Syllabus Fall 2015
Welcome to Physical Science-PHYSCI 101!
We will explore the sciences of physics and chemistry, and the role these sciences play in everyday life on Earth. Since astronomy utilizes many scientific topics of physics and chemistry, we will occasionally include the science of astronomy in our discussions.
Image credit : NASA APOD 1998
Course Materials
Recommended: An Introduction to Physical Science, 13th edition (custom or regular) by Shipman, Wilson, and Higgins (Cengage)
Required: Real World Science: Physics and Chemistry Applications Lab Manual by Ciardi (Cengage)
Calculator
While there is no math pre-requisite, natural sciences are inherently quantitative, so you will be expected to do some problem solving. We will practice problem-solving techniques in class, so come prepared to work. Expected reading and lecture slides will provide the framework for daily discussions and exercises.
How to succeed in this class
Come to class! Be actively engaged in learning science concepts. Indulge your curiosity, ask questions, don’t be afraid to be wrong about something. Practice your homework. Thinking like a scientist takes lots of practice and learning to solve problems takes even more. Let yourself attempt answers even if you are uncertain. Enjoy wondering about the world in which we live.
Academic Honesty
I encourage you to form study groups and work together on homework, however, you must turn in your own original work. You are expected to adhere to the guidelines given in the
Attendance and Mobile Device Policy
You know what’s going on in your life and I don’t. You are the only person who can make decisions about when it may be necessary to miss a class. Please take into account that it will not possible to make up any missed worked. I do not need to know why you missed class; however, if you miss 4 consecutive classes or your attendance is irregular, I may drop you from the class unless you notify me of extenuating circumstances.
Classroom Behavior Policy
Treat your fellow students and me with courtesy. Please avoid conversation at times when this may distract your classmates or me. Behavior that is not respectful of others may result in your being asked to leave the class. If it is not courteous, don't do it
Research has shown that the use of smart phones, tablets and laptops during lecture results in poorer grades. This is true even when students use these devices to carry out on-topic research! (Duncan et. al., 2012, AER 11, 010108). While I don’t recommend using your phone during class, electronic device use is only forbidden during quizzes/tests/exams.
Science Project
Your task is to demonstrate use of the scientific method. Each student is required to choose and present a science project related to the topics studied in this course. You may work in pairs (that means two people) with documentation of each person's contributions. The science project must include an experiment and demonstrate all elements of the scientific method. You will be asked to submit your project ideas for pre-approval. It is expected that you will exercise caution and utilize safety protocols as you would in lab. Points will be deducted from your score if you are late or absent for any presentations; attendance to all presentations is This project takes the place of a lab final.
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Homework & Activities
Homework assignments will be a combination of questions chosen from the end of the chapters in your textbook and additional questions written by me. Practicing the homework is a useful study tool; think of homework as practice for the test. Be prepared to work on the homework assignments in class/lab when time permits. Always plan to work in class and in lab as a team.
Laboratory Time
You will be held accountable for all laboratory safety guidelines. Four of the "titled" lab activities will count as extra credit if you are present for every lab. You will be working in teams of 2-4 people, and these teams will change randomly throughout the semester. Each person on a team is expected to contribute to the process of gathering supplies, following procedures, discussing general questions, and clean-up. You are expected to collaborate with everyone in your group. All lab procedures must be completed in lab and general questions should be completed in lab when time permits. Each "titled" lab activity is worth 10 points.
quizzes (individual).
Graded Work
There will be three tests during the term. Each test will consist of multiple choice questions, short answer written responses, and word problems.
The final exam will take place during the last class session and will be a cumulative exam. Your lowest test score may be replaced by a higher final exam score.
Your science project will account for 5% of your grade. A detailed grade rubric for this project is provided on the class website.
A short quiz will be given at the beginning of each class period.
Homework assignments will also contribute to your overall grade in the class. The majority of points in this category will be based on completion.
Category Each Total
3 Tests 10% 30%
Final Exam 15%
Laboratory 20%
Homework 10%
Science Project 5%
Quizzes 20%
Questions
Please ask questions! All relevant questions are welcome, so please interrupt me whenever you have one!
Message
Plan to work hard and be actively engaged all semester, from day one. Material builds upon each concept learned. If you wait until mid-semester to start focusing on this course, you may find yourself very lost. Extra credit will not "save your grade", and requests for extra credit will not be granted.
