Chabot College
Fall 2003
Course Outline for Physical Science 15
Descriptive Physical Science:
Introduction to Principles of Physical Science
Catalog Description:
15 - Descriptive Physical Science: Introduction to Principles of Physical Science
5 units
An introduction to the physical universe from atomic particles to the stars, with emphasis on the basic
principles of physics, astronomy, chemistry, and the geo-sciences (meteorology and geology).
Designed for non-majors in physical science. Includes an introduction to laboratory, principles and
techniques with emphasis on the basic concepts discussed in the class. May not receive credit if
Physics 11 has been completed. Strongly recommended: Mathematics 65, English 101A or 102. 4
hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory.
[Typical contact hours: lecture 70, laboratory 52.5]
Prerequisite Skills:
None
Expected Outcomes for Students:
Upon completion of the course the student should be able to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
use the vocabulary of physical science;
use the scientific method and concepts of the physical sciences to critically evaluate the theories
of physical science;
apply the major concepts and processes of the physical sciences;
test assumptions and implications rising from experimentation;
apply principles of experimentation and evaluate data.
Course Content:
1.
2.
Physics:
a.
Measurement
b.
Study of motion
c.
Force and motion
d.
Gravitation
e.
Work and energy
f.
Electromagnetic radiation
g.
Sound
h.
Electricity and magnetism
i
Heat
j.
Relativity
k.
Nuclear physics
l.
Models of the atom
m.
Quantum mechanics and atomic physics
Chemistry:
a.
Classification of elements
b.
Compound formation
c.
Principles of chemistry
d.
Chemical reactions
e.
Complex molecules
Chabot College
Course Outline for Physical Science 15, page 2
Fall 2003
Course Content – continued:
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Astronomy:
a.
The solar system
b.
The celestial sphere
c.
Time
d.
Stars
e.
Galaxies
f.
Cosmology
g.
Life in the universe
Meteorology:
a.
The atmosphere
b.
Air motion
c.
Clouds
d.
Air masses and storms
e.
Weather forecasting
f.
Climate
Geology
a.
Earth materials
b.
Earth building processes
c.
Deformation of the earth's crust
d.
Plate tectonics
e.
Gradation of the earth's surface
f.
Internal structure of the earth
g.
The oceans
h.
Geological time
i.
Other topics that are pertinent and timely
Collection, evaluation and analysis of the following areas of study
a.
Introduction to laboratory techniques
b.
Physics
c.
Chemistry
d.
Meteorology
e.
Geology
f.
Astronomy
Field trips to selected locations to emphasize principles studied in lecture and laboratory
Methods of Presentation:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Lecture/demonstration
Discussion
Field trips
Laboratory experimentation
Class Participation
Typical Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
1.
Typical Assignments
a.
Weekly homework/question sets
b.
Laboratory reports (individual and group), including computer-based data acquisition and
analysis
Chabot College
Course Outline for Physical Science 15, page 3
Fall 2003
Typical Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress – continued:
c.
Special exercise worksheets, problem review, and computer simulations and tutorials
Horizontal Arrows—Time to Hit Ground 45
Pictured below are eight arrows that have been shot horizontally, i.e., straight out, by
archers on platforms. All of the arrows are identical, but they have been shot at different
speeds from platforms of varying height. Specific values for the speeds and of varying
heights are given in the figures. All of the arrows miss the targets and hit the ground.
Rank these arrows, from longest to shortest, on the basis of how long it takes the arrows
to hit the ground. That is, put first the arrow that will take the longest time from being shot
to hitting the ground, and put last
the arrow that will take the shortest time.
Longest 1 _____ 2 _____ 3 _____ 4 _____ 5 _____ 6 _____ 7 _____ 8 _____ Shortest
d.
e.
f.
g.
2.
Both individual and group activities and research papers
Participation in email and web-based instruction, discussion and tutorials
Internet research on topics dealing with physics and its applications to technology
20-30 pages per week of reading from a college-level text
Methods of Evaluating Student Progress
a.
Problem assignments
b.
Periodic written tests
c.
Laboratory Reports
d.
Comprehensive final examination.
Textbook(s) and Other Learning Material and Equipment (Typical):
Physical Science Media Update, 2/E, Paul G. Hewitt (City College of San Francisco), John Suchocki,
(Leeward Community College), Leslie Hewitt, 2001
Special Student Materials:
None
Revised: 11/19/02