This course surveys general principles of physics. Includes topics such as force and motion, energy, heat, sound, (PHY 101) light, electricity and magnetism, and modern physics (PHY 102). Involves using arithmetic and some simple algebra, mostly in laboratory.

This course requires reliable fast Internet access and attendance at three laboratory experiments and problem-solving practice on Saturdays: 8/29, 9/12, and 9/19, 2009, 2:00-7:00 pm, CS 247, Annandale campus. THERE ARE NO MAKE_UP LAB DATES.

Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to:

A. understand the concepts as established in the study of physics beginning with Newtonian Mechanics and ending with atomic and nuclear physics

B. understand the methods of scientific reasoning as related to physics which will be useful in their chosen occupational field

C. acquaint him/herself with measurement and laboratory research methods

D. acquaint him/herself with the environmental impact of today's science and technology

The required textbooks for this course are:

• Textbook CD “Conceptual Physics”, Kinetic Books, ISBN 0-9766865-0-3
• Paperback print of the CD text, bundled with CD,  product number BN865-0-3.IN
• Laboratory CD "Virtual Physics Labs", Kinetic Books, ISBN 0-9766865-3-8

In this course instead of the usual paper textbook you will use an innovative comprehensive digital physics textbook on a CD, to be downloaded on your computer and enabling you to experience physics as never before. It presents physics with text and diagrams supplemented with thousands of narrated animations. Hundreds of simulations and interactive problems will challenge you to apply and assess what they are learning.

To supplement the hands-on on campus laboratory, you will use as a part of the homework assignment the CD-based “Virtual Laboratory”, where you need to introduce parameters into physics simulations, in order to achieve a desired result.

You have to install both CDs on your home computer (only one installation permitted! do not do it ony any other computer) and use the book CD for study and the second CD for Virtual Lab. Some students may want to have a paper version of their physics. You may print pages from the root directory of your CD in pdf. Or you may purchase a black-and-white paperback version of the CD. Though the print version does not include the interactive components of the digital textbook, the combination of the two provides the flexibility requested by some students. The printed texts to Kinetic Books’ Principles of Physics may be ordered as a $15.00 addition to the CD.

For information on how to order your textbooks, go to http://eli.nvcc.edu/books/

Your course grade will be determined by the following exams and assignments:

There are 4 paper exams in this course. You are expected to take your examinations at one of the NVCC campus Testing Centers. Be sure to allow enough time to complete your exam before the Testing Center closes; Testing Centers have specific policies relating to the administration of ELI exams. You will need to take a photo ID, your NovaConnect empl ID number, and the appropriate Exam Pass when you go to the Testing Center.  

For Testing Center locations, hours of operation and policies, click here.

For information on taking exams outside of the metropolitan area, click here.

I am here to help you succeed in this course. Occasionally questions or problems may arise. Here is how to contact me when they do:

E-mail : wmajewski@nvcc.edu
Telephone : 703-323-2143
You may also call me to schedule a meeting in person, either at ELI or my campus office in Annandale. 

1. Use your web browser to connect to http://www.nvcc.edu/bbstart. Follow the directions to determine your email, Blackboard and VIVA account user names and passwords.
2. Access your email account and make sure you know how to use it; you will be required to use this account for all course-related email.
3. Log on to Blackboard at http://learn.vccs.edu.
4. Click on this course under "My Courses." Review the entire course to make sure you understand what will be required of you. Then start completing the assignments.

Please note that account generation takes approximately one week from the time of your paid registration. If you cannot log on after one week, contact the IT Help Desk. If you can log on to Blackboard, but your course isn't listed, please contact ELI or your instructor.