SYLLABUS
Tulsa Community College,
Southeast Campus
Fall, 2014
Course:
Day and Time:
PHSC 1114 Physical Science
MWF 12:00 – 12:50 p.m. Lectures
W
1:00 - 2:50 p.m. Labs
Instructor:
Richard Walcott
TO CONTACT YOUR INSTRUCTOR:
Office:
SE TBA
Phone: (918) 430 9629
E-mail: richard.walcott@tulsacc.edu
CRN:
Room:
Room:
13115
8240
8176
TO CONTACT THE DIVISION OFFICE:
Division Name: Science and Mathematics
Division Associate Dean: Ms. Lyn Kent
Office: SE 8125Phone: 918 - 595 – 7742
COMMUNICATIONS:
Email: All TCC students receive a designated “MyTCC” email address (ex: jane_doe@mail.tulsacc.edu). All
communications to you about TCC will be sent to your MyTCC email address; and you must use MyTCC email to send
email to, and receive email from, the instructor regarding this course.
PREREQUISITES FOR THIS COURSE
Beginning Algebra – MATH 0013
COURSE DESCRIPTION
A study of the basic principals and concepts of physics, nuclear science, chemistry, astronomy, meteorology, and
geology. This course relates these basic sciences to man's physical world at an introductory level, and is intended
primarily for the non-science major.
Lecture: 3 hours
Laboratory: 2 hours
NEXT COURSE IN SEQUENCE
None
TEXTBOOK AND SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS
An Introduction to Physical Science, 13th Edition, by Shipman, Wilson, and Higgins.
General Physical Science Lab Manual - TCC, by Shihabi.
Calculator.
Science and Math Learning Center, Room 8150, provides a quiet place to study, free science and math tutoring, free
computer and internet access, calculators to check out, and a variety of audio-visual and computer-based instructional
tools. Hours of operation are 8:00 am - 9:00 pm M-Th, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm F, and 9:00 am – 12:00 noon Sat.
GENERAL EDUCATION GOAL STATEMENT
General Education courses at TCC ensure that our graduates gain skills, knowledge, and abilities that comprise a
common foundation for their higher education and a backdrop for their work and personal lives. TCC’s General
Education goals are: Critical Thinking, Effective Communication, Engaged Learning, and Technological Proficiency.
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COURSE OBJECTIVES
General physical science is designed to accomplish the following objectives:
 Conduct experiments and collect data (observation)
 Analyze data collected
 Make a reasonable conclusion from conducting experiment
 Apply in applications and problems in science
 Demonstrate the ability to communicate ideas and facts using equations and graphs
 Give the correct derived units that result from mathematical calculations involving measured numbers having
units
 Define basic terms in physics, chemistry, earth science, and astronomy
 Apply certain laws and rules in physics, chemistry, earth science, and astronomy
 Solve simple problems in physics, chemistry, earth science, and astronomy
 Explain how the applications of physics, chemistry, earth science, and astronomy affects society
 Be able to think critically as it relates to the various course competencies by making inferences based on careful
observation
 Problem solve using specific processes and techniques
 Recognize the need to acquire new knowledge
TEACHING METHODS
General Physical Science is primarily a lecture course. Lectures will follow the textbook plan, presenting material in
generally the same sequence as the textbook.
Another teaching method is laboratory experience. Most labs will allow the student to generate scientific data through
experimentation, practice math skills while analyzing the data, and thereby comprehend the relationships within scientific
principles.
Students are expected to read all lecture and laboratory material prior to class presentation or laboratory period.
Students are expected to read all lecture and laboratory material prior to class presentation or laboratory period.
Problems from the textbook will be assigned and you will be notified of the due date.
DISABILITY RESOURCES: It is the policy and practice of Tulsa Community College to create inclusive learning
environments. Accommodations for qualifying students in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act are available. To request accommodations, contact the Education Access Center
(EAC) at eac@tulsacc.edu or call (918) 595-7115 (Voice). Deaf and hard of hearing students may text (918) 809-1864.
EVALUATION TECHNIQUES
LECTURE
Exams - Three (5), 100 points each
 Exams will be given at the end of each Unit.
 No make-up exams will be given, unless notification is given before the day of the exam.
 A thorough review of the exam material will be conducted before the exam.
Quizzes - Five (5), 10 points each
 You will be notified when a quiz will be given.
 If more than five quizzes are given, the best five will be used.
 Quizzes cannot be made up.
