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Unveiling Physics: A One-Semester Introduction to 20th Century's Magic and Mystery, Lab Reports of Physics

A proposal for a new physics course, phys 143, titled 'physics unveiled: the magic and the mystery'. The course aims to provide non-science majors with a background in basic physical concepts in mechanics, electromagnetism, and quantum physics. It will be taught at the algebra-level and will cover topics such as flight, space travel, medicine, communication, and industry. The course objectives include understanding the process of science, applying scientific knowledge to contemporary issues, and gaining an understanding of classical and modern physics. The document also outlines the course assessment methods and the areas of inquiry it contributes to.

Typology: Lab Reports

Pre 2010

Uploaded on 08/16/2009

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Department ___PHYS___
Course Number __143_
Course Name Physics Unveiled: The Magic and The Mystery
This form must be submitted to the Faculty Council on Liberal Learning and Academic Life as part of the submission
process.
Please attach a proposed syllabus for this course and the Undergraduate Curriculum Course Proposal Form.
DEADLINE FOR PROPOSALS: 16 September 2005
Please answer the following questions:
Check Only One:
This course is an existing course (in the current curriculum) that we are now proposing for this Area of Inquiry.
This is a new course that we are now proposing for this Area of Inquiry.
1. Name and contact information for the department chair administrating this course.
David Doughty, doughty@pcs.cnu.edu, 4-7065
2. In any given semester, how many sections of this course is your department willing to offer?
Two
3. Why is this course being offered/what is it designed to achieve (Course purpose/goal)?
This course is a one-semester introduction to 20th century physics at the algebra-based math level. As the
new curriculum does not require a two-semester science sequence, this course can be taken independently
of other science courses, and matches the existing PHYS103-104 level. This course, along with other
companion courses will replace the existing 103-04 sequence.
4. All courses must address every objective listed below.
Lecture
Understand the process of science and the strengths and weaknesses of this process
Understand that our present knowledge of the natural world is the result of the progression of scientific
ideas over time
Apply scientific knowledge to the definition, understanding, and evaluation of issues of contemporary
society
Gain an understanding of a body of knowledge in at least one natural science discipline
Laboratory
Engage in asking and answering questions using the scientific process
Conduct analyses and evaluation of data from scientific experimentation
Present results and draw conclusions in both written and oral formats
Apply the scientific process to present-day questions
AREAS OF INQUIRY
INVESTIGATING THE
NATURAL WORLD
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Department PHYS Course Number _143 Course Name Physics Unveiled: The Magic and The Mystery This form must be submitted to the Faculty Council on Liberal Learning and Academic Life as part of the submission process. Please attach a proposed syllabus for this course and the Undergraduate Curriculum Course Proposal Form. DEADLINE FOR PROPOSALS: 16 September 2005 Please answer the following questions: Check Only One:  This course is an existing course (in the current curriculum) that we are now proposing for this Area of Inquiry.  This is a new course that we are now proposing for this Area of Inquiry.

  1. Name and contact information for the department chair administrating this course. David Doughty, doughty@pcs.cnu.edu, 4-
  2. In any given semester, how many sections of this course is your department willing to offer? Two
  3. Why is this course being offered/what is it designed to achieve (Course purpose/goal)? This course is a one-semester introduction to 20th^ century physics at the algebra-based math level. As the new curriculum does not require a two-semester science sequence, this course can be taken independently of other science courses, and matches the existing PHYS103-104 level. This course, along with other companion courses will replace the existing 103-04 sequence. 4. All courses must address every objective listed below. Lecture  Understand the process of science and the strengths and weaknesses of this process  Understand that our present knowledge of the natural world is the result of the progression of scientific ideas over time  Apply scientific knowledge to the definition, understanding, and evaluation of issues of contemporary society  Gain an understanding of a body of knowledge in at least one natural science discipline Laboratory  Engage in asking and answering questions using the scientific process  Conduct analyses and evaluation of data from scientific experimentation  Present results and draw conclusions in both written and oral formats  Apply the scientific process to present-day questions

