This syllabus is subject to change. Should it become necessary. notification of such changes will be handled via the FAMU
Blackboard site to all students enrolled in this course on that site.
Intro to Physical Science PSC1121CE 501-EMD(14022)Spring2012
All times are Eastern Time Zone
Minimum Requirements:
Have software secure testing device available on loan from Media Center
http://www.softwaresecure.com/Main.aspx
Show competence using the software secure device by January 31, 2012
Be available for testing 8am until 9am on the following days; 2/8/12; 3/14/12; 4/4/12 and
10am– noon; 4/24/12
Dr. Robin J. Kennedy, Jones Hall, Rm 209C
kennedyjrobin@aol.com
Office Hours: Wednesday 9:00am-10:00am, and via email
Course Web / Lab site: http://famu.blackboard.com
Lecture site: www.screencast.com
Homework Service site: https://quest.cns.utexas.edu/student
All announcements for this course will be posted on blackboard and/or Utexas sites
http://famu.blackboard.com or https://quest.cns.utexas.edu/student
Assignments which are late cannot be accepted. All times are Eastern Time Zone
Course Description:
Physical Science is an introductory course uniting physics, chemistry, earth science
(geology), and astronomy. The course will describe the fundamental concepts that shape
man’s view of the laws of Nature and that have allowed man to orient himself in his physical
laboratory - the universe. The course is designed for the non science major. The topics
covered will follow sequentially the layout of the recommended text. The use of mathematics
is restricted to simple algebra.
At the end of this course a student who has passed the exams should have a fundamental and
wide knowledge of the physical world around him or her.
See the Academic Learning Compact:
http://www.famu.edu/index.cfm?a=Assessment&p=AcademicLearningCompact
And click on Physics
Conceptual Physical Science Explorations, Hewitt, Suchocki and Hewitt,
1st edition
ISBN 0321051661
nd
2 edition
ISBN 0321567919; ISBN 9780321567918
Either the first or second edition is acceptable.
Used books can be found at www.addall.com/used/
Text:
Lecture:
ON-LINE Video Lectures
Electronic video lectures are available on the Blackboard Site for this course. Students may
access the lecture material and watch as often as they like. Links to each lecture are available
on the class FAMU Blackboard site under the “Course Documents” folder in a folder called
“Lectures”. The password to open the lectures is “psc1121”. You will need to be connected
to the internet the entire video time. Note that each topic in the homework section of the
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syllabus is associated with a separate video lecture. The best browser to view the lectures
from a PC is Google Chrome which can be downloaded for free from the Google site.
Lab:
ON-LINE
Nine (9) Computer/Web assignments (applets) will be given based on the course materials.
An online quiz will be given for each lab to assess the student’s completion and understanding
of the lab. The lab assignment, and quiz questions and answers will be handled via the class
FAMU Black Board site and are available in the “Assignments” folder. Assignments which
are late cannot be accepted. All labs are due by 11:55pm Eastern Time Zone. Due to computer
firewall constraints, especially on campus, it may be necessary to cut and paste the various
links in the labs to a separate window on your browser in order to view them.
Homework: ON-LINE
Homework will be given for each lecture (1-39, excluding chapter 36). In general, except for
the last few homework, one week will be allowed for answering the homework questions after
the date the material is covered on the schedule. The homework questions and answers will be
handled via the University of Texas site (see below). Instructions on how to gain access to
the homework will be available on the class FAMU Blackboard site under the “Course
Documents” folder in a sub-folder called “Homework”. All homework is due by 11:55pm
Eastern Time Zone. Assignments which are late cannot be accepted. Note: Answers to the
homework questions become available on the UTexas server about 5 minutes after the due
date. Consequently, requests for “extra time” or “re-opening up the homework” are not
possible.
GRADING
There are no makeup exams and no such thing as extra credit!
To be able to do the exams, students are required to have the
Software Secure Device. http://www.softwaresecure.com/Main.aspx
Students must have shown competence in using the Software Secure device by January 31,
2012. The Software Secure device is available on loan to students in this class from the
Media Center. For this purpose a practice exam will be made available; the score on the
practice exam will not count towards the final grade.
Exams: (45% = 10%+10%+25%)
Exams will be done via the FAMU Blackboard site for the class and will be found under the
“Exams” folder. There are three tests which will be given online on the following days
during the time slot 8am until 9am Eastern Time Zone; 2/8/12; 3/14/12; 4/4/12. The link to
an exam will be available for the first twenty minutes only i.e. from 8am until 8:20am. The
top two tests will each count 10% toward the final grade.
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A two hour comprehensive final exam will be held on 4/24/12 at 10am – noon. The link to
the final exam will be available for the first thirty minutes only i.e. from 10am until 10:30am.
