INSTRUCTOR: Van Dubolsky
OFFICE: X-210
PHONE: 395-5356
OFFICE HOURS:
E-mail: van.dubolsky@sfcollege.edu
TEXTBOOK: Physical Science, by Dr. Russell Roy
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This broad survey course is intended for the non-science student. It
presents concepts of the physical sciences by following the evolution of
the universe and by exploring the physical laws which govern its formation
and organization. Topics will focus on astronomy and geology and their
relationship to other sciences. The interaction between the sciences and
other disciplines will also be emphasized.
BROAD COURSE OBJECTIVES:
1. Introduce the large and small-scale structure of the universe.
2. Introduce the concept of order in the universe.
3. Introduce the basic laws of the physical sciences.
4. Allow the student to gain a more experiential perspective of the sciences through selected activities.
5. Allow the student to broaden his science skill repertoire and reinforce his verbal and quantitative skills.
6. Introduce a historical perspective of the sciences and their role in shaping Western thought.
7. Introduce the interrelationships among the sciences and the relationships between the sciences and other disciplines.
8. Improve the student's ability to use a scientific perspective to
make relevant choices regarding social issues.
TENTATIVE TOPICAL OUTLINE
I. Science
a) The development of
scientific thought
b) Scientific methodology
II. A Celestial Perspective
a) Development of a
point of view: a historical interpretation
b) Structure of the
universe
c) The tools of the
astronomer
III. The Universe
a) The expanding universe
b) Cosmological models
c) Evolution of the
universe
IV. Stars
a) From proto-galaxies
to stars
b) Stellar Evolution
V. The Solar System
a) Description of the
Solar System
b) Formation of the
Solar System
c) Inner vs. Outer
Planets
VI. An Inner Planet: The Earth
a) Description
b) Structure
c) Evolution of the
Early Earth
VII. Terrestrial Processes
a) Plate tectonics
b) Orogenic systems
c) Erosional systems
VIII. Evolution of Life
a) Geologic Time
b) Fossils and Evolution
c) Human Evolution
IX. Science, Technology and Society
a) The Agricultural
Revolution
b) The Industrial Revolution
c) Modern Science and
Technology
d) Policy, Problems
and Conflicts
EVALUATION
Three tests worth 20% each ...................................................................60%
Comprehensive Final Exam (questions supplied in advance) ................20%
Homework and Laboratory Assignments .............................................
20%
Total .......................100%
Final Grades: The entire course is curved, but final grades are
arrived at subjectively and individually.
Traditional distributions are still honored!
Additional Notes
*** Online course notes: http://dept.sfcollege.edu/jklein
*** Laboratory exercises and homework will be worth up to 3 points for
each exercise. Your raw score homework
and lab grades will be converted to
equal 20% of your final grade. Any late assignments will be docked one
of
the three possible points. No lab make-ups
will be accepted if they are over three weeks late. All lab make-ups
must be initialed by our lab assistant.
*** Missed exams: No make-ups without a well documented excuse. No make-ups
after that particular exam has
been handed back and reviewed by the
class.
*** Cheating: Will not be tolerated. Zero on the individual item for
a first offense and failure in the course for a
second!
*** Class attendance is not mandatory, but the material covered on exams
will come from the class and lab
activities. Absences will result
in lower grades.
*** Important Dates:
1. First day of class: Wednesday, January 8th, 2003
2. Holidays: Monday, January 20th, 2003
March 10-14, Spring Break
Friday, April 4th
3. Last day to drop (in order too have course removed from record): Wednesday,
March 26th
4. Last class day: Friday, April 25th
5. Final exam day & time: MWF - Monday, April 28th, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
G-30
TH - Tuesday, April 29th, 10:30 - 12:30 p.m. G-30