AREAS OF INQUIRY

INVESTIGATING THE

NATURAL WORLD

5. Briefly explain how this class addresses the above objectives. a) The dawn of the 20th^ century saw revolutionary strides in our understanding of the physical world. This has led to immense strides in transportation, flight, medicine, industry and the creation (and demise) of career opportunities and made possible activities (e.g. landing on the moon) that were previously in the realm of magic. While studying these advances in our knowledge of both the macroscopic (e.g. space travel) and the microscopic (e.g. quantum mechanics) worlds, students will learn about the nature of scientific progress. They will learn about the nature of scientific revolutions (to paraphrase Kuhn) and explore the fundamental nature of scientific inquiry and the interplay between theory and experiment. b) Students will gain an understanding of both classical and modern physics that allowed us to expand our understanding of the universe during the past century. This will include fundamentals of mechanics and fluid flow, Newton’s laws of motion and gravitation, sound and electromagnetic waves, quantum mechanics and relativity up to an exploration of the ‘subatomic zoo’ of particle physics. Students will learn ideas and concepts as well as how to solve algebraic problems in these areas. c) This course will also emphasize the application of these principles of physics to the development of selected areas of modern society : flight, space travel, medicine, communication and industry. Areas such as space travel (Mission to Mars), medicine (ultrasound, MRI), communication (the Internet) capture students’ imaginations and are important to understand for their development as critical-thinking citizens. This course will enable them to develop skills in these areas. 6. Course Assessment: Identify how this course will accomplish the above objectives (choose at least one).  Participating in class discussion and debate  Engaging in teamwork and other collaborative exercises  Writing analytical or evaluative papers, perhaps incorporating original research  Making oral presentations  Performing laboratory experiments  Conducting data analysis  Participating in fieldwork  Other means – please identify: Problem solving 7. Attach a proposed syllabus, which includes a statement of purpose, course objectives, and how these objectives will be accomplished.

PHYS 143: Physics Unveiled The Magic & The Mystery

Instructor: Dr. S. Raj Chaudhury, schaudhury@cnu.edu, Phone: 594-

Office Hours: TBA

Lecture: Course location (TBA)

Class Text: Physics: Concepts & Connections, Art Hobson

Additional reading: Physics of Star Trek, Lawrence Krauss, Six Easy Pieces, Richard

Feynman; The Subatomic Zoo, Cindy Schwarz + select readings online

Introduction: The dawn of the 20th century saw revolutionary strides in our

understanding of the physical world. This has led to immense strides in

transportation, flight, medicine, the creation (and demise) of career opportunities

and made possible activities (e.g. landing on the moon) that were previously in the

realm of magic. While studying these advances in our knowledge of both the

macroscopic (e.g. space travel) and the microscopic (e.g. quantum mechanics)

worlds, you will also learn about the nature of scientific progress. This course will

also emphasize the application of these principles of physics to the development of

select areas of modern society: flight, space travel, medicine, communication and

industry. Areas such as space travel (landing on the Moon), medicine (ultrasound,

MRI), communication (the Internet) have captured people’s imaginations and are

important to understand for your development as educated, thoughtful citizens.

Goals: This course is part of the Liberal Learning Core and meets the following

criteria: Students will understand the process of science and the strengths and

weaknesses of this process; Students will understand that our present knowledge

of the natural world is the result of the progression of scientific ideas over time;

Students will apply scientific knowledge to the definition, understanding, and

evaluation of issues of contemporary society.

Physics topics: Students will gain an understanding of both classical and modern

physics that allowed us to expand our understanding of the universe during the

past century. This will include fundamentals of mechanics and fluid flow, Newton’s

laws of motion and gravitation, sound and electromagnetic waves, quantum

mechanics and relativity up to an exploration of the ‘subatomic zoo’ of particle

physics. Students will learn ideas and concepts as well as how to solve algebraic

problems in these areas. Thus the course is broken into four thematic areas: (1)

Going Places: From Cars to Mars (2) Looking Inside: X-rays to MRI (3) Mysterious

particles: the Subatomic Zoo and (4) Wireless: From Marconi to WiFi.

Classwork: Participation in classroom activities will be an important part of your

learning process. You should complete the assigned reading before coming to

class. We shall be using interactive learning technologies in class that have been

demonstrated to help student learning. A portion of your course grade will depend

on class participation and quizzes.

Homework : Assignments will be given weekly, and in most cases are due 7 days later. In

most cases, homework will not be turned in via hardcopy, but will instead be submitted via WebAssign (http://www.webassign.net/). Instructions will be provided to you in class. Timely completion and submission of homework will boost your chances of success in this course.

Exams: Three hour-tests and a comprehensive final. See schedule below.

