Jul 02, 2025  
2025-2026 Catalog 
    
2025-2026 Catalog

PHY 011 - Introduction to Physics

2 equivalent hours - Four hours of lecture weekly; seven and one-half weeks; or two hours of lecture weekly; one term, 13 weeks.
Designed to present the basic concepts necessary for a student to enroll in a first-year, algebra- or calculus-based college physics course. Topics include problem-solving techniques, application of basic mathematics, dimensional analysis, graphical analysis, vectors and Newton’s laws.

Course Outcomes:
 

  • Apply basic algebra and trigonometry to solving problems.
    • Evaluate word problems to identify known and unknown physical quantities.
    • Manipulate multivariable equations to solve for an unknown.
    • Utilize the quadratic equation to solve a second order polynomial.
    • Apply trigonometric functions and the Pythagorum Theorem to solve problems.
  • Demonstrate ability to correctly perform unit conversions.
    • Discusses important characteristics of measurement standards.
    • Uses dimensional analysis to determine the units for part of an equation (answer, constant, variable).
    • Perform unit conversions
  • Interpret graphs related to physical phenomena.
    • Explain the differences between different types of graphs.
    • Identify slopes and intercepts of graphs and explain their significance.
  • Analyze the vector nature of physical quantities.
    • Identify the fundamental properties of all vectors.
    • Determines the magnitude and direction of a given vector, given its components (or vice versa).
    • Sketches a given vector in an appropriate coordinate system.
    • Adds or subtracts two (or more) vectors.
  • Demonstrate special calculator functions.
    • Use the calculator to program mathematical expressions.
    • Demonstrate the ability to correctly calculate various mathematical expressions such as the quadratic equation and trigonometric functions numerically.
  • Applies kinematic equations to one- and two-dimensional motion with constant acceleration.
    • Uses the kinematic equations for straight-line motion with constant acceleration to calculate time, position, velocity or acceleration.
    • Applies the kinematic equations for free fall situations.
    • Draws diagrams representing two-dimensional motion problems, including coordinate system and all known information.
    • Uses the kinematic equations to calculate time, position, or velocity in each of the coordinate directions.
  • Apply Newton’s laws to various physical situations.
    • Determines the net force acting on an object using the rules for vector addition.
    • Draws free-body diagrams to represent forces acting on objects in various situations.
    • Solves problems involving straight-line motion without friction.
    • Optional: Solves problems involving straight-line motion with friction.
    • Calculates the force of gravity on an object on Earth, given its mass.
    • Discuss the relationship between Newton’s laws of motion and the law of gravitation.