Northeast Alabama Community College Revised:Fall 2017

SYLLABUS

PHS 121 Applied Physical Science I

4 Semester Credit Hours – C5 Contact Hours

I.Course Description

This course introduces the general principles of physics and chemistry. Topics include measurement,motion, Newton’s laws of motion, momentum, energy, work, power, heat, thermodynamics, waves,sound, light, electricity, magnetism, and chemical principles. A two hour laboratory is required. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the physical environment and be able to apply the scientific principles to observations experienced.

II.Prerequisite

As Required by program

III.Course Textbooks, Manuals, or Other Required Materials

Tillery, B., Physical Science (11thed). New York: McGraw-Hill, 2017.

IV.Course Learning Outcomes

The student will:

A. Gain an understanding of basic principles of physics and chemistry.

B. Demonstrate an appreciationof the application of physics and chemistry to

the nuclear power industry.

C. Develop basic laboratory skills.

D. Problem solving – Students will complete a quiz by solving basic metric conversions

and density problems.

E. Quantitative reasoning – Students will set up different types of pulley systems and

solve problems to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of each system.

F. Critical thinking – Students will use models and apply theory in a relevant situation

related to the transfer of energy in and out of a power plant.

V.Outline of Course Topics

A. Lecture Topics

1. Measurement and Density

2. Measuring and motion – kinematics, forces, momentum

3. Heat, work, energy, and machines

4. Waves, light, sound, electricity and magnetism

5. Atoms, elements, compounds, states of matter

6. Atomic structure and types of radiation

7. Nuclear reactions

8. Chemical reactions – acids, bases, salts

B. Suggested Laboratory Topics

  1. Measurement, lab technique – density
  2. Graphing, Hooke’s Law
  3. Motion, determination of g
  4. Phase change in water
  5. Simple machines
  6. Pendulum
  7. Mixtures, solutions and compounds
  8. Calorimetry
  9. Gas laws and properties of gases
  10. Acid-Base reactions and conductivity
  11. Acid-Base Titration
  12. Types of radiation

VI. Methods of Instruction

  1. Lectures/Class discussion
  2. Lab
  3. Power Point presentations
  4. Canvas assignments
  5. Current topic assignments

VII.Evaluation and Assessment

A. Procedures for Assessment of Student Achievement

1. Written examinations

2. Laboratory reports

3. Homework

4. Current Events

5. Comprehensive final

VIII.Attendance

Students are expected to attend all classes for which they are registered. Students who are unable to attend class regularly, regardless of the reason or circumstance, should withdraw from that class before poor attendance interferes with the student’s ability to achieve the objectives required in the course. Withdrawal from class can affect eligibility for federal financial aid.

IX.Statement on Discrimination/Harassment

NACC and the Alabama State Board of Education are committed to providing both employment and educational environments free of harassment or discrimination related to an individual’s race, color, gender, religion, national origin, age, or disability. Such harassment is a violation of State Board of Education policy. Any practice or behavior that constitutes harassment or discrimination will not be tolerated.

X. Statement of Adherence to ADA Guidelines

The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 state that qualified students with disabilities who meet the essential functions and academic requirements are entitled to reasonable accommodations. It is the student’s responsibility to provide appropriate disability documentation to the College.

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