WINTHROP UNIVERSITY course Syllabus
Department of Chemistry, Physics, & Geology

Semester: Fall 2026          Course: PHYS 211 (001) - Physics with Calculus I
Credit hours: 4                 Pre-requisite: Mathematics 201 Minimum Grade of C- May not be taken concurrently.
                                           Co-requisite: PHYS 211L

Lecture: MWF 11-11:50,    Sims 209        Course  Schedule      

Professor: Dr. Ponn Maheswaranathan (Mahes).
Office: 213-B, Sims, Office Hours: M, W, & F 10 - 11, TR 3-4:30, or by appointment.
Phone: 323 4940, E-mail: mahesp@winthrop.edu

Textbook: Physics for Scientists & Engineers, Giancoli, 4th Ed, Pearson. 

Laboratory: Students need to register for one of the lab sections among: M, T, W, R 2-4:50PM.  
Physics laboratory will start during the second week, Aug. 31 - Sept. 3, Sims 205.   

Course Description:
The PHYS 211-212 sequence covers the major branches of classical physics: PHYS 211 deals with mostly mechanics, and wave motion while PHYS 212 covers thermodynamics, electromagnetism, and optics. The course emphasizes understanding of fundamental physics concepts and principles as well as the development of conceptual and analytical problem solving skills by using physics concepts, principles, and mathematics in the solution of various interesting and challenging real world problems. This course should also help you review and master your algebra, trigonometry, and enable you to appreciate your calculus by putting it to work in physics.

Course Objectives:

• Develop an understanding of physics' role as the most basic of the sciences.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the history of scientific discovery.
• Learn the introductory physics concepts associated with mechanics, fluids, oscillations, wave motion & sound.
• Gain an understanding of physics' role in technology and in everyday life and to discuss the strengths and limitations of science. 
• Develop conceptual and analytical problem solving skills.
• Learn how to design and carry out introductory physics experiments.
• Learn how to use computers for data collection & analysis and graphing.
• Draw conclusions for the experiments and write laboratory reports.
  

University-Level Competency:

Physics with calculus I introduces students to the role of scientific reasoning in solving introductory physics problems using calculus (e.g. describing motion and calculating force, forces involved in circular motions, how automobile air bags reduce injury during a collision, rocket motion where the mass changes with time, and describing wave motion).  They will apply the scientific methodologies of inquiry during the laboratory, PHYS 211L, and write well-reasoned conclusions. They will also be introduced to the history of scientific discovery (e.g., topics and devices are introduced with historical perspectives) and learn that the theories in physics evolve into laws after continuous re-evaluations and arguments. In addition they will see how the scientific advances made in a laboratory transforms into useful technological devices (e.g., the development of the transistor from vacuum tube to silicon chip).   

General Education Requirements: PHYS 211 and the co-requisite PHYS 211L together fulfill four hours of general education requirement for natural sciences. Listed below are the seven fundamental student learning outcomes for natural science courses as well as examples of how they will be fulfilled in PHYS 211 and 211L.

Students will be:

1. Conversant with a few fundamental concepts from among the three main areas of natural science, including earth, life, and physical sciences. (e.g., mechanics, fluids, oscillations, wave motion,  and sound)

2. Able to apply the scientific methodologies of inquiry. (e.g., experiments and investigations in the PHYS 211L laboratory)

3. Able to discuss the strengths and limitations of science. (e.g., experimental error and analysis in the PHYS 211L laboratory)

4. Able to demonstrate an understanding of the history of scientific discovery. (e.g., topics and devices are introduced with historical perspectives)

5. Able to discuss the social and ethical contexts within which science operates. (e.g., environmental and health hazards of new devices and materials and sharing of knowledge)

6. Able to communicate about scientific subjects including (lab courses only) the defense of conclusions based on one’s own observations. (e.g., PHYS 211L laboratory reports)

7. Able to discuss the application of scientific knowledge to the social sciences and to non-scientific disciplines. (e.g., application of technology in everyday life)

Writing Component: The General Education Writing Component will be incorporated into this course via PHYS 211L, which is the laboratory component, where students will write lab reports with conclusion, atleast 10 pages of writing.

Attendance and Participation:
The attendance policy described in the Winthrop University undergraduate catalog will be followed. Students are encouraged to attend all the lectures, take notes, and   actively take part in classroom activities. Regular attendance and good participation efforts will help in the final letter grade assignment for borderline cases. Cell phone and/or laptop use are not permitted during lectures.  

