Physical Science II Syllabus for 2015-2016
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Instructor Information

Course Information

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Course

PHYS-1417-001 Physical Science II

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: Math 0303-minimum grade of C, Accuplacer score of 75, THEA score of 270 or an equivalent score on a state-approved test; RDNG 0331-minimum grade of C or a score on a state-approved test indicating college-level reading skills

Course Description

Science course designed for non-science majors with focus on elementary education science instruction methods and content. Primary emphasis will be fundamental concepts of physics, such as force and motion, sound, waves, momentum and heat. May also include integration with chemistry, geology and astronomy.

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Department Expectations

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Hours

(4 sem hrs; 3 lec, 3 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

• Conceptual Physical Science, 5^th Edition, by Hewitt, Suchocki, and Hewitt
• Practice Book that accompanies textbook
• MasteringPhysics access card for Conceptual Physical Science, 5^th Edition (online homework)

Supplies

• notetaking supplies
• scientific calculator (phones not allowed on tests)

Student Performance

Grades will be determined by the following scale:

• A – 89.5 to 100
• B – 79.5 to 89.49
• C – 69.5 to 79.49
• D – 59.5 to 69.49
• F – 59.49 and below

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

Students are expected to:

• attend class every time
• be respectful to others in the class
• participate in class discussions & activities
• complete reading and homework assignments; study for tests
• take tests on the scheduled dates
• refrain from using electronic communications during class
• adhere to the honor code pasted below

HONOR CODE

Students are expected to work throughout the semester without cheating. Cheating is defined as “any practice, method, or assistance, whether explicitly forbidden or unmentioned, that involves any degree of dishonesty, fraud, or deceit. Cheating includes plagiarism, which is representing another’s ideas or words as one’s own.”

It can be tempting to cheat, especially when struggling with new material. But being an effective learner requires personal honor, accountability, and responsibility. (adapted from Davidson College’s Honor Code).

Grading Criteria

Grades will be calculated using the following percentages:

• 20% – MasteringPhysics homework (one low grade dropped)
• 30% – Tests (four)
• 25% – Labs (one low grade dropped)
• 25% – Final Exam

Labs may NOT be made up if missed for any reason and will be assessed a zero. One lab grade will be dropped from the final average.

No late homework will be accepted. One low homework grade will be dropped.

A test may only be made up with advance permission from the instructor and ONLY under extreme circumstances. Contact Mrs. Fincher as soon as you know you might miss a test. Tests may only be missed due to illness, family emergency, or legal issues. Proof of the circumstance may be required (doctor’s note, traffic ticket, etc.).

Attendance

Attendance will be taken every class period. No portion of your grade is directly determined by attendance, however, students that regularly attend class tend to earn higher grades and enjoy learning physics better. Labs may not be made up so any lab missed for an absence will earn a zero.

Calendar

Additional Information

Since I am not a full-time instructor I do not have office hours. If you need help on an assignment or have a question please send me an email and I will get back to you as soon as possible. I will be available most Mondays after class if you have questions or need help with something.

Thank you,

Mrs. Fincher