SYLLABUS

Course Information

Course Description:

PSCI 1010 includes a study of six fundamental components of the physical sciences, Newtonian mechanics; linear motion, momentum, energy, gravity, satellite motion, fluid mechanics, Thermodynamics; thermal energy, heat transfer, Electricity, Magnetism, Waves; sound and light waves, and the properties of light.  This course also includes a study of Chemistry including the structure of the atom, the atomic nucleus, periodic table, chemical bonding, chemical reactions, acids, bases, molecular mixing, organic chemistry, and nuclear chemistry.  This course will establish a base with which the non-science student can view nature more perceptively.  This course is designed to correct a missing essential in the sciences: the practice of conceptualizing before calculating.  The equivalent of three hours lecture and three hours laboratory per week is required.  Four (4) credit hours.

Course Objectives:

Upon satisfactory completion of this course, the student will be able to:

·        Describe scientific notation.

·        Use scientific notation in problem solving.

·        Define vector quantities.

·        Use trigonometric functions to define vectors.

·        Convert between English and metric units.

·        Define motion and its components.

·        Relate motion to speed, velocity, acceleration, and free fall.

·        Distinguish between a vector and a scalar quantity.

·        Define Newton's three laws of motion.

·        Use the conservation of momentum in problem solving.

·        Use the conservation of energy in problem solving.

·        Define gravity.

·        Define projectile motion.

·        Define satellite motion.

·        Describe tides.

·        Define weight.

·        Describe weightlessness.

·        Define and escape velocity.

·        Relate buoyancy in a liquid and Archimedes' Principle.

·        Relate buoyancy in a gas and Bernoulli's Principle.

·        Define the First Law of Thermodynamics.

·        Define the Second Laws of Thermodynamics.

·        Discuss Entropy.

·        Define electricity.

·        Relate the various characteristics of electricity.

·        Define magnetism.

·        Relate the various characteristics of magnetism.

·        Describe sound waves.

·        Discuss sound waves.

·        Relate the various types of wave motion.

·        Distinguish between reflection and refraction.

·        Define and discuss forced vibrations.

·        Define and discuss resonance.

·        Define and discuss the Doppler Effect.

·        Define and discuss musical sounds.

·        Discuss light waves and how they relate to Electromagnetic waves.

·        Discuss the color of light.

·        Discuss the wave-particle duality and the effects on science.

·        Discuss atomic structure.

·        Define the Bohr model of the atom.

·        Discuss the electron configuration of atoms.

·        Discuss the periodic table of elements.

·        Compare metals, nonmetals, and metalloids.

·        Describe chemical bonding.

·        Distinguish between ionic and covalent compounds.

·        Write and balance chemical equations.

·        Perform calculations using balanced chemical equations.

·        Discuss aqueous solutions.

·        Compare and contrast aqueous solutions of acids, bases, and salts.

·        Discuss the types of organic compound.

·        Discuss nuclear reactions.

·        Discuss the use of radioactive elements.

Pre-requisites:

Two years high school algebra and acceptable placement scores, or DSPM 0850

Course Topics:

This course will deal with the following information:

1.      What is Science?

2.      Motion

3.      Energy

4.      Heat and Temperature

5.      Wave Motions and Sound

6.      Electricity

7.      Light

8.      Atoms and Periodic Properties

9.      Chemical Bonds

10.Chemical Reactions

11.Water and Solutions

12.Organic Chemistry

13.Nuclear Reactions

Specific Course Requirements:

Students are expected to:

·        take an active part in all discussions on the web.

·        take an active part in e-mails to the instructor and other class members.

·        complete laboratory reports as scheduled.

·        take quizzes and exams at the scheduled times.

·        complete all special reading assignments.

