Description:

This course is an introduction to the fundamental concepts and principles of physics, chemistry, geology and astronomy. Topics include energy, electricity, magnetism, modern physics and chemical bonding. It is counted toward laboratory science requirements and is intended for non-science majors. It includes presentation of material using audiovisual, computer and other multimedia aids. Three hours of class and three hours of work in a scheduled lab are required each week. 3 hrs. lecture, 3 hrs. lab/wk.

Supplies: Refer to the instructor’s course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Prerequisites: NONE

Textbook(s): For information see - http://bookstore.jccc.net

Course Fees: NONE

Course Objectives:

Methods of evaluation shown in parentheses: T = written test or exam,
L = lab, Q = quiz, M = multimedia

Upon successful completion of this course the student should be able to:

1. Define science and recognize the four essential steps in the scientific method of modeling and prediction. (T,Q)
2. Demonstrate use of the metric system to make accurate and precise measurements. (L,Q,M,T)
3. Apply the scientific principles of physics by completing the following skills: a) Define and contrast the motions of speed, velocity and acceleration. (T,Q,M,L); b) Demonstrate use of Newton’s three laws of motion. (T,L,Q); c) Describe the different forms of energy and how energy is conserved. (T,Q,L); d) Demonstrate use of Newton’s universal law of gravitation (T,Q,M); e) Describe the difference between heat and temperature and the units in which each is measured. (T,Q,L,M); f) Identify the components of a wave and describe how a sound wave is produced. (T,Q); g) Define the electrical terms and units of voltage, current and resistance and demonstrate how they relate to Ohm’s law. (T,Q,L,M); h) Describe the main components and operation of motors and generators. (T,Q,M); i) Describe the atom and its major components. (T,Q); j) Describe the different components of electromagnetic radiation to include light. (T,Q); k) Identify the three types of radioactive particles and demonstrate how the half-life of a substance can be used to determine the age of certain objects. (T,Q,L); l) Discuss how nuclear reactions can provide a useful form of energy. (T,Q);
4. Apply the scientific principles of chemistry by completing the following skills: a) Discuss the composition of matter by comparing and contrasting the terms atom and molecule, element and compound and mixture. (T,Q); b) Describe the characteristics of the periodic table and how it can be used to predict the properties of elements and locate families of elements. (T,Q); c) Compare and contrast ionic and covalent bonding. (T,Q); d) Demonstrate how to balance chemical equations. (T,Q); e) Compare and contrast an acid and a base and demonstrate use of the pH scale. (T,Q,L,M); f) Compare and contrast oxidation and reduction and be able to identify these processes. (T,Q)
5. Apply the scientific principles of geology by completing the following skills: a) Describe Earth’s atmosphere to include its main ingredients and four layers. (T,Q); b) Explain the cause of Earth’s seasons. (T,Q,L); c) Describe the global wind circulation pattern and explain how the Coriolis effect is related to this pattern. (T,Q); d) Describe the various kinds of precipitation and explain how each is produced. (T,Q); e) Describe the four major layers of Earth’s interior. (T,Q); f) Identify the three categories of rocks and explain how each category relates to the rock cycle. (T,Q,L,M); g) Describe the theory of continental drift and the three types of plate boundaries. (T,Q); h) Describe why earthquakes occur and how their energy is measured. (T,Q); i) Compare and contrast weathering and erosion. (T,Q); j) Describe the importance of water as a global resource. (T,Q,M)
6. Apply the scientific principles of astronomy by completing the following skills: a) Describe the effect of Earth’s rotation and revolution on the apparent motion of the sun and stars. (T,Q); b) Identify the names and sequence of the Moon’s phases and those phases that are necessary for a solar or lunar eclipse to occur. (T,Q,L); c) Identify the contributions of ancient astronomers such as Aristotle and Ptolemy. (T,Q); d) Identify the contributions of medieval astronomers such as Copernicus, Kepler and Galileo to our present?day view of solar system motions. (T,Q,L,M); e) Explain the Solar Nebular Theory for the origin of the solar system. (T,Q); f) Compare and contrast the terrestrial and Jovian planets. (T,Q); g) Describe the Hertzsprung?Russell diagram and how it can be used to describe the evolution of stars from birth to death. (T,Q,L); h) Describe the four components of the Milky Way Galaxy and give its dimensions in light?years. (T,Q); i) Compare the Milky Way to other types of galaxies. (T,Q); j) Describe the Big Bang theory for the origin of the universe. (T,Q)

Content Outline & Competencies:

I. Science
   A. Define science and list its characteristics.
   B. Identify the four stages in the scientific method.
   C. Discuss the role of science in society and technology.

