SPECIFIC COURSE OBJECTIVES
I. Science
1. Define science. 2. Explain how scientific knowledge differs from other types of knowledge. 3. Outline and describe the characteristics of scientific methodology. 4. Discuss myth and natural philosophy as they relate to modern science. 5. Discuss the relationship between science, technology and society.
II. A Celestial Perspective
1. Discuss early world views. 2. Discuss the contributions of Classical Antiquity to astronomy and western thought. 3. Discuss the Copernican Revolution and its impact on western thought. 4. Discuss the contribution of modern scientists. 5. Describe the interrelationship between space and time. 6. Describe the electromagnetic spectrum, properties of waves and the tools of modern astronomy. 7. Describe the gross structure of the universe.
III. The Universe
1. Describe the expanding universe. 2. Compare and contrast cosmological models. 3. Outline the events described in the Big Bang. 4. Describe the formation of matter. 5. Describe contemporary theories concerning the future of the universe.
IV. Stars
1. Describe the structure and characteristics of stars. 2. Define mass and energy and describe their interconversion. 3. Describe and compare gravitational, electromagnetic, and nuclear forces. 4. Describe the fusion of hydrogen to form heavier elements 5. Describe and compare the evolutionary stages of stars of different masses.
V. The Solar System
1. Describe our solar system, including its structure and components. 2. Compare and contrast the inner and outer planets. 3. Describe the current theory of the formation of our solar system.
VI. An Inner Planet: The Earth
1. Describe the evolution of the early earth 2. Diagram the layers of the earth and describe each layer. 3. Explain how seismology has contributed to the present knowledge of the structure of the earth. 4. Describe the structure, characteristics and features of the lithosphere. 5. Describe the evolution of the atmosphere, the hydrosphere, and the lithosphere.
VII. Terrestrial Processes
1. Describe the theory of, and the evidence for, plate tectonics. 2. Use plate tectonics to explain the major lithospheric features. 3. Describe the hydrologic cycle. 4. Describe the processes of weathering and erosion. 5. Discuss the rock cycle as it relates to plate tectonics.
VIII. Time, Life and Evolution
1. Discuss catastrophism, uniformitarianism and geologic time. 2. Explain the concept of relative dating. 3. Explain the concept of absolute dating. 4. Describe the origin of life. 5. Discuss evolution. 6. Discuss the impact of life on the earth. 7. Describe the current models of human evolution.
IX. Science, Technology and Society
1. Discuss the effects of the agricultural revolution on social systems. 2. Discuss the effects of the industrial revolution on social systems. 3. Discuss issues related to renewable and non–renewable resources. 4. Discuss issues, problems and controversies associated with technology.
EVALUATION Evaluation will minimally consist of in–class examinations and a final exam.
TEXTBOOK Texts are selected by the physical science faculty involved with this course. August 22, 1996
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