Physical Science 101 (PS 101)

Topics:

Physics: Motion, Conservation of Energy, Conservation of Momentum, Newton's Laws of Motion, Newton's Law of Gravity, Heat, Temperature, Thermodynamics, Waves, Sound, Electricity, Magnetism, Electromagnetic Induction, Light, Atomic Physics, Nuclear Physics, and Relativity.

Chemistry: Elements, Compounds, States of Matter, the Periodic Table, Chemical Bonds, and Chemical Applications

Earth Science: Meteorology, Oceanography, The Earth,  Geology, and the Environment.

Astronomy: Motion of bodies, The Solar System, Life and Death of a Star, Galaxies, and Time.

Course-Outline (Excerpts)

(For Sample Syllabus click this -à (PS101 Sample Syllabus)

Name: Introduction to Physical Science

Catalog Description: An introductory course for non-science majors covering the historical origins and modern concepts of physics, chemistry, geology, and astronomy.

Credit Hours: 5

Prerequisite: High School Algebra or Math 60 with a grade of at least 2.0 or Instructor permission.

Evaluation Usage: Meets Pierce College General Education Requirements (GRE) and General Transferable Elective (GTE) in Natural Science as a lab course.

Course Objectives:

Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to:

1. Describe the nature of an atom and the formation of a chemical bond.
2. Discuss some factors that affect chemical reactions.
3. Discuss how ideas of planetary motion have chanced through history.
4. Differentiate between a "Newtonian" world view and a "Quantum-theoretical" world view.
5. Relate the laws of thermodynamics to physical processes.
6. Describe the structure of the earth and plate tectonics.