ONONDAGA COMMUNITY COLLEGE
COURSE MEMO
SCI 111 - Introduction to Physics and Chemistry
Credit Hours: Four
Pre-Req/Co-Req: Math 087 or higher
Catalog Description: An introductory, survey course in physics and chemistry for non-science majors – not open to
Math/Science majors. Topics covered include: scientific method, motion, energy, momentum, heat, light, electricity,
sound, atomic structure, the periodic table, chemical compounds, chemical bonds, chemical reactions, properties of water,
acids, bases, and salts. Three class hours and two laboratory hours.
Course Objectives: Upon satisfactory completion of this course, you should be able:
1. Define and differentiate the concepts of scientific investigation, scientific hypothesis, scientific theory, and
scientific models.
2. Demonstrate the ability to understand measurements, data, and ratios by solving scientific problems using
equations, symbols, and scientific notation.
3. Distinguish Newton’s Laws of Motion and the related concepts of weight, mass, inertia, and momentum.
4. Discuss, differentiate, and quantify the concepts of motion, position, energy, conservation of energy, work,
and power.
5. Define temperature and heat, specific heat, and understand their relationship of the phases of water. Identify
and distinguish the types of energy transfer processes and relate them to the basic laws of thermodynamics.
6. Know how waves and sound waves are generated and describe their various properties.
7. Describe, relate, and quantify the concepts of electricity and magnetism.
8. Describe sources and properties of light and differentiate the processes that can influence light.
9. Summarize the historical discoveries of the components of the atom. Distinguish and interpret the theories of
the structure of the atom.
10. Demonstrate an understanding of the Periodic Table of Elements through exercises and calculations of the
periodic properties of elements, molecules, and compounds.
11. Compare the types of chemical bonds and chemical reactions. Be able to balance chemical equations and
interpret the meaning of a balanced equation.
12. Describe properties of water and water solutions, including how soap works and how a water softener
works.
13. Contrast the properties of acids, bases, and salts and be able to describe the pH scale.
Instructor Information: Dr. Fred Jaquin, F374, 498-2437, jaquinr@sunyocc.edu
Textbooks: Required. Available at the bookstore.
Tillery, Bill W., Physical Science Customized Physics and Customized Chemistry, 9th Ed.,
McGraw-Hill Publishing, 2007
Graded Events:
Event(s)
Weight
Homework and Quizzes
Laboratory
20 %
20 %
Totaling 30%
(6% each)
30 %
Five in-class exams
Final Exam
100 %
Grading Scale:
A (92.0 – 100), A- (90.0 – 91.99), B+ (87.0-89.99), B (82.0-86.99), B- (80.0-81.99),
C+ (77.0-79.99), C (72.0-76.99), C- (70.0-71.99), D+ (67.0-69.99), D (62.0-66.99),
D- (60.0-61.99), F (59.99 and below)
Graded Events Rules of Engagement: Graded events will be based upon lecture material, key vocabulary, and
homework assignments. Quizzes and Exams will consist of multiple choice, matching, problem solving, and short essay
questions. Missed graded events constitute a ZERO for that event. There are no make-up exams nor make-up quizzes
without PRIOR coordination and the excuse must be legitimate. As your professor, I hold the right to determine if it
was a legitimate excuse. If you miss an exam due to a legitimate excuse, the Final Exam grade will replace that missed
exam. You can only use the Final Exam grade for only one missed exam and you CANNOT miss the Final Exam.
Programmable calculators, laptops, cell phones, and personal data assistants (PDAs), a.k.a. Palm Pilots, are not allowed
during quizzes and Exams. You are allowed to use a non-programmable, scientific calculator for these events. Other
room instructions for exams will be posted during the exam.
Consequences of Cheating on Graded Events: As a college student, you are expected to do your own work. Cheating
is not tolerated in this department nor at OCC. Review OCC’s policy in your Student Guide.
For this class:
First time offense: You will receive a ZERO on the graded event.
Second time offense: You receive an F for the course.
Homework Assignments: Homework questions will be assigned on a separate handout. Each homework assignment will
consist of “Questions for Thought” and “Parallel Exercise Group B” which are listed at the end of each chapter. Each
homework assignment will have at least one bonus question on it. It is imperative you do the correct question. You will
not receive credit for doing an incorrect question. Homework can be typed or neatly, hand-written. I recommend you
write out the question then your answer. Leave some space between questions in order for me to write any necessary
comments. In other words, do not cram your answers together. For problems with calculations, show all of your work.
Assignment answers are to be your own work and in your own words. If you copy an answer directly from the textbook,
provide a footnote at the end of your homework with the page number.
Homework assignments are due at the beginning of class on the assigned date. A 50 percent reduction of grade will be
assessed if the homework is turned in after it is due. Any homework assignment not turned in by the beginning of the next
class after it is due will get a ZERO and not be graded.
Lecture/Classroom Policies: The Course Syllabus shows the assigned reading for each lecture session. It is very
beneficial to do the assigned reading prior to the class in which the material will be discussed. Setting up an outline in
your notes prior to coming to class can greatly enhance your note taking and learning. Take notes during lecture but do
not try and write down every word. Write down key words and key figure numbers. Then, once the lecture is done,
review your class notes, fill in any additional notes from the textbook on a given topic, and recopy them onto a “study
page/notebook”.
Attendance is highly important to your college learning in all your classes. You do not get the most out of your course by
not attending class and typically grades suffer when students do not attend lectures. While I do not reduce your grade due
to lack of attendance, I hold the right to Administratively X you from the course due to lack of attendance. Coming to
class late is also not a good habit. It disrupts the lecture so please be on time and do not be late for graded events.
Lastly, I want the classroom to be a learning experience. Be prepared to answer questions or talk about lecture topics.
You must have a scientific calculator for this class and its lab. Bring it and your textbook to both the lecture and lab.
Class participation is not part of your overall grade, but learning how to talk in front of others is an important part of your
college learning. However, talking out of line will not be tolerated. Have classroom courtesy for me as your professor
and for your fellow students. If you carry on a conversion not related to lecture or one that disrupts the class, you will be
asked to leave and schedule an appointment to see me during office hours.
Laboratory: You must be separately enrolled in the lab (SCI-111L) of this class. Student spends two hours each week
in the laboratory completing an exercise, selected by the instructor. Lab topics are directly related to lecture material.
The student will spend at least one hour outside the lab period to write a report on the exercise, and submit the report for
grading. The report must demonstrate: understanding of the physical or chemical laws and principles involved in the lab,
ability to take, correlate, and analyze data, ability to use data in computation of the results and ability to analyze the
results. Further instructions will be provided by your lab instructor.