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Homework – Five (5), 30 points each
 Homework will be due at the end of each Unit. I highly recommend that you begin the problem after each
chapter is completed and not wait until the end of the Unit (comprised of several chapters).
 If more than five homework assignments are given, the best five will be used.
 Late homework will be penalized with a 20% reduction in grade.
Final Exam - One (1), 125 points
 Mandatory - No Make-ups.
 Comprehensive, covering the entire semester.
In-Class Participation 55 points
 Students are encouraged to attend class regularly and be actively engaged in the learning process.
LABORATORY
Reports – Fifteen (15), 10 points each
 The thirteen best reports will be taken for the grade.
 Laboratory work and reports will be completed during the specified lab period.
 A neat completed report will be turned in at the beginning of the next lab period.
 Experiments and reports cannot be made up. An absence during a lab period will result in a forfeit of all points
associated with that lab.
GRADING SYSTEM
Exams (5)
Quizzes (5)
Homework (5)
Laboratory Reports (best 12 of 15)
In class participation
Final exam
500 points
50 points
150 points
120 points
55 points
125 points
1000 points
Grading Scale:
A:
B:
C:
D:
F:
900 - 1000 points
800 - 899 points
700 - 799 points
600 - 699 points
0 - 599 points
MAKE-UP AND LATE ASSIGNMENTS POLICY
No make-up exams will be given unless notification is given before the day of the exam. There are no make-up
laboratories, quizzes, or final exam. All homework assignments are due on the assigned date.
ATTENDANCE
Since academic success is dependent upon attendance to class, it is recommended that students make every effort to
attend class. If an emergency does arise, please notify the instructor as soon as possible or make pre-arrangements
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with the instructor. Students who are absent from class are responsible for material covered in class and for any
announcements made in their absence. Class participation is included in the grading procedure and one cannot
participate if one is absent.
Bad Weather
TCC rarely closes. If extreme weather conditions or emergency situations arise, TCC always gives cancellation notices
to radio and television stations, and via TCC Alerts. All students should sign up for TCC Alerts. Cancellation notices are
also posted on the TCC website (www.tulsacc.edu).
If Tulsa Community College is closed due to the weather, we obviously will not have class. Any exams or quizzes
scheduled for that day and any assignment due dates are automatically postponed until the next class meeting.
INSTITUTIONAL STATEMENT
Each student is responsible for being aware of the information contained in the TCC Catalog, the TCC Student Policies
& Resources Handbook, and semester information listed in the class schedule. All information may be viewed on the
TCC website: www.tulsacc.edu
COURSE WITHDRAWAL
The deadline to withdraw from a course shall not exceed 3/4 the duration of any class. The last day to withdraw from
class (or change to audit) is Nov. 9th. Begin the process with a discussion with the faculty member assigned to the
course. Contact the Advisement Office at any TCC campus to initiate withdrawal from a course ('W' grade) or to change
from Credit to Audit. Withdrawal and/or change to an audit from a course after the drop/add period can alter the financial
aid award for the current and future semesters. Students may receive an outstanding bill from TCC if the recalculation
leaves a balance due to TCC. Students who stop participating in the course and fail to withdraw may receive a course
grade of “F,” which may have financial aid consequences for the student.
Students who enroll in this class but fail to attend during the first two weeks of the class will be withdrawn after
those two weeks for non-attendance.
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY OR MISCONDUCT
Academic dishonesty (cheating) is defined as the deception of others about one’s own work or about the work of
another. Academic dishonesty or misconduct is not condoned or tolerated at campuses within the Tulsa Community
College system. Tulsa Community College adopts a policy delegating certain forms of authority for disciplinary action to
the faculty. Such disciplinary actions delegated to the faculty include, but are not limited to, the dismissal of disrespectful
or disorderly students from classes. In the case of academic dishonesty a faculty member may:
 Require the student to redo an assignment or test, or require the student to complete a substitute assignment or
test;
 Record a "zero" for the assignment or test in question;
 Recommend to the student that the student withdraw from the class, or administratively withdraw the student
from the class;
 Record a grade of "F" for the student at the end of the semester.
Faculty may request that disciplinary action be taken against a student at the administrative level by submitting such a
request to the Dean of Student Services.
COMPUTER SERVICES ACCEPTABLE USE
Access to computing resources is a privilege grated to all TCC faculty, staff, and students. Use of TCC computing
resources is limited to purposes related to the College’s mission of education, research, and community service.
