EVANGEL
UNIVERSITY
GSCA-115 PHYSICAL SCIENCE SYLLABUS
Dr. Steve Badger
Sept.-Oct. 2007
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This physical science course includes a study of motion and energy, the basic ideas of electricity, the wave
phenomena of electromagnetic radiation and sound, the solar system, the structure of matter in terms of atoms
and molecules and their nature, and the atmosphere and weather. The course is divided into five units: the
natural sciences, astronomy, earth science, chemistry, and physics.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
Unit-specific objectives are provided below.
COURSE GOALS
Students who successfully complete the course should:
1. See science as an integral part of God’s creation rather than as conflicting with the Bible.
2. More appreciate his/her relationship with our Creator-Redeemer.
3. Be better equipped to form opinions regarding environmental and other scientific issues.
4. Appreciate how scientific advancements have altered our culture.
5. Be better prepared to wrestle with the ethics of contemporary scientific advances.
REQUIRED TEXT
Tillery, Bill. Physical Science, 7th edition. McGraw-Hill, 2007.
(Older editions are not acceptable. Each student must have his or her own textbook.)
RECOMMENDED SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIALS
The publisher has a text-specific website at http://www.mhhe.com/tillery/. Details should be in the
first several pages of the textbook.
STUDY HELPS
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Read the brochure “How to pass science courses the first time you take them”
First read the “Outline” at the beginning of each chapter.
Second read the “Summary” at the end of each chapter.
Then read the chapter including all illustrations.
Read the assigned materials before the class discusses that material.
Answer the questions in “Applying the Concepts” at the end of each chapter.
Be sure you understand the “Key Terms” at the end of each chapter.
Use the ancillary material provided by the publisher.
RELEVANCE TO THE CHRISTIAN FAITH
The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the
godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by
their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain
to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the
creation of the world God's invisible qualities—His eternal
power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being
understood from what has been made, so that men are without
excuse. Rom 1:18-20, NIV.
He is the image of the invisible God, the
firstborn over all creation. For by him all things
were created: things in heaven and on earth,
visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers
or rulers or authorities; all things were created
by him and for him. He is before all things, and
in him all things hold together. Col 1:15-17,
NIV
Dr. Steve Badger
GSCA-115 Physical Science
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
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Read this syllabus and always bring it to class with you. You’re expected to know what it says.
You must have your own textbook and bring it to class with you.
Always bring paper and pencil to class to take notes, or you may take notes in the textbook.
Arrive punctually to the classroom, pay attention to the prof’s presentations, ask questions as necessary,
and interact with the material.
9 Take the quizzes on the scheduled date and at the scheduled time.
COURSE PROCEDURES
9 Each student will present a lecture/discussion over an assigned topic. The professor and the class will
interact with the student presenters.
9 Students will be graded on their presentations.
9 In addition to projected Powerpoint® presentations, students may use the whiteboard, overhead
transparencies, models, and handouts of labeled drawings to help illustrate concepts.
9 Students may download the publisher’s Powerpoint® presentations and a variety of handouts from our
eUniversity page. (http://angel.evangel.edu) A recent email had an brochure on Angel.
9 Typically, the professor will provide students with study guides to help students focus on materials and
concepts they are likely to see on quizzes.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
9 The professor will enforce the Adult Degree Program attendance policy.
9 Students may not miss more than 20% of the course. (Time is measured in class minutes.)
9 If you miss more than 20% of class time, you will receive no credit for the course.
ASSIGNMENT POLICY
9 Reading assignments must be completed by the beginning of class time on the day they are due.
9 Homework assignments should be completed before the following week.
9 If a student has a hardship, he/she should discuss it with the professor, in advance, if possible.
EVALUATION PROCEDURES
9 Anyone caught cheating on an examination will receive a zero on that exam with no opportunity to take
it again. This includes looking at notes or the text or talking with someone.
9 If you look at someone else’s exam during a test, you will receive a zero on that exam with no
opportunity to take it again.
9 Exam questions are typically multiple-choice, true-false, and matching, but other types may be used.
9 You may use a simple calculator on quizzes; however, you may not use a graphing calculator.
9 All grading will be done on a percentage basis. The simple average of the exam grades will be your final
average for the course.
9 The professor may use the completion of assignments, participation in class discussions, and class
demeanor to “weight” a student’s grade in the course.
9 10% of each quiz: T/F You read all of the assigned materials (textbook, handouts, etc.).
