Catalog Description: This course emphasizes the fundamental principles in physics, chemistry, geology, astronomy, meteorology, and environmental science. Emphasis is placed on the interrelationships among these various fields of science using an inquiry approach.
Lecture Hr
Semester Credit Hours: 4 Lecture Hours per Week: Lab Hours per Week: Contact Hours per Semester: 96 State Approval Code: 4001015100
Perspectives (Those marked with a √ reflect the state-mandated perspectives
taught in this course.)
Establish broad and multiple perspectives
on the individual in relationship to the larger society and world in which
he/she lives, and to understand the responsibilities of living in a culturally
and ethnically diversified world.
Stimulate a capacity to discuss and
reflect upon individual, political, economic, and social aspects of life in
order to understand ways in which to be a responsible member of society.
Recognize the importance
of maintaining health and wellness.
Develop a capacity to use knowledge
of how technology and science affect their lives.
Develop personal values for ethical
behavior.
Develop the ability to make
aesthetic judgments.
Use logical reasoning in problem solving.
Integrate knowledge and understand
the interrelationships of the scholarly disciplines.
Exemplary Objectives (Those marked with a √ reflect state-mandated exemplary
objectives taught in this course.)
Natural Sciences: The objective of the study of
a natural sciences component of a core curriculum is to enable the student
to understand, construct, and evaluate relationships in the natural sciences,
and to enable the student to understand the bases for building and testing
theories.
To understand and apply method and appropriate technology to the study
of natural sciences.
To recognize scientific and quantitative methods and the differences
between these approaches and other methods of inquiry and to communicate
findings, analyses, and interpretation both orally and in writing.
To identify and recognize the differences among competing scientific
theories.
To demonstrate knowledge of the major issues and problems facing modern
science, including issues that touch upon ethics, values and public
policies.
To demonstrate knowledge of the interdependence of science and technology
and their influence on, and contribution to, modern culture.
Instructional Goals and Purposes:
Lee College's instructional goals include 1) creating an academic atmosphere
in which students may develop their intellects and skills and 2) providing
courses so students may receive a certificate/an associate degree or transfer
to a senior institution that offers baccalaureate degrees.
General Course Objectives:
Successful completion of this course will promote the general student learning
outcomes listed below. The student will be able
To become acquainted with the basic fundamental physical laws and principles
which govern and give meaning to our universe.
To develop an understanding of scientific methods and the evolution
of scientific
thought.
To explain physical phenomena in proper, clear, technical terms.
To correctly identify basic physical principles and specify the procedural
knowledge to arrive at a solution for some desired unknown, when presented
with problem situations.
To demonstrate mathematical skills necessary to carry an argument from
the
"givens" to the "to finds" alluded in (4) above.
To develop laboratory techniques of experimenting, measuring, data
evaluation,
presentation of results, and drawing inferences from these results.
Specific Course Objectives:
Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able
To demonstrate knowledge and understanding of basic physical concepts
and principles.
Demonstrate insights into associations and relationships among the
physical
sciences.
Demonstrate comprehension of the concept of proportionality in physical
principles.
Use abstract and analytical reasoning.
Visualize and analyze graphical and pictorial information.
Calculate simple quantities from mathematically formulated principles.
Identify and assess quantitative information.
Demonstrate comprehension of the development of scientific thought.
Demonstrate comprehension of the variables, descriptions, and principles
of
motion and gravitation.
Demonstrate comprehension of the abstract ideas of energy and momentum.
Demonstrate comprehension of various conservation laws and their importance.
Demonstrate comprehension of the nature of thermal energy and the
kinetic theory
of matter.
Demonstrate comprehension of the basic laws and properties of atoms.
Recognize and discuss in expository form certain recurring themes
in the unified
system of science.
Write logical, clear and parsimonious expositions that demonstrate
mastery of the
nature of physical science.
Collect data, analyze it and submit reports that demonstrate comprehension
of the
principles and processes involved.
Course Content:
Students will be required to do the following:
Unit One
Explain the scientific method.
Differentiate between basic and applied science.
Define and explain theory, hypothesis, fact, experiment, and law.
Discuss ethics of science.
Demonstrate dimensional analysis
Use metric/English conversions.
Work with scientific notation.
Explain Newton’s laws of motion, mass velocity, acceleration, and
force.
Explain Newton’s law of gravitation.
Unit Two
Differentiate between kinetic and potential energy.
Demonstrate and understanding of other forms of energy.
Explain the first and second laws of thermodynamics.
Explain electric fields and magnetic fields.
Define specific heat capacity.
Unit Three
Describe the phases of matter.
Differentiate among element, compound, and mixture.
Explain and diagram atomic structure.
Describe periodic properties of elements.
Differentiate different types of chemical bonds.
Explain types of chemical reactions.
Balance chemical equations.
Define acids and bases.
Explain characteristics of acids and bases.
Explain oxidation-reduction reactions.
Explain the pH scale.
Unit Four
Describe the earth’s internal properties.
Differentiate between rocks and minerals.
Summarize characteristics of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks.
Describe the rock cycle.
Describe the hydrologic cycle
Explain water and surface processes.
Define groundwater.
Explain the significance of surface water and drainage systems.
Describe the atmosphere and oceans and explain their interactions.
Unit Five
Describe the solar system.
Summarize the history of the earth.
Describe the birth, life, and death of stars.
Explain black holes.
Methods of Instruction/Course Format/Delivery:
Faculty may choose from but are not limited to the following methods of instruction:
lecture, discussion, Internet, video, television, demonstrations, field trips,
collaboration, readings.
Assessment:
Faculty may assign both in- and out-of-class activities to evaluate students'
knowledge and abilities. Faculty may choose from the following methods:
Attendance
Book reviews
Class preparedness and participation
Collaborative learning projects
Compositions
Exams/tests/quizzes
Homework
Internet
Journals
Library assignments
Readings
Research papers
Scientific observations
Student-teacher conferences
Written assignments
Course Grade:
Students' final grades are determined by the following grading scheme:
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