Text: Physical Science With Modern Applications (5th ed.) by Melvin Merken. (Saunders, 1993)
Professor: Dr. Mesgun Sebhatu, Office: Sims 203
Office Hours: MWF: 10 -11:50AM; 12-12:50PM
Tel. 323-2113x6435(O), 324-1254(H), E-Mail: sebhatum@winthrop.edu
Brief Description of the Course: PHSC 101-102 is a one-year physical science course that covers the fundamentals of physics, chemistry, astronomy, and earth science. It is intended for students with little or no science background. PHSC 101 and 102 are taught independently . PHS 101 covers mostly the fundamentals of physics. PHSC 102 covers chemistry (ch 13 to 18), nuclear reactions (ch.19), astronomy (ch. 4, ch. 19, 20 & 21), and earth science(ch. 22 to 24) The PHSC 102 course is largely descriptive. However, A knowledge of high school algebra will be helpful. The major objective of the course is to provide the student with some understanding of the nature of physical science; the key role it plays in modern society, its relevance to everyday life, technology, and the environment. The course should equip the student with the necessary scientific background, knowledge and terminology to appreciate , follow scientific and knowledgeably comment on topics that are discussed in the popular media. The course should also serve as a preview and foundation to the various areas of physical science. Through out the course, basic concepts, scientific terms and principles will be gently introduced and discussed. Audio visual materials and simple demonstrations will often be used to illustrate key concepts. Students will be encouraged to ask questions and participate in class discussions. The appropriate time for meeting your professor for answering questions will be immediately after class and/or during scheduled office hours. At other times, an appointment may be necessary.
(Detailed study guides will be provided for sections I to IV prior to each test)
I. (Ch. 1) The Scientific Enterprise; (Ch. 13) Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table; (Ch.14) Chemical Bonding: (Ch. 15) Chemical Formulas and Equations.
Test #1: Ch. 1, 13, 14 and 15 Monday, Sept 14
II. (Ch. 16) Chemical Reaction Rates and Chemical Equilibrium; (Ch. 17) Water-Solutions and Pollution; (Ch. 18) Introduction to Organic Chemistry
Test #2: Ch. 16 ,17 and 18 Monday, Oct. 5
III. (Ch.4 & 21) Planetary Motion and the Solar System; (Ch. 19) Nuclear Reactions and Structure; (Ch. 20) Astrophysics.
Test #3: Ch. 4,21,19 and 20 Monday, Nov. 9
IV. (Ch. 22) The Earth's Structure-Geology; (Ch 23) The Earth's Hydrosphere -Oceanography; (Ch24)The Earth's Atmosphere -- Meteorology
Test #4: Ch. 22, 23, and 24 Monday Nov. 23
A Comprehensive Final Exam on Sections I to IV (See Final Exam Schedule for Date and Time)
Computation of Final Grades: The lowest of the four test results will be dropped. The three best test grades will be averaged and contribute 60% toward the final grade, the comprehensive final will count as 32%,, and Homework grades will constitute 8% 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 0 - 59 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 current 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 out lengthy conversation, reading or writing materials external to the
course during the class period is intolerable and disruptive. .