|
|
 |
|
|
| AP Physics
B |
 |
|
Advanced placement course, year-long
AP Physics B is a year-long curriculum for students who are interested in studying physics as part of the basis for more advanced work in college in the life sciences, medicine, geology, or related areas. The course focuses on developing conceptual understanding and problem-solving abilities. A hands-on laboratory component is included. The curriculum is comprehensive, as it covers the following areas of physics with the approximate percentage coverage as given:- Newtonian Mechanics (35%)
- Fluid Mechanics and Thermal Physics (15%)
- Electricity and Magnetism (25%)
- Waves and Optics (15%)
- Atomic and Nuclear Physics (10%)
Course Goals and Expectations:
The primary goals of the course are to provide a broad overview of introductory physics at the level and with the scope of the AP Physics B curriculum and to develop the associated skills in problem solving and laboratory work. Achieving these goals in an online course is more challenging than in a traditional course, because students must use the textbook and associated online materials as the primary resources for content and problem-solving strategies. Moreover, students need to be able to keep to a fast-paced schedule with less direct involvement from the instructor than in a traditional course. The instructor will set goals and provide instructions for completing weekly assignments, evaluate the student's work, and provide feedback.
Success in mastering the broad AP B curriculum typically requires that students make a minimum 2-hour daily commitment to the course throughout the year. Students also perform laboratory experiments and therefore must have access to the necessary lab equipment. The level of mathematics is algebra and trigonometry, and students must have a good background in precalculus. A prior course in introductory physics at the honors level is recommended, but a course in chemistry is sufficient.
Prerequisites:
Successful completion of a precalculus course and an introductory course in physics or chemistry
|
Course Instructor
- Dr. Loren Winters
Dr. Loren Winters has been teaching physics for 35 years, and the last 19
of those years have been at NCSSM. He's taught AP-level physics all of those
years and has been teaching AP Physics B online for the past 3 years. He
did research in atomic physics at Kansas State University, where he earned
his
PhD in 1974. In addition to physics, Dr. Winters teaches high-speed photography
at NCSSM and has given presentations and workshops on the subject throughout
the US and abroad.
|
|
|
