College Physics I

Instructor Information

• Course Coordinator: Dr. Megan Hollander (Assistant Teaching Professor of Physics)
• Section Instructors: Listed for each section in AlkimiHub. Your section instructor's office hours and office are posted in your Canvas course page.
• Email: mhollander@university.alkimi.ai
• Office: Meridian Science Center 414
• Coordinator Office Hours:
  • Monday & Wednesday: 3:00–4:30 p.m. (In person, Meridian Science Center 414)
  • Tuesday: 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. (Virtual via Zoom; link posted in Canvas)
  • Also available by appointment.

Course Description

Algebra- and trigonometry-based mechanics: kinematics, Newton's laws, work and energy, momentum, rotation, fluids, oscillations, and heat, with a weekly three-hour laboratory. Designed for life science, pre-health, and kinesiology students. PHYS 111 provides an algebra- and trigonometry-based introduction to classical mechanics and thermal physics tailored for students in the biological sciences, exercise science, and pre-health pathways. We explore translational and rotational kinematics, Newton's laws of motion, work-energy principles, impulse and linear momentum, fluid statics and dynamics, harmonic oscillations, and thermodynamic processes. Emphasis is placed on translating physical principles into quantitative models that explain physiological, anatomical, and biomechanical systems.

Prerequisites

MATH 110 or placement.

Measurable Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of PHYS 111, students will be able to:

1. Analyze Kinematics in One and Two Dimensions: Apply algebraic and trigonometric equations of motion to model linear motion, free fall, projectile trajectories, and uniform circular motion.
2. Apply Newton's Laws of Motion: Construct free-body diagrams to evaluate static equilibrium and dynamic force interactions, including gravitational, normal, frictional, and tension forces.
3. Implement Conservation Principles: Utilize conservation of mechanical energy and conservation of linear momentum to solve collision, work-energy, and impulse problems in physical and biological contexts.
4. Evaluate Rotational Dynamics and Equilibrium: Calculate torque, center of mass, moment of inertia, and angular momentum for rigid bodies in rotational equilibrium and dynamic motion.
5. Examine Fluids and Oscillatory Systems: Apply Archimedes' principle, Pascal's principle, the continuity equation, Bernoulli's equation, and simple harmonic motion equations to fluid and mechanical systems.
6. Investigate Thermal Physics and Thermodynamics: Solve quantitative problems involving temperature scales, thermal expansion, specific heat, latent heat, and the first and second laws of thermodynamics.

Required Course Materials & Approximate Costs

1. Serway, Raymond A., and Chris Vuille. College Physics. 11th ed., Cengage Learning, 2018. Approx. $45 for digital rental; approx. $125 for print purchase.
2. OpenStax College Physics. Free digital access at openstax.org. Free.
3. Scientific or graphing calculator (TI-30X, TI-84, or equivalent; smartphone calculators prohibited on exams). Approx. $15 to $90.
4. Total estimated cost: $15 to $135.

Generative AI Policy (AI Level 1: AI Not Permitted for Graded Work)

In accordance with Alkimi University Academic Policies (Student Handbook §5.8), PHYS 111 operates under AI Level 1.

• What is permitted: You may use AI tools for conceptual explanations, generating practice algebra problems, or clarifying physical intuition during your personal study outside of graded assignments.
• What is prohibited: You may not use AI tools to solve, verify, or generate work for weekly homework assignments, pre-lab exercises, laboratory analysis, or the capstone project. AI use of any kind is strictly prohibited during all quizzes and examinations.
• Disclosure: Whenever an AI tool is consulted for study assistance, you must maintain personal integrity; if prompted on any inquiry, provide a brief written acknowledgment stating which tool was consulted and for what study purpose.

Grading Components and Weights

• Midterm Exam 1: 15% (In class during week 5 (week of September 21))
• Midterm Exam 2: 15% (In class during week 10 (week of October 26))
• Weekly Homework Problem Sets: 15% (Due Fridays at 11:59 p.m. in Canvas (weeks 2–13; lowest dropped))
• Laboratory Assignments & Practicum: 20% (Weekly laboratory write-ups submitted in Canvas; lab sections meet weekly)
• Concept Quizzes: 10% (Weekly pre-lecture Canvas quizzes due Mondays at 11:59 p.m.; lowest two dropped)
• Biomechanics Capstone Final Project: 25% (Due Monday, December 14, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.)

Grading Scale (Alkimi University Standard)

• A: 93–100% | A-: 90–92%
• B+: 87–89% | B: 83–86% | B-: 80–82%
• C+: 77–79% | C: 73–76% | C-: 70–72%
• D+: 67–69% | D: 60–66% | F: Below 60%
• Extra credit: No individual extra credit assignments are offered in coordinated multi-section courses.

Course Schedule (Fall 2026)

All sections follow this common weekly schedule. Section meeting days vary, so dates are shown by week; your section instructor posts exact class dates in Canvas.

Course Policies

Attendance Policy

Because PHYS 111 is a coordinated, laboratory-integrated course, active engagement in all lecture and laboratory sessions is essential. If you must miss a class or laboratory due to illness or official university business, contact Dr. Hollander and your section instructor in advance. More than two unexcused lab absences will result in a failing grade. Students who miss the first two class meetings without notifying the instructor may be dropped. Students may miss class for religious observance without penalty if they notify the instructor in writing within the first two weeks of the semester (by Wednesday, September 9, 2026). Absences for university-sponsored activities (athletics, performances, conferences) are excused with a letter from the sponsoring office at least one week in advance.

Late Work Policy

Homework problem sets submitted within 24 hours after the Friday deadline receive a 20% penalty; submissions beyond 24 hours are not accepted as solutions are posted immediately. Canvas reading quizzes cannot be completed late, but the two lowest scores are dropped automatically at the conclusion of the semester.

Final Exam Policy

PHYS 111 has no final examination. The biomechanics capstone final project takes its place. Nothing is due on Reading Day (Thursday, December 10, 2026).