School of Science and Technology
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School of Science and Technology


NSU - Norfolk State University
 
PHY 100 : Syllabus
  
 
Contact Information
PHONE:   (757) 823-8909 OFFICE:   Room 115 Wood Science Building

COURSE NAME:
Physical Science

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
PHY-100 is a 3.00 credit hour course designed to give general knowledge of physical science. The course emphasizes knowledge of selected facts, principles, methods of science, and the place of science in our modern world. Topics included astronomy, physics, chemistry, and earth science.

METHOD OF INSTRUCTION:
Lecture, peer instruction, and group problem solving

PRE/CO-REQUISITES:
MTH 101

COURSE RATIONALE:
The Physical Science course is designed to:

  • Teach the student to think critically and analytically, using scientific reasoning;
  • Promote the skills and concepts in science that will allow each individual to be a scientifically literate, full participant in our modern society;
  • Involve students in a course that allows them to explore phenomena and solve qualitative and quantitative problems from the real world rather than emphasize facts and terminology;
  • Present an “integrated approach” that shows the connections among not only the science disciplines but also among mathematics, the humanities, and “real world” pursuits such as politics and economics.

COURSE GOALS AND INTENDED OUTCOME:
The goals of this course are to:

  • Build competencies in scientific reasoning;
  • Provide the student with an introduction to the basic principles and concepts of physical science and the relation of the physical sciences to other disciplines and real world.
After completing this course, the student will be able to:
  • Recognize the utility of the metric system, methods of conversion, scientific notation and use them at the mastery level;
  • Demonstrate a basic understanding of the processes and products of physical science, of scientific terms and concepts and of the impact of science on society and their everyday life. A minimum proficiency level of 60% is required.

REQUIRED TEXT & MATERIALS:

  1. Textbook: The Physical Universe, 12e, Krauskopf and Beiser
  2. Turning Point RF Remote
  3. Basic Calculator

COURSE OUTLINE:

ChapterSectionsTopic of Discussion
11-11Scientific Method
161-16The Solar System
Test #1
131-14Atmosphere and Hydrosphere
31-7Energy
41-3; 8-12Matter and Heat
Test #2
51-10Electricity and Magnetism
61-3; 5-6; 10-16Waves
Test #3
71-5; 9-13;The Nucleus
91-17The Periodic Law
101-14Crystals, Ions and Solutions
Test #4
141-17The Rock Cycle
Final Exam

GRADING STANDARDS:
Homework
Homework may be assigned and if so, the assignments will be posted on Blackboard.
Tests
Four tests will be administered. The tests will be closed book and closed notes.
Daily Quizzes
There will be quizzes in every class using the remotes. (the student is required to purchase a Turning Point remote)
*NO Make-up tests will be given.
**There is no provision for "extra credit" work to improve your grade.
Grading Assessment:
Highest 3 of 4 Tests50%
Final Exam30%
Daily Quiz20%
Grading Scale:
  A : 100 - 90  
B+ : 89 - 87 B : 86 - 84 B- : 83 - 80
C+ : 79 - 77 C : 76 - 74 C- : 73 - 70
D+ : 69 - 67 D : 66 - 64 D- : 63 - 60
  F : 59 - 0  

COURSE SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS
Information Technology Literacy: The use of Blackboard outside the classroom and personal response units within the classroom will address the student's computer and technology literacy.
Quantitative Reasoning and Scientific Reasoning: Satisfactory performance on concept-base quizzes will necessitate substantive application of these competencies.

 
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY STANDARDS
Please consult the NSU Student Handbook on matters regarding student conduct such as attendance, illness, off-campus trips, and grade appealse, etc.

SCHOOL WIDE TUTORING SERVICES
The School of Science & Technology provides tutoring services through the STARS Tutoring Center for those NSU students who may be experiencing difficulties in Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering, Biology, Chemistry, Nursing, Technology and Physics courses. The STARS office is located in RTC, Suite 100. This service is free of charge and provided to NSU students only. Visit the site at http://stars.nsu.edu.

UNIVERSITY ADA STATEMENT
In accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans With Disabilites Act (ADA) of 1990, if you have a disability or think you have a disability, we ask that you please contact the Supporting Students through Disability Services (SSDS) office.
LOCATION: Lyman B. Brooks Library/Room 240
CONTACT PERSON: Marian E. Shepherd - Disability Services Coordinator SSDS
TELEPHONE: (757) 823-2014
EMAIL: mshepherd@nsu.edu

UNIVERSITY ASSESSMENT STATEMENT
As part of NSU's commitment to provide the environment and resources needed for success, students may be required to participate in a number of university-wide assessment activities. The activities may include tests, surveys, focus groups and interviews, and portfolio reviews. The primary purpose of the assessment activities is to determine the extent to which the university's programs and services maintain a high level of quality and meet the needs of students. Students will not be identified in the analysis of results. Unless indicated otherwise, by the instructor, results from University assessment activities will not be computed in student grades.

UNIVERSITY WIDE REQUIREMENTS
Class Attendance Policy
  • A student is expected to attend all classes. The student assumes all responsibility for work missed due to an absence. Make-up work may be permitted at the discretion of the instructor. Refer to the NSU Student Handbook (http://www.nsu.edu/studentaffairs/pdf/NSUStudentHandbook.pdf) for further details.


  • NSU email Accounts
  • In an effort to keep students informed about Norfolk State University updates and account information, students must check their official NSU student email account frequently.
    You may access your official NSU email account at http://www.nsu.edu/webmail/. Follow instructions on the NSU-webmail login page.

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