The final will count 25% toward the final grade.
The top two test scores together with the final exam score will be used to compute your
grade. (45% = 10%+10%+25%)
The tests and final exam will be given online and handled through FAMU Blackboard system
in conjunction with the Software Secure device. It is essential that you are at a computer with
the Software Secure Device attached and that you know that both the computer and the
Software Secure device are functioning properly.
The exams will not be available outside the times set. There are no make-up exams and no
such thing as extra credit. Missing an exam will result in a score of zero for that exam.
Homework: (35%)
Homework will count 35% toward the final grade.
Lab: (20%)
The results of the lab quizes will count 20% toward the final grade.
Score Keeping – or “What grade am I going to get?”
All students are responsible for keeping track of their scores on tests, lab, and
homework. At no time will a running score be available for the students during the
semester, although current homework averages and lab averages can be accessed on the
UTexas and Blackboard websites, respectively. It is the duty of the individual student to
maintain such a running total if they wish. The final grade for the course will be
forwarded to the student courtesy of the US Postal Service or via the University
ERP/EIT system.
Comparison of an individual’s score on the homework and lab to the class average
should provide an indication of how well an individual is performing.
Practice Problems for Exams
Practice Problems for Exams are available on the Blackboard site under the “Course
Documents” folder in a sub-folder called “Practice Problems for Exams”. This opens a
series of files with names similar to "RAT Test Lecture 1-10". Click on the Sample Test links
to download the tests. If you have the second edition of the text, these questions appear at the
end of each chapter. The answers for these multiple choice questions are also in this section.
Other Sources of Study Material
In addition to the text used for this class numerous additional resources are available. These
can be found on the text's companion website www.PhysicsPlace.com and include interactive
figures, interactive tutorials, demonstrations and videos. There is a Practice Book with
exercises and a Laboratory Manual. Instructions on how to access these additional resources
can be found inside the front cover of the recommended text, Conceptual Physical Science,
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Hewitt, Suchocki and Hewitt. If you purchased a used book it is likely that the appropriate
code to access these resources has already been used by the previous owner. In this case it is
still possible to access the website www.PhysicsPlace.com for a small fee.
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Class Schedule: Spring 2012 All times are Eastern Time Zone
Date Homework
becomes available
Lecture
Topic
1/4/12
Syllabus
1/6/12
1/9/12
1/11/12
1/13/12
1/18/12
1/20/12
1/23/12
1/25/12
1/27/12
1/30/12
2/1/12
2/3/12
2/6/12
2/8/12 8am – 9am
2/10/12
2/13/12
2/15/12
2/17/12
2/20/12
2/22/12
2/24/12
2/27/12
2/29/12
3/2/12
3/12/12
3/14/12 8am – 9am
3/16/12
3/19/12
3/21/12
3/23/12
3/26/12
3/28/12
3/30/12
4/2/12
4/4/12 8am – 9am
4/6/12
4/9/12
4/11/12
4/13/12
4/16/12
4/18/12
4/24/12 10am - noon
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
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Read Syllabus; Enroll in UTexas
Homework Service
About Science
Newton’s First Law
Newton’s Second Law
Newton’s Third Law
Momentum
Work and Energy
Gravity
Projectile Motion
Thermal Energy
Heat Transfer/Phase Changes
Electricity
Magnetism
Waves and Sound
Test 1 Lectures 1-10
Light and Color
Reflection Refraction
Properties of Light
Atoms / Periodic Table
Atomic Models
Radioactivity
Nuclear Fission / Fusion
Chemistry
Mixtures
Chemical Bonding
Molecular Mixing
Test 2 Lectures 11-20
Acids and Bases
Oxidation / Reduction
Organic Compounds
Chemistry of Drugs
Plastics
Mineral Formation
Rocks
The Earth
Test 3 Lectures 21-29
Our Planet
Water
Our Landscape
Atmosphere/Oceans
Weather
Solar System
Comprehensive Chapters 1- 39 excluding
Chapter 36
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
37
38
39
Final
Homework
due date
(11:55pm)
1/13/12
1/18/12
1/18/12
1/20/12
1/25/12
1/27/12
1/30/12
2/1/12
2/3/12
2/6/12
2/8/12
2/10/12
2/13/12
2/17/12
2/20/12
2/22/12
2/24/12
2/27/12
2/29/12
3/2/12
3/12/12
3/14/12
3/16/12
3/19/12
3/23/12
3/26/12
3/28/12
3/30/12
4/2/12
4/4/12
4/6/12
4/9/12
4/13/12
4/16/12
4/18/12
4/20/12
4/24/12
4/24/12
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Lab Assignments: All times are Eastern Time Zone
Date Available
Lab Number
Topic
Due Date
(11:55pm)
1/4/12
1
Newton’s Laws
1/17/12
1/17/12
2
Work/Energy/Projectiles
1/31/12
1/31/12
3
Heat
2/7/12
2/7/12
4
Electricity Magnetism
2/14/12
2/14/12
5
Light and Waves
2/21/12
2/21/12
6
The Atom
2/28/12
2/27/12
7
Chemical Bonding
3/13/12
3/20/12
8
Organics/Drugs/Plastics
3/27/12
3/27/12
9
Minerals/Rocks/Earth
4/10/12
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General Information PSC1221CE 501-EMD(14022) Spring 2012
Date;
Name;
Student I.D. Number (or last 4 digits of your SSN);
Address (local);
Address (permanent);
Telephone (local);
Telephone (permanent);
Cell phone;
Email address (please print clearly);
Major;
Classification (Freshman, Sophomore etc);
Is this course required for your major?