We will explore the sciences of physics and chemistry, and the role these sciences play in everyday life on Earth. Since astronomy utilizes many scientific topics of physics and chemistry, we will occasionally include the science of astronomy in our discussions.
Image credit : NASA APOD 1998
Course Materials
Recommended: An Introduction to Physical Science, 13th edition (custom or regular) by Shipman, Wilson, and Higgins (Cengage)
Required: Real World Science: Physics and Chemistry Applications Lab Manual by Ciardi (Cengage)
Calculator
While there is no math pre-requisite, natural sciences are inherently quantitative, so you will be expected to do some problem solving. We will practice problem-solving techniques in class, so come prepared to work. Expected reading and lecture slides will provide the framework for daily discussions and exercises.
How to succeed in this class
Come to class! Be actively engaged in learning science concepts. Indulge your curiosity, ask questions, don’t be afraid to be wrong about something. Practice your homework. Thinking like a scientist takes lots of practice and learning to solve problems takes even more. Let yourself attempt answers even if you are uncertain. Enjoy wondering about the world in which we live.
Academic Honesty
I encourage you to form study groups and work together on homework, however, you must turn in your own original work. You are expected to adhere to the guidelines given in the
Attendance and Mobile Device Policy
You know what’s going on in your life and I don’t. You are the only person who can make decisions about when it may be necessary to miss a class. Please take into account that it will not possible to make up any missed worked. I do not need to know why you missed class; however, if you miss 4 consecutive classes or your attendance is irregular, I may drop you from the class unless you notify me of extenuating circumstances.
Classroom Behavior Policy
Treat your fellow students and me with courtesy. Please avoid conversation at times when this may distract your classmates or me. Behavior that is not respectful of others may result in your being asked to leave the class. If it is not courteous, don't do it
Research has shown that the use of smart phones, tablets and laptops during lecture results in poorer grades. This is true even when students use these devices to carry out on-topic research! (Duncan et. al., 2012, AER 11, 010108). While I don’t recommend using your phone during class, electronic device use is only forbidden during quizzes/tests/exams.
Science Project
Your task is to demonstrate use of the scientific method. Each student is required to choose and present a science project related to the topics studied in this course. You may work in pairs (that means two people) with documentation of each person's contributions. The science project must include an experiment and demonstrate all elements of the scientific method. You will be asked to submit your project ideas for pre-approval. It is expected that you will exercise caution and utilize safety protocols as you would in lab. Points will be deducted from your score if you are late or absent for any presentations; attendance to all presentations is This project takes the place of a lab final.
.
.
Homework & Activities
Homework assignments will be a combination of questions chosen from the end of the chapters in your textbook and additional questions written by me. Practicing the homework is a useful study tool; think of homework as practice for the test. Be prepared to work on the homework assignments in class/lab when time permits. Always plan to work in class and in lab as a team.
Laboratory Time
You will be held accountable for all laboratory safety guidelines. Four of the "titled" lab activities will count as extra credit if you are present for every lab. You will be working in teams of 2-4 people, and these teams will change randomly throughout the semester. Each person on a team is expected to contribute to the process of gathering supplies, following procedures, discussing general questions, and clean-up. You are expected to collaborate with everyone in your group. All lab procedures must be completed in lab and general questions should be completed in lab when time permits. Each "titled" lab activity is worth 10 points.
quizzes (individual).
Graded Work
There will be three tests during the term. Each test will consist of multiple choice questions, short answer written responses, and word problems.
The final exam will take place during the last class session and will be a cumulative exam. Your lowest test score may be replaced by a higher final exam score.
Your science project will account for 5% of your grade. A detailed grade rubric for this project is provided on the class website.
A short quiz will be given at the beginning of each class period.
Homework assignments will also contribute to your overall grade in the class. The majority of points in this category will be based on completion.
Category Each Total
3 Tests 10% 30%
Final Exam 15%
Laboratory 20%
Homework 10%
Science Project 5%
Quizzes 20%
Questions
Please ask questions! All relevant questions are welcome, so please interrupt me whenever you have one!
Message
Plan to work hard and be actively engaged all semester, from day one. Material builds upon each concept learned. If you wait until mid-semester to start focusing on this course, you may find yourself very lost. Extra credit will not "save your grade", and requests for extra credit will not be granted.