PHSC 101       Physical Science I      SUMMER 2001 A

Text: The Physical Sciences: An Integrated Approach by Robert M. Hazen and James Trefil.(John Wiley 1996)

Professor: Dr. Mesgun Sebhatu, Bancroft 108:Tel. 2113x6435. E-Mail:sebhatum@winthrop.edu

Brief Description of the Course: PHS 101 is the first semester of a one-year physical science course that covers the fundamentals of physics, chemistry, astronomy, geology, meteorology, etc. It is intended for students with little or no science background .The course is largely descriptive. However, a knowledge of high school algebra will be helpful especially for physics portion of the course. Even though I selected this book for the course, it is no perfect. It has some errors and I will try to point them out and correct them as the course progresses. When ever a conflict arises between the book and the lectures notes, the lecture notes and class discussions take precedence.

Objective: The major objective of the course is to provide the student with a basic understanding of the nature of physical science; the key role it plays in modern society, its relevance to everyday life, technology, and the environment

PHSC 101 should equip students with the necessary scientific background, knowledge and terminology to appreciate, follow. and discuss scientific topics and issues that affect society and are discussed in the popular media. The course should also serve as a preview to the various areas of physical science.

Tentative Course Outline and Test Schedule:(Detailed Study Guides will be provided for every section prior to each test The study guides will often have links to relevant web sites.)

I. (Ch. 1) Science: A way of knowing ; (Ch. 2) The Language of Science, Ch.3) Kinematics (p.64-p.78)

Test #1: Ch. 1, 2, & 3 Thursday, May 17 .     Study Guide I

II. (Ch.3) Early Astronomy (p.50 -- p.64); ( Ch. 17) T he Solar System ; (Ch.4) The Clockwork Universe .

Test #2: Ch. 3, 17 & 4 Wednesday, May 23.    Study Guide II

III. (Ch. 5) Energy; (Ch. 6) Temperature, Heat, and Thermodynamics; (Ch. 7) Electromagnetism

Test #3: Ch.5,6,& 7 Tuesday , May 29.    Study Guide III

IV.( Ch 8) Waves:   Sound and Electromagnetic Radiation; (Ch. 9) The atom , and (Ch .10) Quantum Mechanics

Test #4: Ch. 8, 9 , &some topics from Ch. 10:  Friday , June 1.   Study Guide IV

Computation of Final Grades: The lowest of the four test results will be dropped. The three best test grades will be averaged and will constitute 93% towards the final grade. Weekly homework will constitute 9% of the final grade. Assignment of the letter grades depends on the numerical grade distribution. Usually, above 90% is an "A", 80-89 a "B", 70-79 a "C", 60-69 a "D", and below 60 is an "F".

Make Up Tests: A student who misses a test will obtain a "0" for it and will lose the opportunity to have the lowest test grade dropped. The missed test becomes the lowest grade. As soon as a student contemplates missing a test, it is preferred that the student make his reasons clear to the instructor so arrangements for taking a test, preferably early, can be made. It will be highly risky to miss more than one test.

Class Attendance Policy: The attendance policy followed in this course is the same as that which appears in the recent Winthrop University Catalog. Briefly, "If a student's absences in a course total 25% or more of the class meetings for the course, the student will receive a grade of N, F, or U, which ever is appropriate." Please read your catalog for details.

Students who leave early or come excessively late will be marked absent. If an emergency forces a student to be late or to get up and leave, it is polite and proper to let the instructor know. Students will be encouraged to ask questions and participate in class discussions. However, carrying lengthy conversation, reading or writing materials external to the course during the class period is intolerable and considered disruptive.

In Maymester, one day is equivalent to one week during the regular semester sessions. That is why you will have your monthly tests every three days. If a student misses a day that means he/she missed a week's worth of lectures. That will be very hard to make up. Please be aware of the fast paced nature of the summer session classes.