PHYSICAL SCIENCE 102 5-credits

General Physical Science Winter 2003

SYLLABUS

I. Course Information Return to top of Page

II. Instructor Information

Instructor: Robin Terjeson, Ph.D.

Office: SCI 110

Phone: (360)992-2201

E-mail:

Website:

Mailbox: APH 203, Science Department Office

Office Hours: Office hours will be announced in class posted on my door, and on my web site. If you are unable to see me during regular office hours, please call and set up a time to meet. I would also be willing to answer your questions by phone.

III. Textbook

Textbook: An Introduction to Physical Science. By James Shipman. The text is required and offers a good readable introduction to the material covered in this course. A Study Guide is also available if you wish to have additional help but it is not required.

IV. Course Description and Purpose

Physical Science 102 is a 5-credit laboratory course designed to meet the science distribution requirements for non-science majors. Little or no science background is required. The first part of the course provides an introduction to the basic structure of the atom and how a knowledge of this structure will enable you to write chemical formulas, balance equations, and begin to understand how chemistry is involved in everyday life. Some chemistry applications to the atmosphere and its processes will be covered.

V. Student Learning Objectives Return to top of Page

Six campus-wide abilities, which form the foundation of our educational emphasis at Clark College, have been identified. These are 1) critical thinking/problem solving, 2) information/technology, 3) communication, 4) life-long learning, 5) effective citizenship, and 6)-global/multicultural awareness. Although several of these abilities are incorporated into this class, I will focus on critical thinking/problem solving and communication.

More specific objectives will be handed out for each chapter.

The methods of evaluation will include exams, laboratory reports and outside of class assignments.

Course Policies Return to top of Page

You are expected to observe the rules and regulations of the college.

A. Absences

1. Attendance—Attendance and punctuality are essential for success in this class as well as being a Life-Long Learning skill. You are expected to attend lectures, conference sections and labs as scheduled. In-class assignments will be given.

2. Excused Absences—Some absences may be excused providing PRIOR arrangements have been made with the instructor. Examples of excused absences are: medical reasons, field trip and military exercises and will be allowed only at the discretion of the instructor.

3. Unexpected Absences—if you miss more than four classes without justifiable cause, you may fail the course.

NOTE:

Instructors may drop a registered student from a class if the student fails to attend one or more sessions during the first week of the quarter (unless prior arrangements have been made). This “no-show“ policy is one of several procedures Clark College is using to stay within a state-mandated enrollment band while meeting the needs of a maximum number of students.

B. Class Participation

It is important to maintain an optimum and safe learning environment by showing unconditional respect for others. This is accomplished by listening to each other (not talking when someone else is speaking), being attentive, taking one another seriously, and allowing humor to be a part of the class. Entering into class discussions and asking questions is important, but equally important is to not monopolize class time. If you need more time to discuss an issue, use the conferences and instructor office hours.

C. Missed Exams, Laboratory Assignments

1. If you miss an exam for an excused absence and have contacted the Instructor prior to the exam, the final exam score may be substituted for the missed exam. The final is comprehensive so it is to the students advantage to study for and take all exams. Final exams will not be given prior to finals week.

2. Laboratory reports are due at the beginning of class the following lab day. If there is no lab that week, the report will be due during class on Tuesday. Failure to complete two or more experiments and/or lab reports will result in a failing grade for the course.

D. Course Withdrawal

1. If you find yourself in a position where a withdrawal from the class is necessary, the college withdrawal policies will be in effect (See the Clark College catalog or schedule.) After the deadline a grade of “W” will be given at the discretion of the instructor. No withdrawal will be accepted after the last regular class day (prior to final exams).

2. Incompletes will not normally be approved unless a student is receiving a “C” or better in the course work up to request time and it is late in the quarter (week 9 or 10).

3. Audits will not be approved after the second week of the quarter.

E. Academic Honesty

Academic honesty is required at all times. Anyone caught cheating or supporting cheating will receive an automatic fail for that assignment and be subject to the Student Conduct Procedures. Copyright laws and plagiarism rules shall be observed.

F. Assumptions of Students Enrolled in PHSC 102

No science background is required when you begin this class. You are assumed to have an 11^th grade reading and comprehension level.

G. Expectations of Students

1. Science classes typically require more time than students realize. Outside class time is needed to prepare for class, exams, and writing up lab reports. The minimum amount of work expected is 1.5 hours out of class study for every hour of class. (This means you should spend a minimum of 8-10 hours a week outside of class studying.) Please consider your outside commitments to determine whether you have the time to successfully complete the course.

2. Regular attendance in lecture is expected. Be courteous to others if you are late.

3. A minimal amount of mathematics is included in the course. You should be able to solve a simple linear equation.

4. Prepare for class by reading the chapter before the lecture. Stay up to date on your studying. LISTEN.

5. If you miss a class it is your responsibility to contact the instructor to get handouts.

H. Expectations of the Instructor

The instructor is expected to meet the course goals, keep students periodically informed of their progress, be available for conferences, maintain a safe learning environment, and return assignments in a timely fashion.

VII. Requirements, Assessment and Grading Return to top of Page

A. Your course grade will be based on the following:

Exams will consist of a mix of questions. See Assessment below.

Lab reports consist of fill-in, calculation, or short answer questions. There are 7 labs/reports at 20 pts each, which will be counted toward your grade. Lab attendance is required.

Other assignments include any in-class (conference or lecture) or out of class assignments such as an Internet search, group work, or questions about an in-class video.

Project The project will be graded on a written, poster and/ in-class presentation. A handout will explain the details.

Grade:

Your course grade will be determined by your combined average percent score as follows:

0 - 54% = F

B. Assessment – Tests and lab assignments will be designed to test your ability to demonstrate the Critical Thinking/Problem Solving skills as outlined in the College Wide Abilities

There are three categories of “problems” found in PHSC 102. Each type emphasizes different abilities, and therefore must be assessed differently.

1. Basic Knowledge Problems – (Critical Thinking/Communication) These questions address the facts and language of Chemistry and atmospheric concepts, chemical symbols, nomenclature, physical and chemical property data, etc. Basic knowledge will be assessed by true/false and multiple choice questions gauging your ability to remember this knowledge, and by a passing grade on the laboratory reports.

2. Number “ Crunching “ and Formula Plug-in Problems – (Critical Thinking) This type of question concerns conversions and calculations from given quantities to desired quantities. Assessment will be based on your ability to demonstrate the following.

Are you able to:

a. restate the problem identifying the desired quantity and the starting quantity?

b. determine and write down any other information that is required?

c. devise and write down a “ path” to follow to solve the problem?

d. follow your path to solve the problem correctly with proper units and precision?

Number “ Crunching” and Formula Plug-Problems will be assessed by measuring your ability to complete with a passing grade the lab reports and hour/final exam questions relating to these areas.

3. Explanation Problems – (Critical Thinking/Communication) These questions ask you to use your accumulated knowledge to explain chemical/geological trends and processes.

Are you able to:

a. restate the problem identifying what is desired?

b. examine evidence and assumptions?

c. draw reasonable conclusions based on correlational and/or cause/effect relationships?

d. express your response in a coherent, descriptive, grammatically correct answer?

Explanation problems will be assessed by true/false, multiple choice, short answer exam questions, or assignments and by a passing grade on the lab reports.

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Updated Jan. 1, 2003. Questions or comments on this Web site should go to Robin Terjeson.