PHYSICAL SCIENCE 100
PHYSICAL SCIENCE FUNDAMENTALS
COURSE INFORMATION
Fall Semester 2006
For information about:see page
- Purposes of the course...... 1
- Help resources...... 2
- Study suggestions...... 3
- BYU standards...... 3
- Credit and grades...... 3
- Examinations...... 3
- Testing Center procedures...... 3
- Quizzes...... 7
- Homework...... 7
- Homework deadlines...... 8
- Incompletes...... 10
- Exemption examinations...... 3
- Class schedule...... 13
- Instructor information...... 14
PURPOSES OF THE COURSE
1. To gain a conceptual understanding of most of the fundamental principles that govern the physical universe.
2. To understand how these few principles, and models that are consistent with them, explain much of what we observe directly in nature and some of what is observed when modern technology expands our view to include things that are very small and also things that are very large.
3. To understand how science works by assuming "self-evident truths," postulating or guessing what might be, experimenting and using the measured results to test for consistency between what is guessed and what is observed. To understand the hope of scientists that as errors are discovered and rejected, it is possible to come closer to the "truth."
We believe that a study of the universe, done in the proper spirit, can increase faith in the Savior who under the direction of our Eternal Father organized the earth and heavens in harmony with Divine Law as a part of the plan that would make it possible for us to gain immortality and eternal life.
HELP RESOURCES
If any student has a need for special testing arrangements, note taking, or other accommodations please feel free to discuss this with the instructor. Accommodation letters from the Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) office will be required to authorize certain accommodations. The SSD office is located in 1520 WSC (422-2767, 422-8984 TTY).
Class sessions:
Class time will be used to clarify and illustrate ideas in the text through demonstrations and discussions. You should read the chapter to be covered before attending class. One of the primary purposes of class is to provide students with the opportunity to ask questions they may have concerning the material they have read in the text. Please come prepared with questions from the assigned chapter.
Unlike the other sections of the course, Section 56 is intended to be done on-line with minimal additional requirements. Hence the once-per-week classroom sessions are optional. No lecture will be prepared by your instructor, but he will be available to answer questions.
Text:
Physical Science FoundationsPhysical Science Concepts, 3rd Edition, by Brigham Young University College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences.
A study guide is provided at the end of each chapter of the text. It provides you with an outline of the fundamental principles, models, main questions, and terms that you will be expected to understand, answer, or use appropriately.
Analysis and SynthesisFocus Questions:
Analysis and SynthesisFocus Questions are included in the Study Guide sections of the text. Many of the questions on your examinations will be based on these questions.
Web Page:
The course web page is: . There is a link from this course page to professor’s individual pages, practice problems, and online material.
Teaching Assistants:
Several teaching assistants (TAs) are available in a walk-in lab on a regular schedule to help with individual questions and problems. No appointments are necessary.
Location:N252 ESC
Phone Number: 422-3307
Hours: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm Monday
9:00 am to 9:00 pm Tuesday*-Thursday (*closed for devotionals Tues. 10:45-12:15)
9:00 am to 6:00 pm Friday
10:00 am to 2:00 pm Saturday
The teaching assistants can help you best if you visit them regularly throughout the term. The walk-in lab will be closed during reading days and the final exam period. No individual help will be available during the final exam period.
STUDY SUGGESTIONS
Successful students in this course study each chapter in the following way:
1. They read both the outlineof the chapter in the Study Guide and the corresponding chapter material before it is discussed in class. They read the Synthesis questions for the chapter very carefully before coming to class.
2. They listen carefully to the lecture demonstration discussions. They take very brief notes. They ask questions or record questions to ask later.
3. They study the chapter carefully before the next class. They review the Comprehension and Analysis Questions and write out answers to all of the Synthesis Questions in the Study Guide.
4. They go to the TAs in N252 ESC or come to their instructor to review their answers to the Synthesis Questions and to ask questions.
