Course Syllabus

PC141/PC161: Mechanics for the Life Sciences

Physics and Computer Science Department, Faculty of Science, Waterloo Campus
Fall | 2017

Instructor Information
Name: Dr. Maher Ahmed | Office Location N2076B
Contact Information: Phone 519-884-0710 ext. 2826, lab ext. 2417, Email mahmed@wlu.ca
Weekly Office Hours: by Appointment

Lab Instructor
Name: Dr. Hasan Shodiev
Contact Information: Email hshodiev@wlu.ca
Weekly Office Hours: by Appointment

Course Information
Course Overview
Algebra-based course, which introduces basic principles of physics. Detailed topics covered: kinematics,
motion in two dimensions, force, work and energy, linear momentum and collisions, circular motion and
gravitation, rotational motion and equilibrium.

Credit: 0.50
Prerequisite: One of OAC or Grade 12U Biology, Chemistry, or Physics
Exclusion: PC100*, PC110*, PC131, PC151, PC161, SC100

Course Outlines
I. Introduction
2. One-Dimensional Kinematics
3. Vectors in Physics
4. Two-Dimensional Kinematics
5. Newtons Laws of Motion
6. Applications of Newtons Laws
7. Work and Kinetic Energy
8. Potential Energy and Conservation of Energy
9. Linear Momentum and Collisions
10. Rotational Kinematics and Energy
11. Rotational Dynamics and Static Equilibrium
12. Gravity
Course location, meeting times and days

Section Days Times Room Instructor

Lecture A MWF 09:30 am - 10:20 am BA201 Dr. Maher Ahmed
Lab L1 M 02:30 pm - 04:20 pm N2089 Dr. Hasan Shodiev
Lab L2 M 04:30 pm - 06:20 pm N2089 Dr. Hasan Shodiev
Lab L3 T 12:30 pm - 02:20 pm N2089 Dr. Hasan Shodiev
Lab L4 T 12:30 pm - 02:20 pm N2089 Dr. Hasan Shodiev
Lab L5 T 02:30 pm - 04:20 pm N2089 Dr. Hasan Shodiev
Lab L6 T 04:30 pm - 06:20 pm N2089 Dr. Hasan Shodiev
Lab L7 W 12:30 pm - 02:20 pm N2089 Dr. Hasan Shodiev
Lab L9 W 02:30 pm - 04:20 pm N2089 Dr. Hasan Shodiev
Lab L10 W 02:30 pm - 04:20 pm N2089 Dr. Hasan Shodiev
Lab L11 W 04:30 pm - 06:20 pm N2089 Dr. Hasan Shodiev
Lab L12 W 04:30 pm - 06:20 pm N2089 Dr. Hasan Shodiev
Lab L13 R 12:30 pm - 02:20 pm N2089 Dr. Hasan Shodiev
Lab L14 R 02:30 pm - 04:20 pm N2089 Dr. Hasan Shodiev

Course Goals and Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course students should be able to:

Understand the basics of physics: motion, force, work, energy and momentum.

Course Textbook
Physics, 5th Edition
James S. Walker, Western Washington University

Publisher: Pearson 2017

Tools and Learning Materials

Mastering physics at https://www.masteringphysics.com/site/login.html
You will submit online assignments
You will need to buy a code (that comes with the text book from the book store) or order it online.

The course id is PC141SEP2017

Student Evaluation for pc141

Assessment Weighting
6 Assignments 10%
6 Quizzes 10%
Labs 20%
Final Exam 60%
Total 100%

In addition, you will need to pass the lab with at least 10/20 to pass the course.

Student Evaluation for pc161

Assessment Weighting
6 Assignments 20%
6 Quizzes 20%
Final Exam 60%
Total 100%

Break: From Oct 9 to Oct 13 2017

Learning Activities, Assignments, Tests, Quizzes and Examinations

During the first 6 weeks you will have 3 assignments and 3 quizzes. You will have an assignment and a
quiz after completing the motion in one dimension, and after completing the motion in two dimensions
and after completing the forces.

