking your exams. You will need a webcam, speakers, a microphone, a laptop or desktop computer, and a reliable internet connection to take your exams. Wireless internet is not recommended. You may also need a mirror or other reflective surface. Google Chrome is the only supported browser for taking exams in Canvas.

Before Your Exam

Prior to each exam and in the same environment you plan to take the exam, review the Honorlock Guidelines (PDF) and go to Honorlock Support to run a system check. This process takes just a few minutes and is completely free of charge. If your course offers an Honorlock Practice Quiz, it is strongly recommended that you take it to practice using Honorlock before your exams.

Important: If you are unable to take an exam because of a technical glitch on your end, that is your responsibility. However, if you experience technical difficulties during the exam, Honorlock's support menu will be visible on-screen, allowing you to contact a support agent. 

Getting Help

Honorlock offers 24/7/365 technical support to assist students before, during, and after exams. If you experience any trouble with Honorlock, begin a live chat on the Honorlock Support page, call 844-243-2500, or email support@honorlock.com.

 Netiquette and Communication Courtesy

It is essential to acknowledge that the online classroom is, in fact, a classroom, and certain behaviors are expected when communicating with both your peers and instructors. These guidelines for online behavior and interaction are commonly referred to as netiquette.

Security

Remember that your password is the only thing protecting you from pranks or more serious harm.

  • Don't share your password with anyone.
  • Change your password if you think someone else might know it.
  • Always log out when you are finished using the system.

General Guidelines

When communicating online:

  • Treat the instructor with respect, even when communicating via email or other online platforms.
  • Always use your professors’ proper title: Dr. or Prof. If you are unsure, use Mr. or Ms.
  • Don’t refer to a professor by their first name unless specifically invited.
  • Use clear and concise language.
  • Remember that all college-level communication should be free from errors in spelling and grammar.
  • Avoid using slang terms such as “wassup?” and texting abbreviations like “u” instead of “you.”
  • Use standard fonts, such as Times New Roman, and set the font size to 12 or 14 points.
  • Avoid using the caps lock feature, AS IT CAN BE INTERPRETED AS YELLING.
  • Limit and, if possible, avoid the use of emoticons like :) .
  • Be cautious when using humor or sarcasm, as tone can sometimes be lost in an email or discussion post, and your message might be taken seriously or construed as being offensive.
  • Be careful with personal information (both yours and others).
  • Do not send confidential information via email.

Email

When you send an email to your instructor, teaching assistant, or classmates:

  • Use a descriptive subject line.
  • Be brief.
  • Avoid attachments unless you are sure your recipients can open them.
  • Avoid HTML in favor of plain text.
  • Sign your message with your name and return email address.
  • Consider the consequences before sending an email to multiple recipients. Does everyone really need to see your message?
  • Be sure you REALLY want everyone to receive your response when you click “Reply All.”
  • Be sure that the message author intended for the information to be passed along before you click the “Forward” button.

Discussion Boards

When posting on the discussion board in your online class:

  • Check to see if anyone has already asked your question and received a reply before posting to the discussion board.
  • Remember your manners and say 'please' and 'thank you' when asking for something from your classmates or instructor.
  • Be open-minded.
  • If you ask a question and many people respond, summarize all posts for the benefit of the class.
  • When posting:
    • Make posts that are on-topic and within the scope of the course material.
    • Be sure to read all messages in a thread before replying.
    • Be as brief as possible while still making a thorough comment.
    • Don’t repeat someone else’s post without adding something of your own to it.
    • Take your posts seriously. Review and edit your posts before sending them.
    • Avoid short, generic replies such as, “I agree.” You should include why you agree or add to the previous point.
    • If you refer to something said in an earlier post, quote a few key lines so readers don't have to go back and figure out which post you are referring to.
    • Always give proper credit when referencing or quoting another source.
    • If you reply to a classmate’s question, ensure your answer is correct; don’t guess.
    • Always be respectful of others’ opinions, even when they differ from your own.
    • When you disagree with someone, you should express your differing opinion in a respectful, non-critical way.
    • Do not make personal or insulting remarks.
    • Do not write anything sarcastic or angry; it always backfires.
    • Do not type in ALL CAPS; if you do, IT WILL LOOK LIKE YOU ARE YELLING.

