What Tech Physics IS:
Physics 111 and
112 are non-transfer courses that are used to fulfill a requirement within a
Parkland College program of study. Programs requiring Physics 111 include
Construction Technology and Fire Service Training, while 112 is required
by Automotive Technology, the Ford ASSET program, and Radiology Tech.
Communications Technology requires both 111 and 112. Anyone can sign
up for the classes. Most Tech Physics students are working in their
respective fields or are in the midst of an internship - not that this is
required! Most Tech Physics students are not on their way to a four-year
institution - at least in the very near future.
In Physics 111
(Mechanics) and 112 (Heat and Electricity) we examine the world we live in in
its simplest form. We look at how the world works and how some pretty
basic principles come into play in day to day life. No matter
what your job is or will be, it's good to know the basic ideas behind how things
work. We wouldn't have things like compact disks, DVD, jazz drives,
fiberoptic phone cable, or things as common as radios, televisions, and even
bridges if it weren't for a little physics.
We will be
working on a problem solving strategy in this class. Lets face it, most of
the problems we'll be working on in class and as homework WON'T arise when
taking an X-ray or changing a spark plug, but you will encounter problems on the
job and your boss will want you to chart out an solution, even if it isn't
initially obvious. Also, an appreciation of this subject matter has
important safety considerations.
The class meets on
Monday and Wednesday but the lab exercises are done as part of a
Physics/Astronomy open lab. M124 and M126 will be open from 8-5pm on
Tuesdays and Thursdays for all physics and astronomy students. You will
receive a lab hand-out and instructions on Monday and then it's up to you to
make time (on the hour please!) to get in to do the labs. See the syllabus
for more info on this part of the course.
We'll also be
doing some writing as "people skills" are a necessary part of the job.
You will need to work in teams and learn to communicate both orally and through
the written word. This means you will be graded on how clearly you report
your results from the lab experiments.
What Tech Physics ISN'T:
Let it be known
that Physics 111 and 112 are NOT designed to teach you how to do your job!
Though we try to apply the course to the various programs as much as possible,
YOU are the expert in your field, not me. For example, I am not going to
teach you about an air conditioning system for a '74 Nova, but we can
discuss factors involved in heat transfer. I admit I am NOT an auto
mechanic, nor do I work at a radio station or a hospital! In fact, I hope
to learn a lot in this course from you!
One thing all
Tech students probably have in common is the question, "Why in the hell do
I have to take Physics?" Good question! See the
"What Tech Physics Is" section. Bare with me and this will
be painless. The stuff we use everyday, like a toaster, is still based on
principles of physics, and that's what we're going to address. Attendance
is a good thing!! We only meet two days a week (Monday and
Wednesday) so you have to assume much of the responsibility for your learning.
Due to the time constraints, you will be given written solutions for all
homework assignments and exams.
A = (B x C) / D
where A, B, C, and D are quantities we measure in an experiment. A good physics test question might be "if we double B, what happens to A?" A also doubles. If D doubles, what happens to A? A will then be half as much.
In Physics 111, we will be doing some of . . . . dare I say it? The "T" word. Trig! No one likes trigonometry but it is a useful tool and we'll be going over it early in the class as a review. Most situations in life don't concern forces that are 90 degrees from each other - they usually are pushin or pullin at weird angles - but, using sine, cosine and tangent, you can turn that complicated problem into one where all the forces are opposite each other. It's much easier to solve that way! It's just like a "tug of war."
In this class, we will develop a problem solving strategy - the answers aren't as important as how you arrive at them! You need to:
* Recognize what you know - what is the problem giving you?
* Recognize what you want to know - what is the problem asking for?
* Check your units! They have to be compatible!!
* Choose an equation that relates all the quantities involved.
* Double-check your math! Calculators are allowed!
* Put units on your answer and check for common sense. Did you just say that a truck was traveling faster than the speed of light? Also, use the appropriate amount of "significant figures," meaning you don't have to give me an answer of 2.48402985498378 just because your calculator said so!!
Need more help at Parkland?
* If you find yourself needing assistance of any kind to complete assignments, stay on top of readings, study for tests, or just to stay in school, please contact one of the following staff at the Center for Academic Success: Anita Taylor (Phone: 403-4580) or Gail Hoke (Phone: 351-2441) in D 120. You may also email the CAS at CenterForAcademicSuccess@parkland.edu.* If you believe you have a disability for which you may need an academic accommodation (e.g. an alternate testing environment, use of assistive technology or other classroom assistance) please contact Nancy Rowley, Associate Coordinator, Office of Disability Services, X148, 351-2588, or email nrowley@parkland.edu
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