Skagit Valley College

Catalog Course Search Details

This course has been changed from the previous catalog, the changed field(s) are highlighted in red:

 Course Title:   General Physics I

 Title Abbreviation:   GENERAL PHYSICS I

 Department:    PHYS&

 Course #:    134

 Credits:    5

 Variable:     No

 IUs:    5

 CIP:    400801

 EPC:    n/a

 REV:    2021


 Course Description  

Algebra-based physics course. The subject matter is mechanics with emphasis on Newton's laws, energy, momentum, and rotational motion.

 Prerequisite  

Prerequisite: MATH 099 with a grade of "C" or higher; and ENGL 099 with a grade of "C" or higher (or placement into college-level English). AND Co-requisite: Concurrent enrollment in PHYS& 124.

Additional Course Details

Contact Hours (based on 11 week quarter)

Lecture: 55

Lab: 0

Other: 0

Systems: 0

Clinical: 0


Intent: Distribution Requirement(s) Status:  

Academic Natural Sciences  

Equivalencies At Other Institutions

Other Institution Equivalencies Table
Institution Course # Remarks
CWU 111
U of W 114
WSU 1XX Transfers as 101 when student completes General Physics I and II with labs
WWU Transfers as 114 when student completes General Physics I

Learning Outcomes

After completing this course, the student will be able to:

  1. Know and be able to apply the concepts, laws and principles of classical mechanics (kinematics, dynamics, energy, and momentum) to explain or predict physical phenomena.
  2. Solve numerical problems in classical mechanics using appropriate physical laws, principles, and mathematical techniques (including equations and graphs) for variables such as velocity, acceleration, force, energy, momentum, etc.
  3. Construct and use Free-Body Diagrams to solve for unknown variables in static and dynamic systems.
  4. Use conservation and non-conservation techniques to solve momentum and energy problems.
  5. NATURAL SCIENCES: Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental concepts in at least one scientific discipline.

General Education Learning Values & Outcomes

Revised August 2008 and affects outlines for 2008 year 1 and later.

Course Contents

  1. Scalars and vectors
  2. Kinematics:
    • Displacement, velocity, and acceleration
  3. Statics and dynamics
    • Newton's Laws, forces, and equilibrium
  4. Circular motion and satellite motion
  5. Work, power and energy
  6. Momentum, impulse, and center of mass
  7. Rotational kinematics and dynamics