Zoom

When attending a Zoom class or meeting:

  • Do not share your Zoom classroom link or password with others.
  • Even though you may be alone at home, your professor and classmates can see you! While attending class in your pajamas is tempting, remember that wearing clothing is not optional. Dress appropriately.
  • Your professor and classmates can also see what is behind you, so be aware of your surroundings.
  • Ensure the background is not distracting or something you would not want your classmates to see.
    • When in doubt, use a virtual background. If you choose to use one, test the background first to ensure your device can support it.
    • Your background can express your personality, but be sure to avoid using backgrounds that may contain offensive images and language.
  • Mute is your friend, especially when you are in a noisy location. Don’t leave your microphone open unless necessary.
  • If you want to speak, you can raise your hand (click the “raise hand” button at the center bottom of your screen) and wait to be called upon.

Privacy and Accessibility Policies

For information about the privacy policies of the tools used in this course, see the links below:

Tips for Success

Taking an online course can be a lot of fun! Here are some tips that will help you get the most out of this course while taking full advantage of the online format:

  • Schedule "class times" for yourself. It is important to do the coursework on time each week. You will receive a reduction in points for work submitted late.
  • Read ALL of the material contained on this site. There is a wealth of helpful information that can save you time and help you achieve the course objectives.
  • Print out the Course Summary located in the Course Syllabus and check things off as you go.
  • Take full advantage of the online discussion boards. Ask for help or clarification of the material if you need it.
  • Do not wait to ask questions! Waiting to ask a question might cause you to miss a due date.
  • Do your work well before the due dates. Sometimes things happen. If your computer goes down when you are trying to submit an assignment, you'll need time to troubleshoot the problem.
  • To be extra safe, back up your work to an external hard drive, thumb drive, or through a cloud service.

UF Policies

University Policy on Accommodating Students with Disabilities

Students with disabilities requesting accommodations should first register with the Disability Resource Center (352-392-8565) by providing appropriate documentation. Once registered, students will receive an accommodation letter that must be presented to the instructor when requesting accommodation. Students with disabilities should follow this procedure as early as possible in the semester. Links to an external site

University Policy on Academic Conduct

UF students are bound by The Honor Pledge, which states, “We, the members of the University of Florida community, pledge to hold ourselves and our peers to the highest standards of honesty and integrity by abiding by the Honor Code." On all work submitted for credit by students at the University of Florida, the following pledge is either required or implied: "On my honor, I have neither given nor received unauthorized aid in doing this assignment." The Student Honor Code and Student Conduct Code outline several behaviors that are considered violations of this code, along with the corresponding sanctions. Furthermore, you are obligated to report any condition that facilitates academic misconduct to appropriate personnel. If you have any questions or concerns, please consult with the instructor or TAs in this class. Links to an external site

Plagiarism

The Student Honor Code and Student Conduct Code state that:

"A Student must not represent as the Student’s own work all or any portion of the work of another. Plagiarism includes but is not limited to:

  • Stealing, misquoting, insufficiently paraphrasing, or patch-writing.
  • Self-plagiarism is the reuse of the Student’s own submitted work or the simultaneous submission of the Student’s own work without the full and clear acknowledgment and permission of the Faculty to whom it is submitted.
  • Submitting materials from any source without proper attribution.
  • Submitting a document, assignment, or material that, in whole or in part, is identical or substantially identical to a document or assignment the Student did not author."

University Policy on Recording

Students are allowed to record video or audio of class lectures. However, the purposes for which these recordings may be used are strictly controlled. The only allowable purposes are (1) for personal educational use, (2) in connection with a complaint to the university, or (3) as evidence in, or in preparation for, a criminal or civil proceeding. All other purposes are prohibited. Specifically, students are not permitted to publish recorded lectures without the instructor's written consent.

A "class lecture" is an educational presentation intended to inform or teach enrolled students about a particular subject, including any instructor-led discussions that form part of the presentation, and delivered by any instructor hired or appointed by the University, or by a guest instructor, as part of a University of Florida course. A class lecture does not include lab sessions, student presentations, clinical presentations such as patient history, academic exercises involving solely student participation, assessments (quizzes, tests, exams), field trips, private conversations between students in the class or between a student and the faculty or guest lecturer during a class session.

Publication without the instructor's permission is prohibited. To "publish" means to share, transmit, circulate, distribute, or provide access to a recording, regardless of format or medium, to another person (or persons), including but not limited to another student within the same class section. Additionally, a recording, or transcript of a recording, is considered published if it is posted on or uploaded to, in whole or in part, any media platform, including but not limited to social media, book, magazine, newspaper, leaflet, or third-party note/tutoring services. A student who publishes a recording without written consent may be subject to a civil cause of action instituted by a person injured by the publication and/or discipline under UF Regulation 4.040 Student Honor Code and Student Conduct Code.

Course Summary:

Course Summary
Date Details Due