Discipline: Physical Sciences Degree Credit  [X]
Non Credit  [ ]
Nondegree Credit  [ ]
Comm Service  [ ]
 

Riverside Community College District
Integrated Course Outline of Record

Physical Sciences 1


COURSE DESCRIPTION
1 Introduction to Physical Science Units: 3.00
 
Prerequisite: None.
 
Fundamental concepts of earth, space, and environmental science (astronomy, geology, meteorology, and oceanography) and principles of physics and chemistry, especially as they relate to these fields. Emphasis is placed on the application of science in the understanding and solution of environmental problems. 54 hours lecture.
 
SHORT DESCRIPTION FOR CLASS SCHEDULE
Descriptive survey of the physical sciences: astronomy, geology, physics, chemistry as they relate to daily living.
 
ADVISORY ENTRY SKILLS
None.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
 Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:

1.   Analyze the unifying principles which underlie the various branches
      of scientific endeavor.

2.   Identify the basic physical concepts necessary for an understanding
      of the technology of the natural environment.

3.   Guide the students to understand their role as a member of a
      society that is becoming increasingly dependent upon technological
      development
 
COURSE CONTENT
  TOPICS
 
  1. Background-Early Concepts of Nature; the golden age of Astronomy; basic units of time, space, mass, energy, motion; universal gravitation
  2. Mechanical Phenomena-Energy, work and power; vibration waves and sound; electricity and magnetism; electromagnetic spectrum; relativity
  3. Structure of Matter- The atom; radioactivity and nuclear energy, the periodic nature of elements; states of matter
  4. Chemistry of Matter-Chemical energy; chemistry of living organisms
  5. The Dynamic Earth-Earth’s structure, plate tectonics; oceans and atmosphere; earth-moon binary system
  6. The Solar System-Terrestrial planets, jovian planets; asteroids, comets and meteors
  7. Beyond the Solar System-Stars and nebulae; galaxies; the universe; extra-terrestrial life
 
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION
 Methods of instruction used to achieve student learning outcomes may include, but are not limited to:

  • Lecture
  • Discussion
  • Multimedia
  • Demonstrations of physical laws
  • Use of the Planetarium
 
METHODS OF EVALUATION
 Students will be evaluated for progress in and/or mastery of learning outcomes by methods of evaluation which may include, but are not limited to:

  • Quizzes and examinations which allow students to demonstrate their individual ability to solve problems using concepts presented in lecture.
  • Homework assignments to be completed outside of class by individual students or as groups, which allow students to demonstrate their ability to work together to enhance learning.
  • Written reports of laboratory activities, including measured and analyzed data, which will allow students to demonstrate their ability to apply concepts presented in lecture.
  • Final examination designed to allow students to demonstrate their mastery of the course material, including the ability to relate course topics and use their relationships to solve problems.
ASSIGNMENTS

Required Reading Assignments


Required Writing Assignments


Other Outside-of-Class Assignments
 
COURSE MATERIALS
 All materials used in this course will be periodically reviewed to ensure that they are appropriate for college level instruction. Possible texts include:

  • Robert T. Dixon. Physical Science—A Dynamic Approach. 2 ed. any: Prentice-Hall, Inc., 0.
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