During the last 6 weeks you will have 3 assignments and 3 quizzes. You will have an assignment and a
quiz after completing the work and energy, you will have an assignment and a quiz after completing the
momentum, and you will have an assignment and quiz after completing the circular motion and
gravitation.

If a student miss a quiz or an assignment he/she does not need to show the reason for missing it since the
worst mark for the assignments and for the quizzes will be dropped. However, if he/she missed more than
one assignment or one quiz he/she must show the reasons for missing all missed assignments and quizzes.

The assignments will help students to understand the materials and prepare them for the quizzes.
Assignments, quizzes and examples discussed during lectures will help students to answer the questions
in the final exam.
Weekly Schedule(s) (lecture)

Week # Topic, Theme or Unit of Study Activities

Week 1,2 Introduction to mastering physics Assignment 1 and Quiz 1
Motion in one dimension

Week 3,4 Motion in two dimensions Assignment 2 and Quiz 2

Week 5,6 Force Assignment 3 and Quiz 3

Week 7,8 Work and energy Assignment 4 and Quiz 4

Week 9,10 Momentum Assignment 5 and Quiz 5

Week 11,12 Circular Motion and Gravitation Assignment 6 and Quiz 6

Rotational Motion and Equilibrium

Regulations
1. Special Needs: Students with disabilities or special needs are advised to contact Lauriers
Accessible Learning Centre for information regarding its services and resources.
https://www.wlu.ca/accessible-learning/
Students are encouraged to review the Academic Calendar for information regarding all services
available on campus.

2. Plagiarism: Wilfrid Laurier University uses software that can check for plagiarism. If requested to
do so by the instructor, students are required to submit their written work in electronic form and
have it checked for plagiarism. (Approved by Senate May 14, 2002)

Academic Integrity: Laurier is committed to a culture of integrity within and beyond the
classroom. This culture values trustworthiness (i.e., honesty, integrity, reliability), fairness,
caring, respect, responsibility and citizenship. Together, we have a shared responsibility to
uphold this culture in our academic and nonacademic behaviour.
As a Laurier student you are responsible for familiarizing yourself with this policy and the
accompanying penalty guidelines, some of which may appear on your transcript if there is a
finding of misconduct. The relevant policy can be found at Laurier's academic integrity
website along with resources to educate and support you in upholding a culture of integrity.
Ignorance is not a defense.

3. Classroom Use of Electronic Devices: You should turn off your cell phone during the lecture.

4. Late Assignment Policy: late assignments will be marked zero.

5. Final Examinations: Students are strongly urged not to make any commitments (i.e., vacation)
during the examination period. Students are required to be available for examinations during the
examination periods of all terms in which they register. Refer to the Handbook on
Undergraduate Course Management for more information.
6. Foot Patrol, the Wellness Centre, and the Student Food Bank:

Multi-campus Resource:

Good2Talk is a postsecondary school helpline that provides free, professional and

confidential counselling support for students in Ontario. Call 1-866-925-5454 or through 2-
1-1. Available 24-7.

Kitchener/Waterloo Resources:

Waterloo Student Food Bank: All students are eligible to use this service to ensure theyre
eating healthy when overwhelmed, stressed or financially strained. Anonymously request a
package online 24-7. All dietary restrictions accommodated.

Waterloo Foot Patrol: 519.886.FOOT (3668). A volunteer operated safe-walk program,

available Fall and Winter daily from 6:30 pm to 3 am. Teams of two are assigned to escort
students to and from campus by foot or by van.

Waterloo Student Wellness Centre: 519-884-0710, x3146. The Centre supports the physical,
emotional, and mental health needs of students. Located on the 2 nd floor of the Student
Services Building, booked and same-day appointments are available Mondays and
Wednesdays from 8:30 am to 7:30 pm, and Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 8:30 am to
4:15 pm. Contact the Centre at x3146, wellness@wlu.ca or @LaurierWellness. After hours
crisis support available 24/7. Call 1-844-437-3247 (HERE247).