Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Fall Semester 2025

Physics for Scientists and Engineers I (Face-to-Face)

PHYS 2210-01

Course: PHYS 2210-01
Credits: 4
Term: Fall Semester 2025
Department: PSCI
CRN: 31745

Course Description

A calculus-based introductory physics course. Topics in mechanics include vectors, one- and two-dimensional motion, Newton’s laws of motion, forces, energy, momentum and collisions, circular motion and rotational dynamics. Other topics include solids and fluids and selected topics in thermodynamics. A minimum grade of “C” (2.0 or above) must be earned in this course before it can be counted in a physical science major or minor or as a prerequisite for any other course. (Fall, Spring, Summer) [Graded (Standard Letter)]

Required Texts

  • University Physics Volume I, Authors: Moebs, Ling, & Sanny. Publisher: OpenStax. ISBN-13: 978-1-947172-20-3 (free online).
  • University Physics Volume II, Authors: Ling, Moebs, & Sanny. Publisher: OpenStax. ISBN-13: 978-1-947172-21-0 (free online).

Learning Outcomes

  • Conceptual Understanding: Students should demonstrate a deep understanding of fundamental physics concepts and principles.
  • Critical Thinking: Students should develop the ability to critically analyze scientific information.
  • Problem-Solving Skills: Students should be able to apply physics principles to solve complex problems, both theoretical and practical, using appropriate mathematical techniques and reasoning.

Course Requirements

GRADING AND EVALUATION:
Students can drop one homework assignment and one quiz. The in-class tests and the final examination are mandatory and cannot be dropped.
  • Homework
Homework is assigned weekly and is usually due on Tuesday of the following week. Collaboration on homework is encouraged, but identical assignments will receive zero credit. Students must complete the work on their own after collaboration. Late homework is not accepted. Students must show their work to receive full credit. The submitted homework should be neatly written and include the necessary discussion/drawing to explain the approach. Homework will not be graded if the work is unclear or difficult to follow.
Please take pride in presenting your homework. One day you will be writing papers or reports to explain concepts and ideas to your colleagues in your field of work. Presenting your homework neatly and clearly, while presenting your ideas and approaches, serves as a valuable practice for effective communication.
  • Quizzes
In-class quizzes will be used to enhance learning and monitor attendance and participation. The quizzes may be unannounced and could cover material discussed in class on the same day. Make-ups will not be provided for missed in-class quizzes. If you must miss a class due to unavoidable circumstances or if you have a valid and documented reason for missing a quiz, please contact the instructor as soon as possible to discuss possible accommodations.
  • In-class tests
Tests provide an opportunity to demonstrate understanding of the material and the ability to apply concepts in various contexts. During tests, students may bring a calculator (no smart devices are allowed) and a handwritten one-page reference sheet.
Reference Sheet Guidelines
  1. One-page, handwritten, letter-size.
  2. May include compiled lecture notes, scientific constants, and key formulas.
  3. No example problems of any kind should appear on the sheet.
  4. Attach the reference sheet to the end of the test handouts and submit it with the completed test.
  • Final exam
The final examination is comprehensive. Students may bring a one-page handwritten reference sheet following the same rules as for in-class tests.

  • Grading Components and Weights
Component | Weight
Homework | 20%
Quizzes | 10%
In-Class Tests | 50%
Final Examination | 20%

  • Grading Scale
Percentage | Grade
90–100% | A
89–90% | A-
85–89% | B+
80–85% | B
79–80% | B-
75–79% | C+
69–75% | C
59–69% | D
0–59% | F

Course Outline

Weekly Topics (16 Weeks)
Week | Topic 
1 | Backgrounds, Vectors 
2 | 1-D motion, no class Monday Labor day 
3 | 2-D motion 
4 | Newton’s Laws 
5 | Newton’s Laws 
6 | Energy and Work 
7 | Energy and Work 
8 | Momentum, no class M-Tu Fall Break 
9 | Momentum 
10 | Circular and Rotational Dynamics 
11 | Circular and Rotational Dynamics 
12 | Equilibrium and Elasticity 
13 | Special Topics in Gravitation, Solids, Fluids, or Thermodynamics 
14 | No class, Thanksgiving Break 
15 | Review 
16 | Final Exam