5. They review their graded exams with the TA’s so they will not repeat mistakes on the final.
BYU STANDARDS
Honor Code:
We fully support the church program of which BYU is a part. It is our intention and commitment to support and uphold the honor system, the standards of dress and appearance, the highest level of personal integrity, and all other University traditions, rules and guidelines. If you observe any actions on our part which you think are inconsistent with this commitment, please let us know in a forthright but confidential way. We will treat you with the same courtesy.
Sexual Harassment:
Gender based discrimination and sexual harassment are against BYU policy and federal law. This extends not only to employees of the university but students as well. If you encounter unlawful sexual harassment or gender based discrimination, please talk to your professor, contact the Equal Employment Office (422-5895), or the Honor Code Office (422-2847).
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COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND GRADES
General Education credit for the Physical Science (Arts and Science Core) requirement is given to students enrolled in Physical Science 100 who pass the course with a D- grade or better.
In this course you receive points for a variety of different assignments, activities, and evaluations. Each is assigned a point value and is targeted to specific learning objectives. There are 400322points possible in the course. All points in this class are weighted equally. Grades are assigned based on the following work:
In-class quizzes / 2 points/lecture (60 points) / Due DailyHomework / 4 points each (80 points) / Due weekly
Vocabulary quizzes / 5 points/quiz (20 points) / Due monthly
Lesson check-ins / 3 points/check-in (102 points) / Unscheduled, but must precede related exam
Pretests / 5 points/pretest (20 points) / Due monthly
Exams 1-4 / 3525 points/exam (140100points) / Due monthly
Final Exam / 100 points
We will compute your overall letter grade, using the grading scale below, in two ways:
1. Using only your score on the final exam.
2. Using your score on the final exam plus the four midterm exams and all other work.
Your grade will be the higher of the two.
Note: The final exam is always included in your grade.
Letter grade / Total percent / Minimum pointsA / 90% or above / 360290points
A– / 86-90% / 344277points
B+ / 8382-86% / 332264points
B / 7978-8382% / 316251points
B– / 7574-7978% / 300238points
C+ / 70-7574% / 280225points
C / 6566-70% / 260213points
C– / 6062-6566% / 240200points
D+ / 5658-6062% / 224187points
D / 5354-5658% / 212174points
D– / 50-5354% / 200161points
E / Below 50% / 0 points
IN-CLASS ‘CLICKER’ QUIZZES
Description: For this class you should purchase a RF response device (clicker). During class you will be required to answer questionsabout the assigned reading and lecture for that day. Reading is to be completed before the class that covers each chapter. Most of these quizzes will be in-class interactive quizzes using the clicker you purchased at the beginning of the term. Your professor may occasionally use some online quizzes. If your teacher elects to use an online quiz, those quizzes can be found on blackboard.
Purpose: It is important to read the material in the text before it is covered in class. These quizzes provided added incentive for good study habits by giving you credit for doing your reading before class. Additionally they also provide your instructor with a quick way to judge whether the class has understood an important point and is ready to move on.
Format: Your teacher will typically intersperse numerous interactive questions into their lectures through-out each class period. You will respond to these questions using your RF responder that you purchase at the bookstore. Some of these questions will be graded for correct responses and some will be graded strictly on participation.
Grading: Each quiz (one lecture’s questions) is worth 2 points on your final grade. All together they represent approximately 15% of your final grade. Only 30 of these quizzes will be counted in your grade. Your lowest scores will be dropped to take care of any problemswith your clickeror personal emergencies that prevent you from attending classes.
Due Dates:Reading is to be done before class on the dates listed in the course reading schedule. Regardless of which class you attend, you are responsible to complete quizzes corresponding to the class for which you registered. This means that if you choose to attend a different lecture, and that teacher does not have a quiz that day, but your section did have a quiz, you will loose the points for that quiz. Absolutely no extensions or late work will be allowed for quizzes.
