Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2025 - PHYS 140 D100

Studio Physics - Mechanics and Modern Physics (4)

Class Number: 4998

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Mon, Wed, Fri, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
    Surrey

  • Prerequisites:

    BC Principles of Physics 12, or PHYS 100 or equivalent, with a minimum grade of C-. Corequisite: MATH 150 or 151 or 154.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A general calculus-based introduction to mechanics taught in an integrated lecture-laboratory environment. Topics include translational and rotational motion, momentum, energy, gravitation, and selected topics in modern physics. Students with credit for PHYS 125 or 120 or 101 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.

COURSE DETAILS:

Motion in one, two and three dimensions. Newton's laws and applications, work, energy, momentum, collisions, circular motion, gravitation. Rotational motion, torque, angular momentum, rigid bodies in equilibrium, simple harmonic motion, nuclei and particles, quantum phenomena.

Course delivery:
All classes and exams are in-person.

Please note that this class meets MWF from 3:30-5:20. The lecture, tutorial and laboratory sessions are combined to create a better learning experience. Attendance for the whole time is required for this course.

Grading

  • Online Assignments 5%
  • Written Homework 7%
  • Activity Guides 15%
  • 3 Midterm Exams (15% + 20% + 20%) 55%
  • Project 15%
  • Quizzes 3%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Textbook:

Open Stax University Physics Vol 1 (free at https://openstax.org/details/books/university-physics-volume-1)

Online homework: Expert TA (more information TBA)

Lab fees is applicable

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

Students who cannot write their exam during the course's scheduled exam time must request accommodation from their instructor in writing, clearly stating the reason for this request, within one week of the final exam schedule being posted.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.