Christian Brothers University
Natural Science 118 Departmental Syllabus
Fundamentals of Physical Science

Catalog Data This course provides an introduction to physics, chemistry, astronomy, meteorology, and geology.It also provides elements of the history and philosophy of science as well as the interrelationships.among the sciences and the interrelationships of science and other disciplines. The course is designed to cover many of the general/physical science knowledge and skill areas required for secondary school science teaching. May be taken by arts and business students to meet the science requirement but on a space available basis.
Prerequisite: Math 105. Corequisite: Natural Science 118L.
One semester; three credits.
Textbooks Conceptual Physical Science; Hewitt, Suchoki, and Hewitt; Benjamin-Cummings, 2003 (2nd ed.)
Calculator Policy A calculator is required for the course. Calculators may be used on homework assignments. Calculators may not be used on certain tests. Notification will be given in class on which tests must be taken without calculators.
Prerequisites The student should be familiar with basic algebra techniques such as solving for unknown variables.
Goals
  1. Introduce students to the scientific method and to the basic principles of physics, chemistry, meteorology, geology, and astronomy.
  2. Familiarize students with the practical applications of scientific laws.
  3. Enable students to undersatnd the realtionship between important scientific principles and their daily lives.

Syllabus
Topic Chapter/Section
Scientific MethodPrologue, pgs. 1-9
Measurement and Density, BuoyancySecs. 5.1-5.5
Motion, Newton's LawsChs. 1-2
Energy, Conservation of EnergySecs. 3.4, 3.6, 3.8
Heat, Heat TransferChs. 6-7
WavesSecs. 10.1-10.4, 11.1, 11.4, 12.1-12.2
Structure of the AtomSecs. 13.1-13.5
Elements, Compounds, and MixturesCh. 15
Periodic TableSecs. 16.1-16.3
Environmental ChemistrySecs. 20.1-20.5
Types and Characteristics of Rocks and MineralsSecs. 20.1-20.5, 22.1-22.7
Structure of the Earth and EarthquakesSecs. 23.1-23.4
Hydrologic CycleSec. 24.1
Ground and Surface WaterSecs. 24.2, 24.4
OceansSec. 24.7
Components of the AtmosphereSecs. 26.1-26.2
Solar Energy and Greenhouse EffectSec. 26.3
SeasonsSec. 26.3
Wind Flow PatternsSecs. 26.5-26.6
Humidity and Dew PointSec. 27.1
Cloud GroupsSec. 27.3
Air MassesSec. 27.4
Weather Systems (Fronts, Storms)pp. 670-675
Solar SystemCh. 28
Sun and Other Starspp. 706-714
GalaxiesSec. 29.5
Final Exam The final exam is comprehensive and prepared by the instructor.
Performance Evaluation Student performance is rated by a final letter grade which is determined by a combination of written homework, a term project report, tests, and the final exam.
Resources The course instructor is available outside of the classroom a minimum of 10 hours per week for individual help.
The Math Center offers free tutoring in algebra.
Attendance You must attend class regularly.
Coordinator Dr. Dennis Merat, Assistant Professor of Chemistry


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