Course Syllabus

 

Catholic Polytechnic University’s Online Academy provides dual-enrollment opportunities. This course counts for high school credit as well as credit towards a degree at Catholic Polytechnic University. (The CPU course code is PHYS 100.)

 

Course Description: This course introduces students to physics, the branch of science concerned with the nature and properties of matter and energy. Specific topics include classical mechanics, heat, light and other radiation, sound, electricity, magnetism, electromagnetic induction, and special relativity. Knowledge of Algebra and Trigonometry are required. The lab component of this course emphasizes practical, real-life applications of physics, in simple experiments involving vehicles, household objects, or bodily motion. Students will develop problem-solving skills and conceptual understanding through lectures, readings, homework, labs, and exams.

 

Learning Objectives:

• Understand core physics principles across mechanics, electromagnetism, optics and modern physics.

• Apply mathematical models to solve physical problems.

• Gain hands-on experience through laboratory experiments.

 

Course Duration: 30 weeks (2 semesters, 15 weeks each)

Cost: $500 for the whole year

Prerequisites: Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II (or equivalent). Pre-Calculus is recommended as a prerequisite, but it should be taken at least concurrently.

Textbook: Physics: Technology Update, Fourth Edition by James S. Walker

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Course Structure:

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• Weekly Format: 90 minutes of video lectures, 1-2 hours of homework, 4-hour lab (monthly).

• Assessments: Weekly homework (40%), labs (10%), chapter tests and final exams (50%).

• Labs: Conducted monthly at Catholic Polytechnic University in Glendale. There is a separate $20 fee for each attended lab. Those who cannot attend will not pay the lab fee. However, they will be required to watch the recorded activity and to submit a short report on it.

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The course covers the following topics:

• Introduction to Physics, One-Dimensional Kinematics

• Vectors in Physics, Two-Dimensional Kinematics

• Newton’s Laws of Motion, Applications of Newton’s Laws, Gravity

• Work and Kinetic Energy, Potential Energy and Conservation of Energy

• Linear Momentum and Collisions

• Rotational Kinematics and Dynamics, Static Equilibrium

• Oscillations, Waves and Sound

• Fluid Statics and Dynamics

• Temperature, Heat, and Thermodynamics

• Electrostatic Forces and Fields, Electric Potential and Energy

• Electric Current and Direct-Current Circuits

• Magnetism, Magnetic Flux and Faraday’s Law of Induction

• Alternating-Current Circuits

• Electromagnetic Waves

• Geometrical Optics, Optical Instruments

• Physical Optics: Interference and Diffraction

• Relativity

• Quantum Physics, Atomic, and Nuclear Physics

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Semester 1: Weeks 1–15 (Chapters 1–18)

Focus: Mechanics, energy, waves, and fluids.

 

Ch. 1         Introduction to Physics: Units, Significant Figures

Ch. 2        One-Dimensional Kinematics: Motion, Acceleration

Ch. 3        Vectors in Physics: Vector Addition, Components

Ch. 4        Two-Dimensional Kinematics: Projectile Motion

Ch. 5        Newton’s Laws of Motion: Force, Free-Body Diagrams

Ch. 6, 12   Applications of Newton’s Laws, Gravity

Ch. 7-8     Work, Kinetic and Potential Energy, Conservation of Energy

Ch. 9        Linear Momentum and Collisions: Impulse, Conservation

Ch. 10      Rotational Kinematics and Energy: Angular Motion

Ch. 11      Rotational Dynamics: Torque, Equilibrium

Ch. 13      Oscillations: Simple Harmonic Motion

Ch. 14      Waves and Sound: Wave Properties, Doppler Effect

Ch. 15      Fluids: Pressure, Buoyancy

Ch. 16-18   Temperature, Heat, and Thermodynamics

Semester Review and Final Exam, covering Chapters 1-18

 

Semester 2: Weeks 16–30 (Chapters 19–30)

Focus: Thermodynamics, electromagnetism, optics, and modern physics.

 

Ch. 19    Electric Charges and Fields: Coulomb’s Law

Ch. 20    Electric Potential: Voltage, Capacitance

Ch. 21    Electric Current and DC Circuits: Ohm’s Law

Ch. 22    Magnetism: Magnetic Fields, Forces

Ch. 23    Faraday’s Law: Induction, Generators

Ch. 24    Alternating-Current Circuits: AC Analysis

Ch. 25    Electromagnetic Waves: Maxwell’s Equations

Ch. 26-27   Geometrical Optics: Reflection, Refraction, and Optical Instruments

Ch. 28    Physical Optics: Interference, Diffraction

Ch. 29    Special Relativity: Time Dilation, Length Contraction, Mass Increase

Ch. 30    Quantum Physics: Atomic and Nuclear Physics

Project   DIY Engineering (details TBA)

Semester Review and Final Exam, covering Chapters 19-30

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