Academic Integrity at Winthrop University: This course assumes that work submitted by students – all process work, drafts, brainstorming artifacts, final works – will be generated by the students themselves, working individually or in groups as directed by class assignment instructions. This policy indicates the following constitute violations of academic honesty: a student has another person/entity do the work of any substantive portion of a graded assignment for them, which includes purchasing work from a company, hiring a person or company to complete an assignment or exam, and/or using generative AI tools (such as ChatGPT).

The Writing Center (Bancroft 242) provides a space where every Winthrop writer can find an interested, responsive reader. You are invited to utilize the Writing Center at a variety of stages in your writing processes: understanding assignment directions; brainstorming ideas; creating outlines; checking to see that your project specifically meets the directions specified by your instructor; exploring practical routes for revision and development; and adhering to format and style guides (e.g. APA, CBE, Chicago, and MLA). Our tutors can help you become conscious of, and proactive about, particular patterns that emerge in your written work and discuss strategies and resources you can use as you write, revise, and edit your own work. The center can also help with group work if the entire group is present. Additionally, the Writing Center website maintains a library of handouts and writing advice. To access these resources, learn more about the Writing Center tutors, and for detailed instructions on how to prepare for a tutorial, see our website: winthrop.edu/writingcenter. Visit winthrop.mywconline.com to register for an account and schedule a face-to-face or online appointment. You can also call 803-323-2138 or walk in to Bancroft 242 to see if a tutor is available.

Homework:
Chapter sections, questions, and problems are assigned for each lecture. It is important that you read the chapter sections before coming to a lecture. After attending the lecture you should re-read the chapter, answer the questions and solve problems. Get help when needed. Homework will be collected and carries 10% of the course grade. 

Statement concerning course management: Any student enrolled in courses at Winthrop regardless of modality (traditional in-person, online, hybrid, telepathy, ...) is entitled access to all campus resources. These resources include, but are not limited to, admissions counseling, recreational facilities, and health, library, and academic services. Questions regarding access to these resources should be directed to the assigned academic advisor.

Counseling Services: Maintaining your mental health is necessary for your overall academic health, and Winthrop has resources to help you do so. Students are strongly encouraged to utilize WU Counseling Services if external concerns such as stress, identity issues, relationships, difficulty engaging in class or work, depression, anxiety, or others are impacting their ability to succeed academically. Counseling Services offers short term, confidential, free consultation and psychotherapy. If you have concerns about your mental health, you can meet or speak with a counselor the same day you call by utilizing the Center for Student Wellness Patient Portal (https://patient-winthrop.medicatconnect.com/) or by calling the Front Desk at 803-323-2206 during business hours (M-F, 8:30a-5:00p). For concerns outside of business hours, you are encouraged to utilize your RA, RSC On-Call, Campus Police (323-3333), or a national hotline such as the National Lifeline (call or text 988). For more information about Counseling Services, Types of Appointments, and How to Make an Appointment, visit https://www.winthrop.edu/csw/cs-about-counseling-services.aspx. .    

Students with Disabilities:
Winthrop University is committed to providing accessible learning experiences and equal access to education for all students. The syllabus is available in alternate formats upon request. If you are a student with a disability (including mental health concerns, chronic or temporary medical conditions, learning disabilities, etc.) and you anticipate or experience academic barriers due to the condition, please contact The Office of Accessibility (OA) for information on accommodations, registration, and procedures. After receiving approval for accommodations through OA, please make arrangements with me as soon as possible to discuss your accommodations so that they may be implemented in a timely manner. OA contact information: accessibility@winthrop.edu; 803-323-3290; Macfeat House.                                                            

Student Conduct Code: The policy on student academic misconduct can be accessed in the academic integrity website.      

Syllabus change policy: The instructor will make changes to this syllabus as deemed necessary for the progression of the course.

Tests & Final: Three tests (10% each) and a comprehensive final (35%) are scheduled as follows.

Points & Grade:
Tests: 30%, Homework: 10%, Laboratory: 25%, and Final: 35%.
The letter grade will be assigned as follows:
100% - 90% = A     89% - 87% = A-    86% - 84% = B+    83% - 80% = B    79% - 77% = B-   
    76%-74% = C+   73% - 67% = C     66% - 64% = C-     63%-60% = D      59%- 0%  = F