Signature Sheet;
I have been informed of the responsibilities required for me to take PSC1221CE
501-EMD(14022) taught by Professor Robin Kennedy in Spring 2012 at Florida A&M
University as specified on the class syllabus. I agree to the terms and conditions required
for my being permitted to attend this class as specified in the University Catalog, the
student Handbook and on this class syllabus. No taping of lectures, storage or
retransmission of lectures or part thereof is permitted without specific written permission
from the instructor.
During exams, no outside communication or electronic device (e.g. IPods) with
the exception of a simple scientific calculator, the Software Secure device and a
computer, which is only for communicating the test answers to the instructor, may be
used. During exams the computer may not be used to “Google” or in any other way
search for answers to questions nor may it be used to communicate with any person other
than the Instructor. Should I not follow this procedure I am fully aware I can be
dismissed from the course with a grade of F.
I have been informed of the grading system, and where the procedure for
submitting homework and lab assignments can be found and that video lectures are
available on-line. I am aware that I may be required to show ID and that only those
students registered for the class are permitted to attend and/or partake in lectures,
homework, lab and class discussions. I agree that all exams, homework, labs will be the
result of my own work and that I will not copy, plagiarize or have others do the
homework, labs, tests or exams for me. I further acknowledge that the video lectures and
other documents used in this course are copyright, and belong to one, or all, of the
following; the book publisher, the university (FAMU) or the instructor.
Print Name:
Signature:
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Homework - Signing Up for UTEXAS Homework:
The homework for this course is handled automatically by the university of Texas
computer. You will NOT be a University of Texas student. They provide a
homework grading system of which we are taking advantage.
You are required to carry out 3 steps to be able to do your homework.
Step 1. Get a UTexas EID
Step 2. Register for this class at UTexas
Step 3. Pick up the homework and enter your answers.
Steps 1. and 2. will only be done initially (once). They are to get you a University of
Texas EID and to register you at UTexas for the homework for this class. Step 3 will be
done every time you do your homework; i.e. for every lecture we cover: i.e. three times
a week.
Step1. To get a UTexas EID
Go to http://www.utexas.edu/eid and select “Get a UT EID”; and follow the instructions
inputting all the required data. Eventually you will arrive at a screen where you create
your UT EID. Write down your UT EID and password in a safe place.
Do not do either of the instructions on page 6 of 6. That is, DO NOT hit “Logon using
your UT EID”; DO NOT hit “Return to main UT EID Page”. Rather, proceed to step 2
below.
NOTE: I cannot look up your password so if you lose it. You will have to go through
this process again. Further, I may not be able to see the scores you got for any
homework you did prior to losing your password.
Step 2. To Register for this class at UTexas
Log into http://quest.cns.utexas.edu/student
• Click the arrow beside "Get Started". You will be sent to a page to enter your UT EID
and password. Hit “log on” and then OK on the pop-up box.
• Make sure that the "Hello" in the upper right-hand corner shows your name.
• Read the terms you agree to for using this site and click “I agree”
• Under the MY COURSES tab, choose "ENROLL IN NEW COURSE"
• Supply the unique number ‘24680’ in the box and choose "LOOKUP COURSE
INFO"
• In the “COURSES FOUND” drop down box, it should say “PSC1121(FAMU Spring
2012). This should be the only option.
• Below the drop down box it will say(in orange writing)
Course: PSC1121(24680) / PSC1121 SPRING 2012
Instructor: Kennedy
Meets: 8am
8
•
Choose "REQUEST ENROLLMENT"
•
You will get a yellow box stating “Your instructor will process the enrollment
request".