Student use of technology is governed by the Computer Services Acceptable Use Statements/Standards found in the
TCC Student Code of Conduct Policy Handbook. These handbooks may be obtained by contacting any Student
Activities or Dean of Student Services office.
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CLASSROOM ETIQUETTE
Courteous behavior will help you to learn, as well as your classmates. And, since learning is the goal of your presence
in this class, please abide by the following rules:
 Arrive for class on time and stay until we are finished. It is NOT ACCEPTABLE to be regularly late to class. On
occasions when you know you will be arriving late or leaving early, please let me know in advance.
 Food and most drinks are NOT allowed in the classroom. The only drink allowed is water.
 TCC is now completely Tobacco-Free. Please abide by this.
 I consider talking (by you) during my lecture time to be inconsiderate and inappropriate (unless of course you
are talking to me!) Disruptive students may be asked to leave.
 Tulsa Community College rules clearly state that un-enrolled children are NOT ALLOWED in classrooms.
 All cell phones should be turned OFF during class, and pagers should be on vibrate. Any usage of such
devices (as well as iPods, PDA’s, etc.) during class may result in the cell device being taken away and/or the
user being asked to leave.
SYLLABUS CHANGES
Occasionally, changes to the syllabus may be necessary. Students will be notified of any changes to the syllabus.
DATES TO REMEMBER



Friday, Nov. 7th – Last day to withdraw (with a grade of ‘W’) or to change from credit to audit
Friday, Nov. 28th - No Classes - Thanksgiving Break.
Monday, Dec. 8th - Final Exam 12:00 to 1:50 p.m.
Labs #
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
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Week #
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
Topic
Safety, Calculator, and the Scientific Method
Measurements
Graphs
Accelerated Motion Down an Incline
The Simple Pendulum
Work and Power
Specific Heat
On-Line Wave Demonstrations
Electromagnetic Waves
The Speed of Sound in Air
Ohm's Law
Atomic Structure
Balancing Chemical Equations
Physical and Chemical Change
Mineral Identification
5
TENTATIVE COURSE OUTLINE
The instructor may change this schedule AT ANY TIME by verbal or written notification in class.
Unit 1 Mechanics (Weeks 1 – 4)
Lesson
Quiz1 (Ch 1)
September 15th
Chapter
Lesson 1 – Introduction to the Scientific Method
Lesson 2 – Units and Measurements
Lesson 3 - Conversions
Lesson 4 – Motion
Lesson 5 – Acceleration
Lesson 6 – Newton’s Laws of Motion
Exam 1, Homework 1 Due.
Chapter 1
Chapter 1
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Lesson 7 – Work
Lesson 8 – Energy and Energy Forms
Lesson 9 – Power
Lesson 10 – Search of Energy, Temperature & Heat
Exam 2, Homework 2 Due.
Chapter 4
Chapter 4
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Lesson 11 – Waves
Lesson 12 – The Nature of Light & Sound
Lesson 13 – Coulomb’s Law
Lesson 14 – Simple Electric Circuits
Lesson 15 – Parallel versus Series Connections
Lesson 16 – Motors, Generators, & Transformers
Exam 3, Homework 3 Due.
Chapter 6
Chapters 6, 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 8
Chapter 8
Chapter 8
Lesson 17 – Early Concepts of the Atom
Lesson 18 – Some Preliminaries in the Atomic World
Lesson 19 – Nuclear Science
Lesson 20 – Nuclear Fission
Lesson 21 – Chemistry of Matter & Periodic Table
Lesson 22 – Chemical Bonding, Acids & Bases
Exam 4, Homework 4 Due.
Chapter 9
Chapters 9,10
Chapter 10
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapters 12 13
Lesson 23 – Meteorology
Lesson 24 – Geology
Lesson 25 - Astronomy
Exam 5, Homework 5 Due.
Final Exam Review
Chapters 19, 20
Chapter 21, 22
Chapter 15 - 18
Unit 2 Energy (Weeks 5 – 7)
Quiz 2 (Ch 2 – 3)
September 29th
Unit 3 Electromagnetism & Waves
(Weeks 7 – 10)
Quiz 3 (Ch 5 – 7)
October 27th
Unit 4 The World of Atoms –
Chemistry (Weeks 11 - 14)
Quiz 4 (Ch 8 – 9)
November 17th
Unit 5 Earth Science & Astronomy
(Weeks 15 -16)
Quiz 5 (Ch 11- 13, 19 - 20)
December 1st
December 3rd/5th
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