9 Class grades will not be placed on a “curve”; however, grades for some exams may be skewed.
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Dr. Steve Badger
GSCA-115 Physical Science
9 Your final grade will be determined as follows:
Assignment
Points
st
1 Quiz
150
2nd Quiz
150
3rd Quiz
150
4th Quiz
150
5th Quiz
150
Reading textbook
125
Presentations
125
Total
925-1000
A
725-784
C
905-924
A–
705-724
C–
885-904
B+
685-704
D+
825-884
B
625-684
D
805-824
B–
605-624
D–
785-804
C+
604 or less
F
1000
COURSE OUTLINE AND SCHEDULE
Each class (including the first one) will begin with a quiz over assigned readings for that week. During each of
the first four classes the professor will handout a study guide for the quiz you will take the next class period. A
study guide for the quiz you will take at the beginning of the first class is provided below. Except for the first
test, quiz questions will come primarily from “Key Terms” and “Applying the Concepts” at the end of
assigned chapters.
<<<<<<< WEEK 1 >>>>>>>
Unit 1. Science
Chapter 1:What is science? And handouts (found online). Topics to be covered include: overview of
subdisciplines (physics, chemistry, astronomy, earth science) Why study science? scientific methods,
epistemology, philosophy of science, math & measurements, SI, ethics, etc.
Read and study these before class:
Chapter 1: What Is Science? (22 pgs)
Online readings:
“Measurements” (online URL)
“The Method of Natural Science” (online URL)
“Why study science?” http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=10015616
First Quiz Study Guide
Memorize these:
The meaning of the “Terms” at the end of the “The Method of Natural Science” handout
Meanings of prefixes (centi-, deci-, micro-, etc) on “Measurements” handout
Seven fundamental (base) units and their abbreviations (kg, m, s, K, etc.)
Difference between derived and fundamental units
The equalities (e.g., 1 kg = 1,000 g)
Be very familiar with these:
The difference between “science” and “non-science”
The derived units (e.g., area, volume, density, etc.) on “Measurements” handout
Outline of the scientific method (“The Method of Natural Science” handout)
Limitations of the scientific method (“The Method of Natural Science” handout)
What is studied in each of these subdisciplines of the physical sciences: physics, chemistry, astronomy, and
earth sciences (see the table of contents in the text book)
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Dr. Steve Badger
GSCA-115 Physical Science
<<<<<<< WEEK 2 >>>>>>>
Unit 2. Astronomy
Chapter 14 The Universe
Chapter 15 The Solar System
Chapter 16 Earth in Space
Readings: pp.385-460: 85 pgs
Topics to be covered include: the universe, the solar system, earth in space, tools of astronomy
<<<<<<< WEEK 3 >>>>>>>
Unit 3. Earth Science
Chapter 17 Rocks and Minerals
Chapter 18 Plate Tectonics
Chapter 22 The Atmosphere of Earth
Chapter 23 Weather and Climate
Readings: pp.465-503 and 573-622: 113 pgs
Topics to be covered include: rocks & minerals, plate tectonics, atmosphere, meteorology
<<<<<<< WEEK 4 >>>>>>>
Unit 4. Physics
Chapter 2 Motion
Chapter 3 Energy
Chapter 4 Heat and Temperature
Chapter 5 Wave Motions and Sound
Chapter 6 Electricity
Chapter 7 Light
Readings: pp.29-216: 190 pgs
Topics to be covered include: motion, energy, heat/temperature, waves/sound, electricity, light
<<<<<<< WEEK 5 >>>>>>>
Unit 5. Chemistry
Chapter 8 Atoms and Periodic Properties
Chapter 9 Chemical Bonds
Chapter 10 Chemical Reactions
Chapter 11 Water and Solutions
Chapter 12 Organic Chemistry
Readings: pp.225-347: 160 pgs
Topics to be covered include: atomic structure, bonding, chemical reactions, aqueous solutions
UNIT-SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
The objectives below are provided to help you identify what the professor hopes you will learn in each unit.
Unit 1: Science
When the student has successfully completed this material, he/she should be able to:
1. Define the terms in the “Key Terms” at the end of the chapter.
2. Correctly answer “Applying the Concepts” questions at the end of each chapter.
3. Describe how measurements are made and recorded.
4. Describe and use standard SI units (metric system).
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Dr. Steve Badger
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GSCA-115 Physical Science
Give the meaning of the SI prefixes.
Outline the scientific method and list some limitations of the scientific method.
Compare and contrast “sciences” with “non-sciences” and “science” with “technology.”
Name several scientific disciplines and several non-scientific disciplines.