Textbooks, Supplementary Materials, Hardware and Software Requirements

Required Textbook:  Please visit the Virtual Bookstore to obtain current textbook information for this course:  http://rodp.bkstr.com   Required Materials:   Course/Laboratory/ Exercises DVD. Inexpensive calculator with trigonometric functions.  This can be purchased from Wal-Mart or K-Mart for under $15.  I prefer a solar calculator so I don't have to keep buying batteries.     Hardware Requirements:   The minimum RODP requirements can be found at http://www.rodp.org/students/hardware_software.htm. Specific hardware requirements for this course include:  PC users - A minimum computer system to successfully access all the tools in this course is a Pentium 166 or better with 32 Megabytes of RAM or better and Windows 95 or higher.  A modem, 56k or better. Mac users - Minimum system requirements are a 604 Power PC processor, preferably a G3 (iMacs are included) or G4 processor computer running Mac OS 8.5 or above.  A minimum of 64 Megabytes of RAM, preferably 128 with at least 25 Megabytes assigned to your browser.  A modem, 56k or better. Software Requirements:   The minimum RODP requirements can be found at http://www.rodp.org/students/hardware_software.htm.   Specific software requirements for this course include: PC users - Communications software: Internet Explorer version 5 or Netscape version 4.58 or later.  Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint and Adobe Acrobat software. Mac users - Communications software:  Internet Explorer 5.0 or Netscape 4.75.  Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint and Adobe Acrobat software.

