Laboratory reports with a line and circle are "full laboratory reports" including introduction, equipment, procedure, data table, data graph, data analysis, discussion, and conclusion. Where sources are used, the sources should be cited using APA format.These reports are also marked for grammar, vocabulary, organization, and cohesion. Laboratories without a line and circle usually generate only a data table, data graph, and brief data analysis. Laboratories are analyzed using spread sheet software. The tables and graphs generated by the analysis are copied and pasted into a word processing document. The laboratory report is then completed using word processing software.
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. 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
B. Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) -general:
The student will be able to:
1. Explore physical science systems using scientific methodologies
2. Generate mathematical models for physical science systems and use appropriate mathematical techniques and concepts to obtain quantitative solutions to problems in physical science.
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.
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: Individually written aboratories are central to the course. To the extent possible, each week focuses on the laboratory with lecture in support of the laboratory exploration. Laboratories are marked using a rubric. Each lab has its own rubric. Laboratory write-ups are composed of a single word processing document. Tables, graphs, and data analysis done in a spreadsheet should be copied and pasted into the word document in the appropriate order. Laboratories are due a week after the laboratory during the next laboratory period. Laboratories can be sent by email, this does not change the due date/time or submission guidelines. Laboratories can be turned in up to a week late (14 days after the lab) but incur a ten point penalty. Laboratories more than 14 days late are not accepted. Laboratory reports CAN be turned in for labs for which you were absent. Get data from a colleague to complete the report, do your own analysis and write-up to the best of your ability.
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.