II. Metric System
   A. Discuss the origin of the metric system.
   B. Identify the metric units of length, volume and mass and describe
how each is obtained.
   C. Discuss what is meant by S.I. units.
   D. Use the metric system for measurement activities and to solve
problems throughout the course.

III. Physics
   A. Motion
      1. Define physics and identify those areas of physics involving the
study of motion.
      2. Compare and contrast scalar and vector quantities.
      3. Define speed, velocity and acceleration.
      4. Demonstrate how to solve problems using these terms of motion.
   B. Newton’s laws of motion
      1. State Newton’s three laws of motion and give an example of each
law.
      2. Define force, net force, Newton, mass, weight, inertia and
acceleration due to gravity.
      3. Solve problems using Newton’s three laws.
   C. Energy
      1. Contrast and compare potential and kinetic energy.
      2. Demonstrate how to calculate these quantities.
      3. State the law of the conservation of energy and demonstrate how
to use this law in solving problems.
      4. Define power; demonstrate how to calculate this quantity and
relate it to horsepower.
   D. Newton’s universal law of gravitation
      1. Demonstrate use of the law of gravitation and discuss why it is
called an inverse square law.
      2. Discuss artificial gravity and how it can be created.
      3. Demonstrate how circular orbital velocity and escape velocity can
be determined.
   E. Heat and temperature
      1. Compare and contrast heat and temperature.
      2. Define calorie, joule and BTU.
      3. Compare the three temperature scales of Fahrenheit, Celsius and
Kelvin.
      4. Demonstrate how to convert from one scale to another.
      5. Define specific heat, heat of fusion and heat of vaporization;
demonstrate use of these terms.
      6. Describe how heat is transferred by conduction, convection and
radiation.
      7. Explain what is meant by the greenhouse effect.
   F. Waves
      1. Describe and relate the properties of a wave to include
wavelength, amplitude, frequency, speed and energy.
      2. Distinguish between longitudinal and transverse waves.
      3. Describe how sound is produced and how the speed of sound varies
with temperature and density.
      4. Explain how the decibel scale is related to loudness.
      5. Describe standing waves and what is meant by fundamental
frequency, overtones, harmonies and resonance.
      6. Describe the Doppler effect and how it relates to relative motion
between an observer and a source of sound or light.
   G. Electricity
      1. State Coulomb’s law and demonstrate how to use it to solve
problems in electrostatics.
      2. Define volt, current and resistance and state the units used for
each term.
      3. State Ohm’s law and demonstrate its use in relating current,
voltage and resistance.
      4. Demonstrate how to determine electrical power and energy.
      5. Analyze the differences and advantages of series and parallel
circuits.
   H. Motors and generators
      1. Discuss the similarities and differences between electrical
charges and magnetic poles.
      2. Describe the magnetic field around a current carrying wire.
      3. Describe the three right?hand rules in electromagnetism.
      4. Compare and contrast the components and operations of an electric
motor and an electric generator.
      5. Distinguish between direct and alternating current.
      6. Describe the transformer and discuss how it can be used to
transport electrical energy over large distances.
   I. Atoms
      1. Discuss the history leading to the discovery of the atom as it is
known today.
      2. Compare and contrast the proton, electron and neutron.
      3. State the two postulates used by Bohr in the model of the atom.
      4. Describe deBroglie particle waves and discuss how this relates to
the electron’s orbital radius around the nucleus.
      5. Explain how light is produced by electrons.
   J. Electromagnetic radiation
      1. Define spectrum and list the major components of electromagnetic
radiation from gamma rays to light to radio waves.
      2. Describe Kirchhoff’s three laws of spectral analysis and give an
example of each law.
      3. List the primary colors of light.
      4. Discuss what is meant by polarized light.
   K. Radioactivity
      1. Discuss the history leading to the discovery of radioactivity.
      2. Identify and list the characteristics of the three particles
associated with radioactivity.
      3. Explain the operation of a Geiger counter.
      4. Define half?life and demonstrate how half?life can be used to
determine the age of certain objects.
   L. Nuclear reactions
      1. Discuss Einstein’s formula which relates mass and energy.
      2. State the difference between fission and fusion.
      3. Identify the four major components of a nuclear fission reactor
and discuss the role of each component.
      4. Discuss the major problems in the attempt to develop a fusion
reactor.
      5. Discuss the fusion reaction which occurs in the sun.