Grading: Homework 25%

In-class+quizzes 15% Three tests 30% Final exam 30% If you miss one of the hourly exams because of a valid, documented medical reason, the grade portion for that exam will be added to your final exam weighting. No make-up exams will be given under any circumstances. There will be no extra credit in this course. Final grades will be assigned as follows: A = 93-100%; A- = 90-92 % B+ = 87-89 %; B = 83 –87 %; B- = 80 – 83 % C + = 77-79%; C = 73 –77 %; C- = 70 – 73 % D + = 67-69%; D = 63 –67 %; D- = 60 – 63 %: F < 60%

Disability Statement: In order to receive an accommodation, your disability must be

on record in the Office of Career and Counseling Services (594-7047 CC146). Once you have this accommodation letter in hand, please make an appointment to see me, and we can discuss your specific needs. CNU HONOR CODE: "On my honor, I will maintain the highest possible standards of honesty, integrity and personal responsibility. That means I will not lie, cheat, or steal and as a member of this academic community, I am committed to creating an environment of respect and mutual trust." All work you submit for this course must be your own work. While you are encouraged to work with other students to learn the material, the assignments, quizzes and exams must be your own work. COURSE SCHEDULE ON NEXT PAGE

UNDERGRADUATE CURRICULUM COMMITTEE

NEW COURSE PROPOSAL FORM

Does this proposal affect Liberal Learning requirements? Yes __ X __ No _____

  1. Title of Course: Physics Unveiled: The Magic and The Mystery Proposed Course Number (cleared with Registrar): PHYS 143 Prerequisite Courses: (if you require a minimum acceptable grade greater than the default of D- , please indicate the grade you require) _________ Catalogue Description (including credits, lecture, and lab hours): (3,3,0) This course provides an introduction to the revolutionary developments in our understanding of the magical mysteries of the physical world that evolved during the 20th^ century. It is intended for non- science majors and provides a background for other courses in physics and astronomy. Basic physical concepts in mechanics, electromagnetism and quantum physics will be applied to investigations of topics such as flight, space travel, medicine, communication and industry. Course topics will cover both the macroscopic world and microscopic phenomena. The course will focus on concept development with simple problem solving, appropriate for undergraduates in all majors. Is the course cross-listed? If so, what is the number of the other course? No **A proposed syllabus, including complete text and/or reference information, as well as any relevant information to this decision, must be appended. NOTE: All affected department chairs must sign approval on last page.
  2. For whom is the course primarily intended? Explain why it should be added to the curriculum. This course is intended for undergraduates who are not science majors. This course will satisfy 3 credits in the Natural World Area of Inquiry.
  3. If this course is required, append a description of how the course fits into the curriculum. Indicate how it affects hours required for graduation. This course is not required
  4. Has this course been offered previously as a special topics course? If so, when? What course number was used? No
  5. Has this course, or one closely related to it, been offered at CNU previously? If so, is that course currently being offered? How does the proposed course differ? When is the last term the old course will be offered? No, this course has not been offered previously.
  6. What is the anticipated enrollment per offering for the next three years? 30- During which term will this course first be offered? Fall _ 2006 __ Spring 20___ Summer 20___ During which semesters will this course regularly be offered? Fall 2006 ___ Spring 2006 ___ Summer 20___ Print in the _ 2006 _______ (academic year) Undergraduate Catalog.
  7. How will the course be staffed? This course can be taught by many faculty members in the PCSE Dept., including Dave Doughty, Ed Brash, Randy Caton, S. Raj Chaudhury, John Hardie, Peter Knipp and Raouf Selim.
  8. Does the course involve a particular classroom, special equipment, or costs beyond those usually associated with a course at CNU? If so, please explain.

No

  1. Is the course repeatable for additional credit? If so, is there a limit to the number of times the course can be repeated? (e.g., applied music courses) No
  2. If this course is for an Area of Inquiry a. Identify the Area of Inquiry _____ Investigating the Natural World ____ b. Demonstrate how your course will meet the objectives of this Area of Inquiry Se e attached AOI proposal. This course was approved by: (Liberal learning core courses must be reviewed by BOTH academic Deans.) Concur Do Not | Concur**

Department(s): (1) Date: ________ ^ 

(2) Date: ________ ^ 

College Curriculum

Committee: Date: ________ ^ 

Dean: Date: ________ ^ 

Dean: Date: ________ ^ 

Undergraduate Curriculum

Committee: Date: ________ ^ 

Changes to the Liberal Learning requirements must be reviewed by the Faculty Senate.

Faculty Senate President: Date: ________ ^ 

Provost Date: ________ ^ 

Distribution by Provost Office following approval: Department Chair(s), UCC Chair, Deans, Registrar ** If “Do Not Concur” is checked, please attach a statement of explanation. Rev. 03/20/