PH 115 - Technical Physics
Description
This course is a survey of the fundamental principles of physics. Topics include mechanics, heat, sound and light, and other physical properties of matter. Emphasis is placed on technical applications rather than the theoretical origins of the laws of physics.
Credit Hours: 5
Contact Hours: 6
Prerequisites/Other Requirements: None
English Prerequisite(s): None
Math Prerequisite(s): Eligible for Math 105 or Higher; SAT Math Score of 24.5 or Higher
Course Corequisite(s): None
Academic Program Prerequisite: None
Consent to Enroll in Course: No Department Consent Required
Dual Enrollment Allowed?: Yes
Course Fees: $5.00
Number of Times Course can be taken for credit: 1
Programs Where This Course is a Requirement:
Pre-Allied Health Science (Physical Therapy/Physician Assistant), A.A. (General Transfer),
General Education Requirement:
Natural Sciences
General Education Learner Outcomes (GELO):
3. Critical Thinking: Gather and synthesize relevant information, evaluate alternative perspectives, or understand inquiry as a means of creating knowledge, 6. Intellectual Curiosity: Seek and apply knowledge through discovery, experimentation, or research to advance academic, personal, and career growth, 7. Problem-Solving: Apply theory, calculation, or experimentation to demonstrate effective problem-solving
Course Learning Outcomes:
Specifically in the course:
1) Apply the mathematical theories of vector addition and subtraction to solve real life vector problems. (GELO7)
2) Develop innovative solutions to laboratory problems and effectively communicate those solutions to classmates. (GELO6)
3) Solve constant acceleration problems in one and two dimensions for both linear and angular problems to deepen understanding of the scientific and mathematical theories of kinematics. (GELO7)
4) Apply Newton’s Laws of motion to solve multi-step and multi-component problems involving the motion of objects that have mass and moment of inertia and subject to specified forces and torques. (GELO7)
5) Understand conservation principles in physics to discern relevant information and solve problems involving the conservation of energy, momentum, and angular momentum. (GELO3)
6) Apply thermodynamics to solve problems dealing with heat transfer and calorimetry. (GELO7)
7) Apply the theories of physics and mathematical principles to explain outcomes and draw conclusions from variety of experiments. (GELO3)
8) Use rules or frameworks to provide context for understand problems or issues. (GELO3)
9) Describe wave behaviors in applications involving sound and light. (GELO3)
10) Identify the best solutions to problems or issues. (GELO3)
Course Outline:
I. Units, Vectors and Scientific Calculation
A. Unit Conversion
B. Finding Unknown Units
C. Components of a Vector
D. Vector Addition and Subtraction
E. Experiment Measurement and Data Analysis
F. Problem Solving Method
II. One and Two Dimensional Kinematics
A. Displacement
B. Velocity
C. Acceleration
D. Constant Acceleration Problems
E. Free Fall Problems
F. Projectile Problems
III. Dynamics
A. Newton’s Laws
B. Free body Diagrams
C. Forces: Weight, Normal Force, Tension, Spring Force and Friction
D. Linear Dynamics Problems
E. Uniform Circular Motion
IV. Momentum
A. Momentum and Impulse
B. Collision in One Dimension
C. Collision of Equal Masses in Two Dimensions
V. Statics
A. Forces in Two Dimension
B. Concurrent Forces in Equilibrium
C. Torque
D. Parallel Forces
E. Center of Gravity
VI. Energy
A. Work
B. Power
C. Kinetic Energy and Potential Energy
D. Conservation of Mechanical Energy
VII. Rotational Motion
A. Measurement of Rotational Motion
B. Angular Momentum
C. Centripetal Force
D. Power in Rotational Systems
E. Transferring Rotational Motion
F. Gears
G. Pulleys Connected with a Belt
VIII. Simple Machines
A. Machines and Energy transfer
B. The Lever
C. The Wheel-and Axle
D. The Pulley
E. The Inclined Plane
F. The Screw
G. The Wedge
H. Compound Machines
I. The Effect of Friction on Simple Machines
IX. Matter
A. Properties of Matter
B. Properties of Solids
C. Properties of Liquids
D. Properties of Gases
E. Density
X. Thermodynamics
A. Temperature
B. Heat
C. Heat transfer
D. Specific Heat
E. Method of Mixtures
F. Thermal Expansion of Solids
G. Thermal Expansion of Liquids
H. Change of Phase
XI. Wave Motion and Sound
A. Characteristics of Waves
B. Electromagnetic Waves
C. Sound Waves
D. The Doppler Effect
E. Resonance
XII. Light
A. Nature of Light
B. The Speed of Light
C. Light as a Wave
D. Light as a particle
E. Photometry
Approved for Online and Hybrid Delivery?:
Yes
Instructional Strategies:
Lecture: 70-80% including classroom demonstration
Lab: 20-30%
Mandatory Course Components:
None
Equivalent Courses:
None
Accepted GRCC Advanced Placement (AP) Exam Credit: None
AP Min. Score: NA
Name of Industry Recognize Credentials: None
Course prepares students to seek the following external certification:
No
Course-Specific Placement Test: None
Course Aligned with ARW/IRW Pairing: IRW 99
Mandatory Department Assessment Measures:
Final exam is required.
14 lab assigments are required for the course, which will be either one lab in each week for a normal semester or two labs each week for a summer semester.
Course Type:
General Education- Offering designed to meet the specific criteria for a GRCC Distribution Requirement. The course should be designated by the requirement it fulfills.
Course Format:
Lecture/Lab - Must meet Lecture & Lab Ratios
Total Lecture Hours Per Week: 4
Total Lab Hours Per Week: 2
People Soft Course ID Number: 101110
Course CIP Code: 04.08
Maximum Course Enrollment: 40
General Room Request: General lecture room in GRCC; Lab Room at CSC 444
High School Articulation Agreements exist?: No
If yes, with which high schools?: NA
Non-Credit GRCC Articulation Agreement With What Area: No
Identify the Non Credit Programs this Course is Accepted: NA
School: School of STEM
Department: Physical Sciences
Discipline: PH
Faculty Credential Requirements:
18 graduate credit hours in discipline being taught (HLC Requirement), Master’s Degree (GRCC general requirement)
Faculty Credential Requirement Details:
In addition to the qualification to teach college physics in two year college, an instructor in PH 115 should have a specific understanding of the equipment and facilities available for use in the Physical Science Department of GRCC. He/She should be able to revise the lab manual to meet the new needs. And he/she should be also able to maintain the proper usage of lab equipment.
Major Course Revisions: Credit/Contact Hours, General Education Review
Last Revision Date Effective: 20220216T11:38:13
Course Review & Revision Year: 2026-2027
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