PHYS 1101 - General Physics Lab I - Course Information

Sep 27, 2026

PHYS 1101: General Physics Lab I outlines course logistics, instructor details, and a lab-centered learning model linking theoretical predictions with experimental results. The curriculum starts with a review of applied mathematics and laboratory equipment use, then emphasizes mechanics experiments covering motion, forces, energy conservation, and momentum. Students build measurement, data interpretation, error evaluation, and uncertainty analysis skills, alongside collaboration, critical thinking, problem-solving, and scientific communication. Completion outcomes include performing experiments, recording accurately, analyzing linear motion components, applying Newton’s laws, using energy principles, and applying impulse and linear momentum to solve problems.

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Pages13

Reading Time33 min

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PHYS 1101: General Physics Lab I Fall 2025 Course Information: Course: PHYS 1101 Name: General Physics Lab I Section: 01L Lab Meeting: Wednesdays at 8:00 AM Location: ST 379 Instructor Information: Name: Sai Madhav Modumudi e-mail: [smodumudi@tamusa.edu](smodumudi@tamusa.edu) [Office: ST 379](Office: ST 379) Office hours: Tu Th 5:00 – 6:00 PM Course Description: Over the past century, physics has undergone a revolutionary transformation through theories such as quantum mechanics and general relativity. These theories have expanded our understanding of the universe, from the smallest atomic scales to the largest cosmological ones. The application of these theories has significantly advanced other natural sciences and engineering disciplines, shaping innovations that impact our daily lives. For example, airplanes, MRI machines, satellites, metal detectors, smartphones and many other technological advancements would not exist without the underlying knowledge of the physical principles. Physics, therefore, serves an important purpose in modern science, technology and engineering. This course provides students enrolled in PHYS 1301 with a hands-on learning experience that highlights the essential relationship between theory and experimentation. Neither theory nor experiment stands alone: theoretical predictions guide the design of experiments, and experimental results inspire new theoretical models. The course begins with a review of core skills, including applied mathematics, the proper use of laboratory equipment, and the application of tools such as Excel for data recording, visualization and analysis. Students will then conduct a sequence of laboratory experiments centered on mechanics, exploring fundamental topics such as motion, forces, energy conservation and momentum. These experiments not only reinforce core physics concepts but also provide practical training in measurement techniques, data interpretation, error evaluation, and uncertainty analysis. In addition to technical proficiency, the course emphasizes broader scientific practices. Students will develop skills in collaboration, critical thinking, problemsolving and scientific communication, all of which are essential for success in STEM fields. By uniting theoretical understanding with practical application, this course provides more than laboratory training it builds a strong foundation for future study in physics and related disciplines while demonstrating the power of physics to explain, predict, and shape the world around us. Co-requisite: PHYS 1301. Prerequisite: TSI Reading/Writing/Math. Course Objectives and Learning Outcomes: 1. Critical Thinking: Students will understand the use of logical discussion and analysis through one or more activities such as comparing multiple viewpoints and explaining the use of the scientific method. 2. Communication Skills: Students will understand the use of writing, oral, and visual literacy skills to communicate persuasively and exchange information appropriate to the subject, occasion, and audience. 3. Empirical & Quantitative Skills: Students will understand mathematical concepts and explain mathematical, technological, and quantitative tools for use in science and everyday life, resulting in informed conclusions. 4. Teamwork: Students will understand the use of teamwork skills for collaborative lab activities. 5. Learning outcomes: Upon successful completion of this course, students will demonstrate skills necessary to set up and perform experiments, collect data, and formulate conclusions from an experiment. Record experimental work completely and accurately and communicate experimental results clearly in written reports. Determine the components of linear motion, including displacement, velocity, acceleration, and motion under conditions of constant acceleration. Apply Newton’s laws to physical problems including gravity. Solve problems using principles of energy. Use princip

FAQs

What prerequisite and co-requisite are required for PHYS 1101?

The co-requisite is PHYS 1301. The prerequisite is TSI Reading/Writing/Math.

What topics are covered in the lab experiments?

The lab sequence centers on mechanics, including motion, forces, energy conservation, and momentum.

How are lab assignments and materials provided?

There is no published lab manual or required textbook; lab write-ups and reading assignments are available on Blackboard before the lab date, printed copies are provided during the lab, and homework/pre-labs are assigned on Khan Academy.

Sep 27, 2026

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