Attendance:
Seven lecture absences or three laboratory absences can result in withdrawal from the course.
Absences can be excused for medical or official education-related travel.
Appropriate documentation is required such as a note from the physician (doctor) or,
in the case of education-related travel, some form of written communication from official sponsors of the travel.
Drug policy:
No betel nut in class.
No chewing of betel nut during class nor during outdoor laboratories.
Chewing betel nut during class can result in dismissal from class for that day.
Learning outcomes:
A. Institutional Learning Outcomes:
2. Effective written communication: development and expression of ideas in writing through work in many genres and styles, utilizing different writing technologies, and mixing texts, data, and images through iterative experiences across the curriculum.
4. Problem solving: capacity to design, evaluate, and implement a strategy to answer an open-ended question or achieve a desired goal.
8. Quantitative Reasoning: ability to reason and solve quantitative problems from a wide array of authentic contexts and everyday life situations; comprehends and can create sophisticated arguments supported by quantitative evidence and can clearly communicate those arguments in a variety of formats.
B. Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs):
GE 1.1 Write a clear, well-organized paper using documentation and quantitative tools when appropriate.
GE 3.2 Present and interpret numeric information in graphic forms.
GE 3.4 Define and explain the concepts, principles, and theories of a field of science.
GE 3.5 Perform experiments that gather scientific information and to utilize, interpret,
and explain the results of experiments and field work in a field of science
C. Course and specific Student Learning Outcomes:
The student will be able to:
1. Explore physical science systems using scientific methodologies
1.1 Explore the laws of conservation of momentum and energy and demonstrate an understanding of the concept of conservation in physical science.
1.2 Define and explain Newton's three laws of motion
1.3 Explain the difference between heat and temperature, investigate the transfer of thermal energy.
1.4 Describe and define basic meteorological and climate concepts.
1.5 Define and calculate electrical current, voltage, power, and resistance.
1.6 Describe and define basic concepts in chemistry.
1.7 Describe and define basic concepts in astronomy and cosmology.
2. Generate mathematical models for physical science systems and use appropriate mathematical techniques and concepts to obtain quantitative solutions to problems in physical science.
2.1 Calculate and describe the relationship between time and distance for systems exhibiting linear motion
2.2 Calculate and describe the relationship between time and distance for systems exhibiting accelerated motion
2.3 Calculate and define the relationships among wave frequency, wave length, amplitude, and wave velocity
2.4 Calculate the relationship between minutes of latitude and longitude and meters, define and explain latitude and longitude.
2.5 Calculate and investigate optical relationships.
3. Demonstrate basic communication skills by working in groups on laboratory experiments and by writing up the result of experiments, including thoughtful discussion and interpretation of data, in a formal format using spreadsheet and word processing software.
3.1 Work cooperatively in laboratory groups and teams
3.2 Use spreadsheet software to set up data tables, charts, and find mathematical relationships between variables
3.3 Integrate tables and charts into documents exhibiting correct use of physical science vocabulary and concepts, showing control of grammar, and demonstrating organization and cohesion in written reports.
Evaluation and assessment: Quizzes, tests, and midterm.
Grading policy: Attendance, homework, quizzes, tests, laboratory reports, and the final are marked and generate points. Both laboratories and tests are important in this demanding and difficult course. This course places more value on work done over the term than on a cumulative final examination. This course is about researching a system and writing a report on the findings. The course focuses on science as a process, not a memorized collection of facts. Success in this course depends on consistent completion of work throughout the term. There is no way to bring a grade up late in the term. Your grade is a reflection of a body of work during the term. The final letter grade is based on the standard college policy: Obtain 90% of the points or more to obtain an A, 80% to 89% for a B, and so forth.
Laboratories: See laboratory syllabus.
Academic Honesty Policy: Cheating or copying on an assignment, laboratory report, quiz, test, midterm, or final will result in a score of zero for that assignment, quiz, or examination. Due to our cramped quarters, the course operates by necessity on a system of personal integrity and honor.