Log off
•
•
Your instructor has to approve your request before you can proceed to do the course
homework. This should be done within 24 hours. If you are not enrolled within 48
hours, email me at kennedyjrobin@aol.com and let me know your UT EID, so I can
check.
Step 3. Pick up the homework and enter your answers.
There are detailed instructions on the BlackBoard site on how to do this, but the basic
steps are:……….
1. Log into http://quest.cns.utexas.edu/student
2. Click on the class – PSC1121SPRING 2012
3. Click on the homework you wish to do. A page should come up which shows an
Acrobat PDF file on the left with the problems and on the right a box in which you
can submit your answers for each problem. If the PDF document showing the
problems doesn’t appear, right-click over the brown writing at the top of that space,
and select “save link as”, save the pdf document to your desktop/flash drive, and open
it from there.
If you have problems either see me in class, come to my office hours or contact me by
email. I am only too happy to help you.
The WWW is notorious for having intermittent downtime. It is YOUR
responsibility to submit your homework in a timely manner. Waiting until just
before the deadline to submit answers and then experiencing network trouble is not
a valid excuse. Nor will trouble with your computer be accepted. If your computer
dies, go and use a library computer.
Print out and READ the student instructions at the UTexas homework site carefully.
This will tell you how to input large numbers and about significant figures.
e.g. 1234 = 1.234E3 and 0.0004321 = 4.321E-4
Be aware that each student has a different assignment, so you can not work off your
friend’s paper. Also realize that you get negative points for wrong answers for
multiple choice questions. If the next attempt a a question will result in your getting
a negative score for that question then stop doing that question. “A zero is worth
more that a negative number!”
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Remember, the program works automatically.
Assignments are computer submitted. Thus
assignments which are late cannot be accepted. All
times are Eastern Time Zone.
I cannot reopen the homework after the
homework due dates stated on your syllabus as
the answers have been published for all to see.
DO NOT
SEND ME YOUR
HOMEWORK.
HOMEWORK
MUST GO TO
U.TEXAS
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Laboratory - How to get to the Blackboard site:
Step 1: go to famu.blackboard.com
Step 2: Login to Blackboard using your FAMU username and password. If
you are in my class you are automatically enrolled in Blackboard by the
university.
Step 3: Go to the “My Courses” tab. Find the course
PSC1121CE_501_2123Intro Phy Science
taught by Dr. Robin Kennedy. If the course does not appear, notify me
immediately.
Step 4. Click on the PSC1121CE_501_2123Intro Phy Science
Step 5: A new screen will load containing the announcements for this
course. On the left hand side of the screen there will be a menu.
Step 7: Select the Assignments folder on this menu
Step 8: Select the appropriate lab and follow the appropriate instructions
opening links as required.
Step 9: Between the dates listed on your syllabus a link to a quiz will
appear below the instructions for that lab – like “Lab 1 Quiz”. Click on
this link to submit your answers. Remember, the quiz is only open on the
dates and times stated on your syllabus.
Remember; assignments are computer submitted. Thus assignments which are late cannot
be accepted. All times are Eastern Time Zone.
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Class Conduct:
Students are, at all times, to follow the university “Code of Conduct” Policy.
No cheating is permitted in this or any other class at any time for any reason. The University’s
Conduct Policy is in the Student Handbook (Fang) and in the University Catalog.
Only those students registered for the class are permitted to attend lectures, do the homework and
lab, and take the class examinations. Students may be required to show ID from time to time in
class.
As per official university policy; No children, especially babies, can be brought to class as
they cause disruption.
All cell phones and IPods are to be silenced and completely turned off in the classroom at all
times. Cell phone conversations and Text messaging are not permitted during class. Should it be
necessary to make an emergency telephone call / text message, then leave the room. Students are
reminded that the University Cell Phone policy states:
“Cellular phones, pagers and other electronic devices can be disruptive for the user and others
when activated in classrooms. Therefore, electronic devices should be not be activated or
operated unless express written permission to activate or operate the devices has been authorized
by the classroom instructor or the University administrator.”
Neither cell phones nor other electronic devices may be used in the lecture room for photographing
or taping or any purpose at any time without express written permission.
No electronic devices such as cell phones, Ipods, computers, with the exception of calculators, are
to be in use once the instructor enters the room unless permission is specifically granted in
writing. This includes the short period prior to the actual start of a lecture.
With the exception of simple calculators, electronic devices, including computers, are not allowed
to be used during the class. At no time is a computer or any attachment to a computer allowed to
be operating unless specifically stated by the instructor.
No taping of lectures or part thereof is permitted without specific written permission from the
university or the instructor.
All lectures are copyright the instructor and/or the publisher of the recommended
textbook
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