SCIE101 Physical Science

Department of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics: Science

  1. Course Number and Title

    SCIE101 Physical Science

  2. Number of Credits

    3 credits

  3. Minimum Number of Instructional Minutes Per Semester

    2250 minutes

  4. Prerequisites

    Reading Placement test Level 3, or READ110 (C or better), Math Placement test score of 5 or higher, or MATH095 (C or better)

    Corequisites

    None

  5. Other Pertinent Information

    Satisfies core requirement, Scientific calculator required

  6. Catalog Course Description

    Physical Science provides an introduction to the phenomena of motion, force, energy, matter, sound, electricity, magnetism, and light. Emphasis is placed on studying nature's basic laws and how they govern human experience.

  7. Required Course Content and Direction

    1. Learning Goals:

      The students will be able to:
      1. describe the development of the fundamental laws of physics.
      2. demonstrate how basic physical principles are applied.
      3. identify the observable and experimental bases of science and relate them to the basic scientific discipline of physics.
      4. recognize the role of responsible citizens in participating in governmental policy and funding decisions that pertain to science.

      Core Learning Goals:

      Category I:
      Mathematics or Science: The students will:
      1. develop the ability to analyze, interpret, and apply quantitative information.
      2. learn the scientific method of analysis and apply it in a variety of situations.

      Core Learning Objectives:

      Category I:
      Mathematics or Science: The students will be able to:
      1. accurately translate descriptive problems into mathematical formulas and solve them. (1)
      2. apply the scientific method by explaining and identifying its components in a variety of situations. (2)
      3. evaluate and graph data. (1)

      Category III:
      Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: The students will be able to:
      1. demonstrate an understanding of solving problems by:
        1. recognizing the problem
        2. reviewing information about the problem
        3. developing plausible solutions
        4. evaluating the results

    2. Planned Sequence of Topics and/or Learning Activities:

      The primary objective of this survey course in Physical Science is to have the students achieve the stated goals of the course within the framework of the concepts and topics listed below.

      1. Mechanics: motion, Newton's laws, momentum, energy, rotational motion, gravity
      2. Properties of Matter: the atomic nature of matter, solids, liquids, gases, and plasmas
      3. Heat: temperature, heat, thermal expansion, heat transfer, change of phase, thermodynamics
      4. Sound: vibrations and waves, properties of sound, musical sounds
      5. Electricity and Magnetism: electrostatics, electric current, magnetic effects, induction
      6. Light: properties of light, color, reflection and refraction, light waves, light emission, light quanta

    3. Assessment Methods for Core Learning Goals:

      • Category I: Mathematics or Science - Students will be assessed through written, mathematical, and scientific exercises.
      • Category III: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving - Students will be assessed through written, mathematical, and scientific exercises.
      • Course-specific Learning Goals - Students will be assessed through various types of exams, written assignments, and written, mathematical, and scientific exercises.

    4. Reference, Resource, or Learning Materials to be used by Students:

      Text, laboratory and demonstration equipment, internet resources, library, science learning center. Please refer to course format for specific information.

  8. Teaching Methods Employed

    Lectures, demonstrations, exercises, hands-on activities, and video material.

Review/Approval Date - 12/07; Core Goals/Objectives added 11/04