IV. Chemistry
   A. Composition of matter
      1. Define chemistry.
      2. Compare and contrast the following:  element and compound, atom
and molecule, mixture.
      3. Identify the three physical states of matter and give two
characteristics of each state.
      4. Explain how the volume, pressure and temperature of a gas are
related to each other.
   B. Periodic table
      1. Discuss the organization of the periodic table to include the
location of metals, non?metals and metalloids.
      2. Discuss how atomic number is related to the organization of the
periodic table.
      3. Describe the steady transition of characteristics of the elements
as one goes from left to right across the periodic table.
      4. Identify where the families or groups and the periods are
located.
   C. Bonding
      1. Compare and contrast ionic and covalent bonding.
      2. Describe the procedure for naming compounds depending whether
ionic or covalent bonding exists.
      3. Demonstrate use of the Lewis dot structure for covalent bonding.
   D. Equations
      1. Demonstrate an ability to balance simple chemical equations.
      2. Describe the four types of chemical reactions and give an example
equation of each.
      3. Balance equations using polyatomic ions.
   E. Acids and bases
      1. Define an acid and a base, give an example of each and list five
characteristics of each.
      2. Discuss the pH scale and how it relates to acids and bases.
   F. Oxidation and reduction
      1. Define oxidation and give an example of this process.
      2. Define reduction and give an example of this process.
      3. Relate oxidation to the production of wasteful products and
reduction to the production of useful products and give an example of
each.
 
V. Geology
   A. Earth’s atmosphere
      1. Describe the three major areas of geology.
      2. Distinguish between weather and climate and give two
characteristics of each.
      3. Identify the main ingredients of Earth’s atmosphere and name its
four layers from bottom to top.
      4. Discuss how atmospheric pressure is measured and how it varies
with altitude.
   B. Seasons
     1. Explain the cause of Earth’s seasons.
     2. Use a diagram of the sun’s apparent path on the celestial sphere
to list the four seasons, their appropriate dates and where the sun is
located for each of the seasons.
     3. Describe the Earth/sun energy balance.
   C. Wind
      1. Define wind and give the general atmospheric conditions in which
it occurs.
      2. Define isobars and state what data they give about wind.
      3. Describe the Coriolis effect and its relationship to the path of
the wind.
      4. Draw a picture of the global wind circulation pattern and name
the major wind systems.
   D. Precipitation
      1. Define precipitation, absolute humidity, saturation, relative
humidity, condensation and dew point.
      2. List four types of precipitation and describe how each is
produced.
      3. Describe the three conditions necessary for the production of
rain.
      4. Compare and contrast warm, cold and occluded fronts.
   E. Earth’s interior
      1. Draw a cross section of the Earth, label its four major layers
and give two characteristics of each layer.
      2. Discuss how information from the study of seismology yields data
about Earth’s interior.
   F. Rocks and minerals
      1. Explain the difference between a rock and a mineral.
      2. Identify the three categories of rocks and give two
characteristics of each category.
      3. Explain the rock cycle and how it relates to the three categories
of rocks.
   G. Continental drift
      1. Discuss two reasons Alfred Wegener used to support his theory of
continental drift.
      2. Describe the discovery which confirmed the theory of continental
drift.
      3. List the three basic types of plate boundaries.
   H. Earthquakes
      1. Describe what an earthquake is and what causes it to occur.
      2. Discuss the ability to predict earthquakes.
      3. Describe the Richter scale and how it can be used to determine
the ground motion and energy of an earthquake.
   I. Weathering and erosion
      1. Compare and contrast weathering and erosion.
      2. Describe the three types of weathering and give an example of
each.
      3. Describe the four transportation processes of erosion and
indicate which process is most common.
   J. Water as a global resource
      1. Describe how water is distributed over the Earth’s surface as
percentages of ice, oceans, streams and rivers, underground water and
moisture.
      2. Identify the three methods of water transport and describe how
they relate to the hydrologic cycle.
      3. Discuss how irrigation can produce nonproductive soil.
      4. Define eutrophication and discuss why it is dangerous to fish in
lakes and rivers.
      5. Describe the location, size and water content of the Ogallala
aquifer; discuss its value and some of the problems associated with its
use.