HOMEWORK QUESTIONS / GROUP WORK
Description: You must supply written answers to the assigned questions and experiments each week. Experiment worksheets are found on the course web page: These answers should be discussed with your study group during the time allocated at the end of class. Occasionally, you will be expected to turn in assignments as a group, but most assignments should be turned in individually. Each answer should be about ½ page long.
Purpose: The questions are designed to require students to think through and apply the main concepts of the chapters and discuss these concepts with other students. These assignments will give you an opportunity to apply some of the more difficult concepts and receive feedback from TAs in lab before you are tested on the material.
Format: The answer to each question is to be written or typed on an 8½”x11" piece paper with the section and TA’s name, along with your name and ID# on top of the page. Do NOT email assignments. If you have obtained permission to work with students outside your own section, you are responsible to make sure that your TA receives a copy of your work. Make sure you indicate your section number and your TA’s name, otherwise you may not receive credit for your work.
Grading: Homework questions will be graded on a 4 point scale. You will be graded primarily on the correctness and completeness of your answers. Neatness, grammar and spelling will not be explicitly considered, but they can affect your grade. Graded questions can be picked up in your recitation sections or in the walk-in TA lab.
Due Dates: You must turn your homework in to your TAs box by the deadlines listed below. In general, students with labs on Monday and Tuesday must turn their homework in by 5:00PM on Wednesday. Students with labs on Wednesday-Friday must turn their homework in by 3:00PM on Friday. No late work is accepted. We will drop the 4 lowest scores. If you find yourself in a situation that you feel warrants special consideration, please discuss this with your instructor and TA.
Due Dates:
Week 1 / Orientation and packet worksheet1(Tues. Labs) / Orientation and packet worksheet 1
week 2
due Sep. 1315 / Orientation and packet worksheet 1(Monday labs)
Chapter 2: worksheet 2: Weight and Contact force
Chapter 3: Synthesis Question 6 / Chapter 2: worksheet 2: Weight and Contact force
Chapter 3: Synthesis Question 6
week 3
due Sep. 20 & 22 / Chapter 4:worksheet 3: Electric Force and Charge
Chapter 6: Synthesis Question 9 / Chapter 4:worksheet 3: Electric Force and Charge
Chapter 6: Synthesis Question 9
week 4
Sep. 2729 / Chapter 7: Synthesis Question 6
Chapter 9: worksheet 4:Conservation Laws / Chapter 7: simultaneity
Chapter 8 & 9: worksheet 4: Conservation Laws
week 5
due Oct. 46 / No Lab / Chapter 10: worksheet 5:wave behavior
week 6
due Oct. 1113 / Chapter 10: worksheet 5:wave behavior
Chapter 11:worksheet 6: photoelectric effect
Chapter 12: worksheet 7: Hand Warmers / Chapter 11:worksheet 6: photoelectric effect
Chapter 12: worksheet 7: Hand Warmers
Chapter 13: Synthesis Question 8
week 7
Oct. 18 & 20 / Chapter 13: Synthesis Question 8 / Chapter 14: Synthesis Questions 6 and 7
Chapter 17: Synthesis Question 12
week 8
due Oct. 25 & 27 / Chapter 14: Synthesis Questions 6 and 7
Chapter 17: Synthesis Question 12 / Chapter 18: Synthesis Question 8
week 9
due Nov. 1 & 3 / Chapter 18: Synthesis Question 8
Chapter 19: worksheet 8: Mass and IR Spectrometry / Chapter 20: worksheet 8: Mass and IR Spectrometry
Chapter 21: worksheet 9: Activation Energies
week 10
due Nov. 810 / Chapter 21: worksheet 9: Activation Energies
Chapter 22: worksheet 10: Intermolecular forces / Chapter 22: worksheet 10: Intermolecular forces
week 11
due Nov. 1517 / Chapter 24: Synthesis Question 2
Chapter 25: Synthesis Question 11 / Chapter 24: Synthesis Question 2
Chapter 25: Synthesis Question 11
Week 12 / Thanksgiving Holiday, No Lab / Thanksgiving Holiday, No Lab
week 13
due Nov. 29 & 1 / Chapter 26: worksheet 11: Relative Dating
Chapter 28: Synthesis Question 2 / Chapter 26: worksheet 11: Relative Dating
Chapter 28: Synthesis Question 2
week 14
due Dec. 68 / Chapter 30: worksheet 12: Geologic Causes of Natural Disasters
Chapter 31: Synthesis Question 3
Planetarium sessions start Friday / Chapter 30: worksheet 12: Geologic Causes of Natural Disasters
Chapter 31: Synthesis Question 3
Planetarium sessions start Friday.
