Course Description
University Prep Physics is designed for students who have never taken physics, or who want to improve their knowledge before taking a university physics course. Designed in consultation with professors in the Dalhousie Physics Department, successful completion of this non-credit course will be accepted as the pre-requisite for Physics 1100 or Physics 1300 by Dalhousie University. University Prep Physics is equivalent to Nova Scotia Grade 12 Physics.
Course Outline
Course Topics Covered:
- Kinematics in One Dimension: Includes algebraic and graphical analysis, dimensionally analysis
- Kinematics in Two Dimensions: Includes vector algebra, projectile motion and relative velocity
- Dynamics: Includes Newton's laws, freebody diagrams
- Circular/Gravitation: Includes dynamics of circular motion, universal gravitation, Kepler's laws
- Work and Energy: Includes work by forces, work-energy theorem, conservation of mechanical energy
- Linear Momentum: Includes impulse, change in momentum, conservation of momentum (1 and 2 dimensional), centre of mass
- Electrostatics: Includes fields and forces
- Electric Potential: Includes work moving charges, fields, electron volt
- Electric Currents: Includes Kirchhoff's rules
- Magnetism and Electromagnetism: Includes hand rules, charges and wires in magnetic fields, Lenz's law, motors, transformers.
What You Will Learn
Throughout the course, the emphasis will be on improving students’ problem-solving skills.
Notes
Students should be prepared to spend a minimum of 10-15 hours per week in order to learn the material and to complete exercises. There is no laboratory work. Evaluation will be based on engagement/discussions, a midterm, and final exam. A detailed course outline will be provided on the first day of the course.
* University Prep courses are non-credit preparatory courses. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that each course they enrol in is accepted at other post-secondary institutions, beyond Dalhousie University.
For more University Prep courses, click here.
The Faculty of OLCD recommends an intermediate level of English language proficiency for the most effective learning and participation in our online and face-to-face courses. A list of minimum recommended scores on some common English tests can be found on our website. If you have questions about your English language proficiency and ability to succeed in this course, please contact openlearning@dal.ca.
Prerequisites
Completion of NS Math 12 Pre-Calculus or minimum grade of 70% in NS Math Academic.Testimonials
"Mr. Amirault is one of the most fun and entertaining teachers that I have every had the pleasure of being around. He has a lot of passion and dedication towards the topic of physics and looks to educate the students in the best and most efficient way that he possibly can.”
~ Ryan Joyce
“Tony is a fantastic instructor; he brings knowledge and enthusiasm to ensure the material is well understood…..fast paced teaching with an effective method.”
~ Kyle Brooks
“Tony explains physics concepts in a clear way, and solves many, many problems in class to drive home the ways to approach them. As someone who is really intimidated by the topic, I find Tony (Amirault) makes it feel more friendly and approachable with his teaching style. He’s great!"
~ Collette Robertson