Instructor Information Name and contact information:  Dr.  Jerry Cole      Virtual Office Hours:  The course will be attended daily. Instructor Response Time:  The course will be attended daily.  Most questions will be answered within 1 working day.     Assessment and Grading Evaluation   Procedures:  Your grade in Physical Science I will be determined by the following procedure.  As you complete activities and class work, submit the requested materials to me for evaluation.  I will evaluate your materials and award you points.  You may view the points awarded by clicking on "My Grades" on the Course Menu.   Class Participation - 13 topics = 260 points         This grade will be determined by your ability to make relevant postings to the       Class Discussion Board and by responding to other student postings to the       Board.   Homework Assignments - 13 assignments = 429 points.   Final Module Quizzes - 13 Final Module Quizzes =  260 points        These quizzes are timed and can be taken only once   Laboratory Reports - 5 reports = 125 points   Exercises - 15 exercises = 375 points                              Total Points for the Course = 1449 points   Grading Scale:  Grades will be assigned according to the total number of points you have accumulated.                                 A - 1304 to 1449 points                                 B - 1159 to 1303 points                                 C -  1014 to 1158 points                                 D - 869 to 1013 points                                 F - Below 868 points   Assignments and Participation Assignments and  Projects:  Assignments and Projects are identified above under the topic "Assessment and Grading" Class Participation:   You are expected to participate in all interactive aspects of the course.  For example, you must communicate with other students via emails and discussion board exchanges.  You are expected to communicate with your instructor on a regular basis and check the course bulletin board frequently for announcements.  You must actively participate in threaded discussion events.  Students are expected to work at a pace conducive to collaborative learning.  That is, don't work to far ahead or too far behind the group.  The class is designed to support student interaction. Punctuality:  You are encouraged to work at your own pace, however deadlines are placed on class activities, assignments, quizzes and exams.  You should become familiar with the Class Calendar to determine when materials are due and adjust your study schedule accordingly.  Once a deadline has passed you will be "locked out" of the material.  Materials submitted after the deadline date will not be accepted.  Students that turn in assignments at the "last minute" do so at the risk of not receiving credit due to technical or content deficiencies.     Course Ground Rules   Assignments will be presented as noted in the     course Calendar.  You will have until the due date     on the calendar to complete each assignment. You are expected to communicate with other     students in team projects, learn how to navigate     in WebCT, and stay aware of course     announcements.  You should use your assigned     WebCT email address for all communication. You should address any technical problems     immediately. You should observe course netiquette at all times. Plagiarism, cheating, and other forms of academic     dishonesty are prohibited.  For further clarification     see the "Academic Honesty" statement.     Guidelines for Communication Email:  When using email keep the following in mind:      Always include a subject line with the number of          the assignment.  For example "Homework 1"          or "ACT 15" are acceptable.   A subject line          entry of "Study Guide Chapter 10" or          "Energy" is not acceptable.      Even if you are submitting your work as an          attachment WebCT requires that something be          written in the message panel.      WebCt does not allow the use of symbols in          filenames of e-mail attachments.  Use          "Homework 3" or "Governance".  Do not use          "HWK#6" or "Problem Set #7"      Remember your reader cannot see you, without          facial expressions some comments may be          taken the wrong way.  Be careful in wording          your emails.      Use of emoticons :) might be helpful in some          cases.      Use standard fonts.      Special formatting such as centering, audio          messages, tables, html, etc. should be          avoided unless necessary to complete an          assignment or other communication.      Respect the privacy of other class members.      Submit only one assignment per e-mail.  Multiple          assignments in one e-mail are difficult for          the instructor to manage. Discussion Groups:  When using the discussion group keep the following in mind:      Review the discussion threads thoroughly before          entering the discussion.  Be an observer then          a discusser.      Try to maintain threads by using the "Reply"          button rather than starting a new topic.      Do not make insulting or inflammatory          statements to other members of the          discussion group.  Be respectful of other's          ideas.      Be patient and read the comments of other group          members thoroughly before entering your          remarks.      Be cooperative with group leaders in completing          assigned tasks.      Be positive and constructive in group          discussions.      Respond in a thoughtful and timely manner.      Use the "Main" topic discussion area to ask          general questions concerning the course or          assignments. Chat:  When using chat keep the following in mind:      Introduce yourself to the other learners in the          chat session.      Be polite.  Choose your words carefully.  Do not          use derogatory statements.      Be concise in responding to others in the chat          session.      Be prepared to open the chat session at the          scheduled time.      Be constructive in your comments and          suggestions. Web Resources:    Web Resources are embedded in the Unit Materials.     Library   TBR Virtual Library To provide access to library and information services to students The Tennessee Board of Regents Consortium of Librarians has  established a virtual library that provides online searches, references, databases, journals, book reviews, and library connections to all TBR Libraries. This Virtual Library can be accessed at the following URL: http://vl.rodp.org(RODP Virtual Library) RODP Virtual Reference Librarian (For questions, assistance, and help with online searches) Home School Library For additional services and searches: Students may connect directly to their Home School Library online or go to campus for additional services and searches. APSU ETSU MTSU TSU TTU UoM CSTCC CLSCC COSCC DSCC JSCC MSCC NSCC NSTCC PSTCC RSCC STCC VSCC WSCC Borrowers Forms       Students with Disabilities (ADA)   Qualified students with disabilities will be provided reasonable and necessary academic accommodations if determined eligible by the appropriate disability services staff at their home institution.  Prior to granting disability accommodations in this course, the instructor must receive written verification of a student's eligibility for specific accommodations from the disability services staff at the home institution.  It is the student's responsibility to initiate contact with their home institution's disability services staff and to follow the established procedures for having the accommodation notice sent to the instructor. Students with disabilities should make the instructor aware of any conditions that will affect the student's ability to complete course requirements. Services for Students with Disabilities These services are provided by your Home Institution.  Please contact your RODP Student Campus Contact for more information:  Community College RODP Student Advisor, University RODP Student Advisor, TTC RODP Student Advisor     Syllabus Changes   The instructor reserves the right to make changes in course materials, requirements and content.  Any changes will be made known to you with a email and will be posted on the course pages.     Technical Support   AskRODP Help Desk (toll free number 1-866-550-7637) or go to the AskRODP website at: http://help.rodp.org  If you are having problems: logging into your course timing out of your course "technical" related issues for WebCT (it takes a long time to click around my course) using your course web site tools If you contact AskRODP by phone please be at your computer and be prepared to provide the following information: (If you do not know the information below please call 1-866-550-7637) Your username Your password The URL, (address, "http://...") you are unable to access Your instructor's name Your course number, section and name (EX:  IT1001N01  Intro to Microcomputers) Are you using a PC or MAC Your operating system (Windows 98, NT, 2000, etc.) Browser type and version (EX:  Internet Explorer 5.5)