In-class Tests Schedule
In-class Tests | DateTopics Covered 
1 | Sep 18 | Week 1-3 
2 | Oct 16 | Week 4-7 
3 | Nov 6 | Week 8-10 
4 | Dec 4 | Week 11-13

Final Exam
  • Section 01: Monday, December 8 (Day 1), 3:00pm - 4:50pm
  • Section 02: Thursday, December 11 (Day 4), 9:00am - 10:50pm

Instructor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work

  • Late homework is not accepted.
  • Make-ups will not be provided for missed in-class quizzes. For unavoidable, documented reasons, contact the instructor as soon as possible to discuss possible accommodations.

Attendance Policy

Consistent attendance is fundamental to your achievement in this course. Engaging actively in class discussions and group activities greatly enhances your understanding of the material. Students are responsible to make up for the covered materials if unable to attend a class.

Course Fees

$54

Prerequisites and Co-requisites

Prerequisites and Co-requisites

Prerequisite: MATH 1210.

Co-requisites: MATH 1220 (recommended) and PHYS 2215.

ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or by phone at (435) 865-8042. The Disability Resource Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services.

If your instructor requires attendance, you may need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy. Please contact the Disability Resource Center to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Academic Credit

According to the federal definition of a Carnegie credit hour: A credit hour of work is the equivalent of approximately 60 minutes of class time or independent study work. A minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit. Credit is earned only when course requirements are met. One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours of lecture, discussion, testing, evaluation, or seminar, as well as 30 hours of student homework. An equivalent amount of work is expected for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours. Credit granted for individual courses, labs, or studio classes ranges from 0.5 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Academic Freedom

SUU is operated for the common good of the greater community it serves. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic Freedom is the right of faculty to study, discuss, investigate, teach, and publish. Academic Freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research.

Academic Freedom in the realm of teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty member and of you, the student, with respect to the free pursuit of learning and discovery. Faculty members possess the right to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects. They may present any controversial material relevant to their courses and their intended learning outcomes, but they shall take care not to introduce into their teaching controversial materials which have no relation to the subject being taught or the intended learning outcomes for the course.

As such, students enrolled in any course at SUU may encounter topics, perspectives, and ideas that are unfamiliar or controversial, with the educational intent of providing a meaningful learning environment that fosters your growth and development. These parameters related to Academic Freedom are included in SUU Policy 6.6.

Academic Misconduct

Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (see SUU Policy 6.33). You are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Please Note: The use of websites or services that sell essays is a violation of these policies; likewise, the use of websites or services that provide answers to assignments, quizzes, or tests is also a violation of these policies. Regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should check with your individual course instructor.

Emergency Management Statement

In case of an emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at https://www.suu.edu/emergency.

HEOA Compliance Statement

For a full set of Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) compliance statements, please visit https://www.suu.edu/heoa. The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law; additional information can be found at https://my.suu.edu/help/article/1096/heoa-compliance-plan.

You are also expected to comply with policies regarding intellectual property (SUU Policy 5.52) and copyright (SUU Policy 5.54).

Mandatory Reporting

University policy (SUU Policy 5.60) requires instructors to report disclosures received from students that indicate they have been subjected to sexual misconduct/harassment. The University defines sexual harassment consistent with Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106, Subpart D) to include quid pro quo, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. When students communicate this information to an instructor in-person, by email, or within writing assignments, the instructor will report that to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure students receive support from the Title IX Office. A reporting form is available at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv

Non-Discrimination Statement

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners and believes our university's encompassing of different views, beliefs, and identities makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared for the global society.

SUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

SUU strives to cultivate a campus environment that encourages freedom of expression from diverse viewpoints. We encourage all to dialogue within a spirit of respect, civility, and decency.

For additional information on non-discrimination, please see SUU Policy 5.27 and/or visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination.

Pregnancy

Students who are or become pregnant during this course may receive reasonable modifications to facilitate continued access and participation in the course. Pregnancy and related conditions are broadly defined to include pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery. To obtain reasonable modifications, please make a request to title9@suu.edu. To learn more visit: https://www.suu.edu/titleix/pregnancy.html.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.