Intro to Physical Science (PHSC 1013) Course Syllabus
Dr. Daniel Bullock
Email: dbullock@atu.edu
Phone: 479.968.0331
COURSE INFORMATION: General course information can be found on the course
website. The website can be found at pls.atu.edu/physic/people/bullock.
Follow the link titled: “Teaching”. Finally click on the link for Introduction to Physical
Science.
COURSE MATERIALS: The textbook we are using is titled, “Introduction to Physical
Science” by Shipman, Wilson and Todd. The textbook is not required but could be
helpful. Additionally, each student will need to purchase an Interwrite-PRS transmitter.
CLASSROOM RULES: Each student is expected to show mutual respect for one
another. Most food and drinks are allowed however foods that have a definite odor are
NOT allowed (e.g. hamburgers, fries, tacos, etc.). If a student has any questions they
should ask the instructor.
OFFICE HOURS: My office is located in Corley 261. Phone: 479.968.0331 I have an
“open door policy” meaning that anytime I am in my office you can stop by for help.
CO/PRE-REQUISITES: A score of 19 or above on the mathematics section of the
ACTE exam or completion of MATH 0903. Intermediate Algebra, with a grade of “C” or
better.
CATALOG DESCRIPTION: Each semester. Prerequisite: A score of 19 or above on
the mathematics section of the ACTE exam or completion of MATH 0903. Intermediate
Algebra, with a grade of “C” or better. An introduction to the natural laws governing the
physical world, with emphasis upon the discovery and development of these laws and
their effect upon man. Specific topics are selected from disciplines of physics, chemistry,
astronomy, geology, and meteorology. May not be taken for credit after completion of
two laboratory courses in the physical science disciplines. Lecture three hours.
COURSE OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this introductory physics course are:
 Provide the student with a clear and logical presentation of the basic concepts and
principles of science.
 Strengthen an understanding of the concepts and principles through a broad range
of the interesting applications to the real world.
This course attempts to motivate students by presenting practical applications that
demonstrates the importance of physics for other disciplines. The course will over
fifteen chapters from the text. Upon completion of the course students will be able to:
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Demonstrate and apply knowledge of the scientific method.
Understand different units and how to perform dimensional analysis.
Perform graphical analysis.
Understand and apply Newton’s three laws of motion.
Demonstrate knowledge of work, kinetic energy, and potential energy.
Solve linear momentum and collision problems.
Understand fundamental concepts in chemistry.
GENERAL EDUCATION OBJECTIVES: Students who consider this course to
complete one of their science requirements of the General Education courses, will receive
a general overview of some of the concepts of physical science.
IN-CLASS QUIZZING: In an effort to engage the class during the lecture period, each
student will be expected to participate in class. This will be accomplished both by inclass quizzing and each student being called on to answer questions during the lecture.
HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS: Each student will be expected to solve the assigned
homework problems on his/her own time. Students should come by my office and ask for
help if they are having problems with the homework assignments. Generally, weekly
homework assignments will be assigned on Monday and turned in electronically on
Friday at the beginning of class.
EXAMS: There will be four exams during the semester. Each exam will be a closed book
exam. No notes or equation cards/sheets will be allowed. Additionally, programmable
calculators will NOT be allowed. Each student is responsible for pre-approving his or her
calculator with the instructor BEFORE each exam. Each exam will count toward your
overall course grade.
GRADING: The grading for this course is very unique. It is each student's responsibility
to understand the grading scheme. If there are any questions you should ask the
instructor. There are THREE grading schemes for the course:
SCHEME 1: 0-100. In SCHEME 1 0% of your lecture grade will come from the in-class
quizzing/participation and out of class assignments, and 100% will come from the
average of your exam scores.
SCHEME 2: 50-50. In SCHEME 2 50% of your lecture grade will come from the in-class
quizzing/participation and out of class assignments, and 50% will come from the average
of your exam scores.
SCHEME 3: 65-35. In SCHEME 3 65% of your lecture grade will come from the in-class
quizzing/participation and out of class assignments, and 35% will come from the average
of your exam scores.
The overall course grade will be determined from the HIGHEST of the three grading
schemes. The overall course grade will be as follows:
A : 100-90%
B: 89.999-80%
C: 79.999-70%
D: 69.999-60%
F: 59.999-0%
Finally, the instructor reserves the right to adjust the grading scale as he sees fit.
POLICY ON ABSENCES AND CHEATING: Any absence will be excused if the
student presents the instructor with a letter from the doctor (NOTE: This letter must
contain the doctor’s contact information). If an absence has occurred due to a death in the
family the student must present the instructor with a copy of the obituary. If a student
misses class because he/she is attending a professional school related meeting, the student
must present the instructor with a program from the meeting. Any student caught
cheating will be reported to the appropriate University authorities.
SUMMARY: This syllabus is meant to be a guideline for the course and the instructor
reserves the right to make modifications as he sees fit.
This course will be a challenge but I guarantee that if you do the work you will learn
some fascinating material. I look forward to having each of you as my student! GOOD
LUCK!