Calculate the density of a solid and of a liquid.
Use the equations listed in the “Summary of Equations” at the end of the chapter.
Apply these principles to everyday life situations.
Unit 2: Astronomy
When the student has successfully completed this chapter, he/she should be able to:
1. Define the terms in the “Key Terms” at the end of the chapter.
2. Correctly answer “Applying the Concepts” questions at the end of each chapter.
3. Discuss how scientists measure astronomical distances.
4. Classifying stars according to type.
5. Describe our galaxy.
6. Describe Kepler’s Laws with drawings.
7. Name the planets in order from the Sun.
8. Compare and contrast the inner and outer planets.
9. Describe each of the planets in our solar system.
10. Define & describe: eclipses (solar & lunar), asteroids, meteorites, and comets.
11. Use the equations listed in the “Summary of Equations” at the end of each chapter.
12. Apply these principles to everyday life situations.
Unit 3: Earth Science
When the student has successfully completed this material, he/she should be able to:
1. Define the terms in the “Key Terms” at the end of the chapter.
2. Correctly answer “Applying the Concepts” questions at the end of each chapter.
3. Define and distinguish between the terms rock and mineral.
4. Name and describe the three types of rocks, giving examples of each.
5. List the properties used to identify rocks/minerals and describe the rock cycle.
6. Describe Earth’s atmosphere (composition, structure, etc.).
7. Describe the vertical structure of the atmosphere.
8. Describe the global circulation patterns.
9. Describe the effect of the earth’s tilt on weather.
10. Name and describe basic cloud types.
11. Describe how clouds form.
12. Describe the various forms of precipitation.
13. Describe the major weather producers (air masses, weather fronts, etc.).
14. List the factors used to label a storm (tornado, hurricane, etc.).
15. Use the equations listed in the “Summary of Equations” at the end of each chapter.
16. Apply these principles to everyday life situations.
Unit 4: Physics
When the student has successfully completed this material, he/she should be able to:
1. Define the terms in the “Key Terms” at the end of the chapter.
2. Correctly answer “Applying the Concepts” questions at the end of each chapter.
3. Explain the concepts of speed, velocity, acceleration, and free fall.
4. Define scalar and vector quantities.
5. State and explain Newton’s three Laws of Motion.
6. Define mass, inertia, and momentum and explain their relationship to each other.
7. Describe the relationship between mass, speed, impulse, and momentum.
8. Explain “conservation of momentum.”
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GSCA-115 Physical Science
Describe Newton’s Law of Gravitation.
Define energy; define and calculate work. Distinguish between potential and kinetic energy.
Explain “conservation of energy.”
Describe how machines multiply force or distance; define efficiency.
Distinguish between heat and temperature and use three temperature scales.
Explain how the specific heat capacity of a material describes that material.
Explain how temperature affects an object’s dimensions.
Explain how the density of water varies with temperature.
Describe evaporation, condensation, boiling, melting, freezing, and sublimation.
Explain energy (heat) changes needed to change the state of matter.
Describe the three ways heat moves.
Explain absolute zero, internal energy, entropy, and heat engine.
State and explain the First and Second Laws of Thermodynamics.
Connect the Second Law of Thermodynamics with heat transfer.
Give two different definitions of sound.
Use a diagram to explain sound waves.
State the speed of sound in various media.
Apply the inverse-square law to sound.
Describe how sound is reflected and refracted.
Describe how loudness of sound is measured (and units).
Distinguish between music and noise.
Distinguish between transverse and longitudinal waves.
Describe how the pitch of a guitar string can be changed.
Relate pitch, loudness, and quality to frequency, amplitude, and harmonics.
Describe the Doppler effect.
Label the parts of the human ear.
Compare and contrast electrical forces with gravitational forces.
Describe the charges on protons, electrons, and neutrons.
Distinguish between conductors and insulators and explain why they act as they do.
Describe three ways to charge an object.
Explain necessary conditions for a flow of electric charge.
Compare and contrast current and voltage.
Explain what factors affect electrical resistance.
State and explain Ohm’s Law and Coulomb’s Law.
Distinguish between alternating and direct current.
Relate electrical power to current and voltage.
Distinguish between parallel and series circuits.
Explain the factors that determine the strength of a magnetic force.
Describe with diagrams how to use an electric current to produce a magnet.
Explain electromagnetic induction. Explain Faraday’s Law.
Use diagrams to describe how a generator induces a current.
Compare and contrast a generator and an electric motor.
Diagram a transformer and explain its function.
Calculate output from a transformer.