Week 15
due Dec.13 / Chapter 33 Planetarium check schedule for times.Bring Clicker. / Chapter 33: Planetarium check schedule for times. Bring Clicker.
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VOCABULARY QUIZZES
Description: The vocabulary quizzes are 25 question, online quizzes designed to test your recall of basic science facts. The questions are taken primarily from the vocabulary terms and fundamental laws found in the Study Guide at the end of each chapter in the text.
Purpose: These quizzes are intended to evaluate rote memorization of basic laws, terms, and facts. These quizzes evaluate the lowest level of understanding. They are not practice tests indicative of how you will be evaluated on the midterms, but it is important to master the information on these quizzes before you take the midterms. Without a mastery of the basic vocabulary of the course, it is impossible to think critically and apply key concepts on the mid-term exams.
Format: The vocabulary quizzes are available online through blackboard. You may retake the test as many times as you wish before the test deadline. You will receive you last score. While this test is not proctored, it is still an exam, and you are on your honor to abide by the rules below.
Vocabulary quizzes are closed book and closed notes. You are not allowed aids of any kind while you are taking the vocabulary quizzes, with the exception of a foreign language dictionary for those whose native language is not English. You may study for the q however you please, including printing a copy and going over it with friends, but you must take it alone without your book, notes, etc.
Grading: Each test is worth a total of 5 points. You will receive the score on your last attempt.
Pretests
Description: The pretests are 25-question, online quizzes designed to test your recall of basic science facts. The questions are taken primarily from the vocabulary terms and fundamental laws found in the Study Guide at the end of each chapter in the text.
Purpose: These tests are intended to evaluate your memorization of basic laws, terms, and facts.
Format: The pretests are available online through blackboard. You may retake the test as many times as you wish before the test deadline. You will receive you last score. While this test is not proctored, it is still an exam, and you are on your honor to abide by the rule below.
Pretests are closed book and closed notes. You are not allowed aids of any kind while you are taking the pretests, with the exception of a foreign language dictionary for those whose native language is not English. You may study for the pretest however you please, including printing a copy and going over it with friends, but you must take it alone without your book, notes, etc.
Grading: Each test is worth a total of 5 points. You will receive the score on your last attempt.
EXAMINATIONS
Exam Schedule
Exam / Chapters / Vocab.PretestDeadline / Midterm Deadline* / Late Deadline*1 / 1 - 9 / Sat Sep 30 Wed Sep 27 / 11:00AM Mon Oct 2 Fri Sep 29 / Oct 3 Mon Oct 2
2 / 10 - 17 / Tu Oct 24 Mon Oct 23 / 11:00AM Wed Oct 25 Wed Oct 25 / Thu Oct 26ThuOct26
3 / 18 - 25 / Thu Nov 16Tues Nov 14 / 11:00AM Fri Nov 17Wed Nov 15 / Mon Nov 20Thu Nov 16
4 / 26 - 34 / Tues Dec 12 / 11:00AM WedDec 13 / Thu Dec 14
REQUIRED FINAL / 1 - 34 / Thu Dec 21 / NONE
*The exams may be taken anytime the Testing Center is open.
Final exam
Description: The final exam is 100 multiple choice questions, 25 from each unit. The questions are similar to those found on the midterm exams. The final is a minimum of 25%31%of your grade.