PHS 101 - Physical Science I

Class: 3 Lab: 3 Credits: 4
This is the first of a sequence of courses in physical science and includes an introduction to science with emphasis on science terminology and investigations of the physical world. Topics are selected from astronomy, chemistry, geology, and physics.

Prerequisite(s): Take MAT 102 or MAT 103 and ENG 100, RDG 100 with a minimum grade of “C”.

Course Topics:

The scientific method
Measurement in the metric system
Motion and equilibrium
Newton’s laws of motion
Momentum and energy
Static and current electricity
Magnetism and electromagnetic induction
Waves and sound
Light
Atoms and the periodic table
Atomic nucleus and radioactivity
Elements of chemistry
How atoms bond and how molecules attract
Chemical reactions

Textbooks:
Textbook information can be found on the Book Inn Web site

Required Materials:

Scientific calculator capable of scientific notation, logarithms, and exponents is required.
Students should be prepared to create computer-generated graphs.
Students may make use of SCC computer lab facilities outside of class hours as necessary to create graphs.

Grading System:
A 90 - 100
B 80 - 89
C 70 - 79
D 60 - 69
F 0 - 59

Student Learning Outcomes:

Identify and apply core scientific principles required of all scientific disciplines.
Describe introductory energy concepts.
Describe the fundamental properties of matter.
Identify chemical equations and their parts (coefficients, products, reactants, etc.).
Describe basic physics principles related to motion.

For SCC Online Courses:
If the course you are taking is online, please review the SCC Online Policies that include:

Required materials for all online courses
Mandatory Attendance Requirement
Proctored Exams

Face Covering Requirements:
All faculty, staff and students must wear a face mask/covering at all times (absent a medical condition) on all SCC campuses when safe social distancing measures are not possible or difficult to follow. For further details, refer to the Student Guidelines for Face Coverings and Social Distancing on the SCC Coronavirus COVID-19 Information page.

Standard SCC Course Policies:
Please review the Standard SCC Course Polices on the following topics:

Academic Integrity
Academic Misconduct
Add/Drop period
Appeals Process
Class Attendance
Classroom Behavior (traditional and online)
Classroom Conduct/Expectations
Lab Procedures (general SCC policy regarding this)
Online Confidentiality
Services For Students with Disabilities
Withdrawal Policy

Official Course Syllabus
2020-2021