Describe the interrelationship between magnetic and electric fields.
State the two components of an electromagnetic wave.
Name parts of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Explain why a material is transparent or opaque.
Describe the parts of the human eye and how they function.
Describe the relationship between wavelength and color of light.
Use diagrams to explain polarization.
Explain the laws that govern the reflection of light and the refraction of light.
Draw and name the different types of lenses.
Explain total internal reflection and give practical applications.
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Dr. Steve Badger
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GSCA-115 Physical Science
Use diagrams to describe the dispersion of light.
Describe the photoelectric effect.
Use the equations listed in the “Summary of Equations” at the end of each chapter.
Apply these principles to everyday life situations.
Unit 5: Chemistry
When the student has successfully completed this material, he/she should be able to:
1. Define the terms in the “Key Terms” at the end of the chapter.
2. Correctly answer “Applying the Concepts” questions at the end of each chapter.
3. Describe the structure of atoms.
4. Name what each of the subatomic particles (proton, electron, and neutron) determines about an atom.
5. Match the names of elements with their chemical symbols.
6. Distinguish between chemical and physical properties.
7. Distinguish between pure substances and mixtures.
8. Distinguish between atoms, ions, and molecules—and between elements and compounds.
9. Describe the isotopes of a given element.
10. Describe the different types of chemical bonds and how they are formed.
11. Describe the effects of various parameters (e.g., temperature, pressure) on solubility.
12. Describe how chemists use chemical equations.
13. Understand and use the Periodic Table of the Elements.
14. Use chemical equations and the mole concept.
15. Calculate formula masses from atomic masses.
16. Distinguish between atoms and molecules and between elements and compounds.
17. Describe the different types of chemical bonds and how they are formed.
18. Explain why some bonds are polar.
19. Name a chemical compound by knowing its formula.
20. Describe how chemists use chemical formulas and chemical equations.
21. Balance chemical equations using the mole concept.
22. Calculate formula masses from atomic masses.
23. Recognize reactions by type (combination, decomposition, neutralization, redox, etc.)
24. Use the equations listed in the “Summary of Equations” at the end of the chapter.
25. Describe and define solubility, concentration, acids, bases, buffers, and pH.
26. Describe the unique properties of water by describing the water molecule.
27. Use the equations listed in the “Summary of Equations” at the end of each chapter.
28. Apply these principles to everyday life situations.
EXAM DATES
Quiz
Date
Material covered:
1
15 Sept
2
22 Sept
Chaps 14-16: Topics covered include: the universe, the solar system, earth in space,
tools of astronomy
3
29 Sept
Chaps 17, 18, 22, 23; Topics covered include: rocks & minerals, plate tectonics,
atmosphere, meteorology
4
6 Oct
Chaps 2-7; Topics covered include: motion, energy, heat/temperature, waves/sound,
electricity, light
5
13 Oct
Chaps 8-12; Topics covered include: atomic structure, bonding, chemical reactions,
aqueous solutions
Chap 1, handouts. Topics covered include: Overview of subdisciplines (physics,
chemistry, astronomy, earth science); Why study science? scientific Methods,
epistemology, philosophy of science, math & measurements, SI, ethics
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Dr. Steve Badger
GSCA-115 Physical Science
HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS
Study the questions in the “Applying the Concepts” section at the end of each chapter in Tillery’s Physical
Science, 7th edition. These should help you prepare for exams. You will not hand your answers in to the
professor, and they will not be graded.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
A bibliography is not provided for this course. The library has an assortment of books in specific disciplines
(e.g.,, chemistry, meteorology, and physics) that could be helpful to the student. Students desiring more
information should ask library personnel for assistance locating relevant materials.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
My online helps are located on our Angle web site. The URL for eUniversity is https://angel.evangel.edu/. Use
your student ID and password to access Angel.
If you need to meet with the professor, please schedule an appointment at the end of class period.
Ms Rachael Eng, a senior science major with a very high GPA and experience assisting in chemistry labs, will
be available as a tutor. If you want to meet with her, you should contact her beforehand. You may contact her
at 865-2815 ext1108 or be email at eng1430@evangel.edu.
Ms Eng will be in Z-311 from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. on Wednesdays (Sept. 12, 19, 26, and Oct 3 & 10.)
If you want to meet with her, please email or call her. If you need help meeting with her, please ask the
professor for help.
Office: Z-312G
Office phone: 865-8312 ext 8327
Home phone: 864-0013
Email: badgers@evangel.edu
AOL IM: DocBadger
(Revised 8/28/2007)
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