PHYS 251 – Matter and Energy Laboratory

Instructor:	Rachel C. Law
Office:	Sims 109A
Email:	lawr@winthrop.edu
Telephone:	323-4923
Office Hours:	R 11:30 -12:30 and by appointment

 

 

 

PHYS 251

Course Description

PHYS251 –Matter and Energy Lab is a separate course from PHYS250 with an independent grade.  It facilitates learning many of the same principles and applications of physical science discussed in PHYS 250.  Critical thinking and the application of science and scientific methods will be emphasized.

Course Objectives

• Learn how to design and carry out physics and chemistry experiments.
• Learn how to use computers for data collection & analysis and graphing.
• Draw conclusions for the experiments and write laboratory reports.

Student Competencies

• Demonstrate proficiency using Data Studio to collect, display and analyze data.
• Demonstrate understanding of scientific methods in designing and carrying out experiments.
• Demonstrate proficiency with measurements including correct precision and significant figures.
• Demonstrate understanding of all subjects emphasized in lab activities.

Physics labs do not meet the first week of classes.  The following is a tentative schedule for labs. Some modifications may be made.

 

 

Date:	Lab - Principles Emphasized
September 2	Introduction to Data Studio - Acquisition and manipulation of data
September 9	Student Power - Calculation of Work and Power
September 16	Pendulum Movement - Experimental Methods and Scientific Approach
September 23	Density - Measurement, Precision and Significant Figures
September 30	Spreadsheets and Graphing - Manipulating and Displaying Data
October 7	Calorimetry – Exothermic and Endothermic Processes (calculation of heat)
October 14	Latent Heat of Fusion - Energy Associated with a Phase Change
October 21	Electrostatic Charge - Positive and Negative Charges and Induced Charges
October 28	Heat of Solution - Endo and Exothermic Processes
November 4	Experimentally Determining a Chemical Formula
November 11	Titrations (Acids and Bases) - Applying an Analytical Technique
November 18	Solutions and Solubility - Polar and Non-polar Nature of Substances
December 2	Test

 

Grading

Grades will be the average of the individual lab grades (weighted equally) and a cumulative test (given the last meeting time of the semester.  The test will count as two lab grades.  This test will consist of problems similar to those in labs and questions concerning material covered.  Grades will be as follows:

90-100% A

80-89.9% B

70-79.9% C

60-69.9% D

Below 60% F

Each student is urged to keep a file of all labs throughout the semester and notes taken in lab. These will serve as review material for the exam.

Attendance to labs and test is extremely important because labs and the test cannot be made up.

Attendance to labs is required to receive credit for that lab. 

Any student absent for more than 20% of lab meetings will not receive a passing grade for the course.

 

 

Students with Disabilities

Winthrop University is dedicated to providing access to education.  If you have a disability and need classroom accommodations, please contact Gena Smith, Coordinator, Services for Students with Disabilities, at 323-3290, as soon as possible.  Once you have your Professor Notification Form, please tell me so that I am aware of your accommodations well before the first {test/paper/assignment}.

Student Conduct Code:  “Responsibility for good conduct rests with students as adult individuals.” The policy on student academic misconduct is outlined in the “Student Conduct Code Academic Misconduct Policy” in the online Student Handbook (http://www2.winthrop.edu/studentaffairs/handbook/StudentHandbook.pdf).

Cheating and plagiarism in any form is not permitted.  Carefully read the Winthrop University Conduct Code printed in the Winthrop University Student Handbook. Also online at: http://www2.winthrop.edu/studentaffairs/handbook/StudentHandbook.pdf