VI. Astronomy
   A. Earth and celestial motions
      1. Discuss the difference between astronomy and astrology.
      2. Describe the effect of Earth’s rotation on its axis and its
revolution around the sun on the apparent motion of the sun and stars.
      3. Explain stellar parallax.
      4. Identify the following terms with respect to the celestial
spheres:  celestial equator, celestial north and south pole, ecliptic,
zodiac, vernal equinox, summer solstice, autumnal equinox, winter
solstice; identify constellations which are circumpolar.
   B. The Moon
      1. Discuss why the Moon keeps its same side facing the Earth.
      2. Identify and sketch the names and sequence of the Moon’s eight
phases.
      3. Describe the two conditions necessary for a solar and lunar
eclipse; list the three types of each eclipse.
      4. Describe the two types of tides which occur and relate them to
the Moon’s phases.
      5. Compare and contrast the highlands and maria on the Moon’s
surface.
   C. Ancient astronomy
      1. Discuss the geocentric contributions of Aristotle and Ptolemy to
astronomy.
      2. Define epicycles and explain how they depicted planetary
retrograde motion.
   D. Medieval astronomy
      1. Discuss the heliocentric model of Copernicus.
      2. List Kepler’s three laws of planetary motion; be able to solve
problems using Kepler’s third law.
      3. Describe Galileo’s contributions to astronomy from his
observations with the telescope.
   E. Solar system
      1. Explain the solar nebular hypothesis for the origin of the solar
system by discussing the three phases in which it occurred.
      2. Compare and contrast the terrestrial and Jovian planets.
      3. Compare and contrast meteoroids, meteors, meteorites, asteroids
and comets.
   F. Stellar evolution
      1. Draw a Hertzsprung?Russell diagram; label its axis and show the
location of the main sequence, giants, supergiants, white dwarfs and the
sun.
      2. Discuss how stars are formed.
      3. Identify the nuclear reaction that takes place in all main
sequence stars like the sun.
      4. Describe the evolution of the sun when its hydrogen fusion ends.
      5. Discuss the evolution of massive stars.
      6. Compare and contrast the final fate of stars when they become
either a white dwarf, neutron star or black hole.
   G. Galaxies
      1. Describe the four components of the Milky Way galaxy and give its
dimensions in light?years.
      2. Identify the four types of galaxies as formulated by Edwin
Hubble.
      3. Demonstrate use of Hubble’s law to determine the distance to
remote galaxies.
      4. Discuss the importance and characteristics of quasars.
   H. Origin of the universe
      1. Discuss the meaning of cosmology.
      2. Describe the Big Bang theory for the origin of the universe.
      3. Discuss how the approximate age of the universe can be
determined.
      4. Discuss two possible fates for the universe depending on the
amount of matter in the universe.

Methods of Evaluation of Competencies:

Evaluation of student mastery of course competencies will be accomplished using the following methods:

Student grades are based on a semester point total distributed as
follows:

  Unit tests          500 points
  Quizzes             100 points
  Labs                120 points
  Lab tests           100 points
  Multimedia exercises 90 points
  Special project      40 points
  Final exam          150 points
  Total              1100 points

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

Caveats:

1. Computer Literacy Expectations - Students will need basic word processing and Internet searching skills for the completion of some papers, exercises and projects.
2. There will be one evening observation period of approximately 45 minutes in length. Observation time will depend on local weather conditions and will be announced in class.

Disabilities:

If you are a student with a disability, and if you will be requesting accommodations, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services. Access Services will recommend any appropriate accommodations to your professor and his/her director. The professor and director will identify for you which accommodations will be arranged.

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you desire support services, contact the office of Access Services for Students With Disabilities (913) 469-8500, ext. 3521 or TDD (913) 469-3885. The Access Services office is located in the Success Center on the second floor of the Student Center.