Principles of Physics

Principles of Physics is a year-long, algebra-based, course designed to develop a strong conceptual understanding of physical principles. Students cultivate their understanding of physics through inquiry-based investigations as they explore these topics: kinematics, dynamics, circular motion and gravitation, energy, momentum, simple harmonic motion, torque, rotational motion, thermodynamics, electrical force, field, and potential; electric circuits, magnetism and electromagnetic induction and geometric optics.Throughout the course, emphasis is placed on modeling of physical system at various levels and through multiple representations (schematic, mathematical, computational, etc.). Lab work, a combination of at-home labs and virtual labs, is expected to encourage further exploration of physical phenomena while reinforcing their underlying concepts developed through group discussion sessions. Emphasis is placed on developing a student's communication skills. Completion of Intermediate Algebra (OM012) is required; co-enrollment in pre-calculus is recommended. Knowledge of geometry, trigonometry and solving systems of equations is assumed.