Northeast Alabama Community College Revised: Fall 2017
SYLLABUS
PHS 112 Physical Science II
4 Semester Credit Hours – A 6 Contact Hours
I. Course Description
This course provides the non-technical student with an introduction to the basic principles
of chemistry and physics. A two hour laboratory is required.
II. Prerequisite
None
III. Course Textbooks, Manuals, or Other Required Materials
Tillery, Bill, Physical science (11thed). New York: McGraw-Hill, 2017.
IV. Course Learning Outcomes
The student will:
A. Gain an understanding of basic physics and chemistry.
B. Appreciate the applications of physics and chemistry to the real world.
C. Develop basic laboratory skills.
D. Problem solving – Students will solve basic problems related to the physical science concept under study.
E. Quantitative reasoning – Students will solve advanced, multi-step chemistry and
physics problems.
F. Critical thinking – Students will use models to understand theory and apply the theory
in a relevant situation
VI. Outline of Course Topics
A. Lecture Topics
1. Measuring and motion – kinematics, free fall, circular, projectile, forces
2. Heat, work, energy, and machines
3. Electricity and magnetism
4. Optics – mirrors and lenses
5. Atoms, elements, compounds, states of matter
6. Chemical reactions – acids, base, salts, organic
B. Suggested Laboratory Topics
1. Measurement, lab technique – density
2. Graphing, Hooke’s Law
3. Motion, determination of g
4. Phase change in water
5. Simple machines
6. Pendulum
7. EMF – cells in series and parallel
8. Ohm’s Law
9. Resistors in series and parallel
10. Chemical properties and changes
11. Acid – base reactions
VII. Methods of Instruction
A. Lecture/Class Discussion
B. Laboratory Activities
C. Reports on Current Topics in Science
D. Multiple activities on Canvas.
VIII. Evaluation and Assessment
A. Procedures for Assessment of Student Achievement
1. Written examinations
2. Written reports
3. Laboratory work
4. Homework
5. Comprehensive final
Grades will be given based upon A = 90 – 100%, B = 80 – 89%, C = 70 – 79%, D = 60 – 69%, and F = below 60%.
IX. Attendance
Students are expected to attend all classes for which they are registered. Students who are unable to attend class regularly, regardless of the reason or circumstance, should withdraw from that class before poor attendance interferes with the student’s ability to achieve the objectives required in the course. Withdrawal from class can affect eligibility for federal financial aid.
X. Statement on Discrimination/Harassment
NACC and the Alabama State Board of Education are committed to providing both employment and educational environments free of harassment or discrimination related to an individual’s race, color, gender, religion, national origin, age, or disability. Such harassment is a violation of State Board of Education policy. Any practice or behavior that constitutes harassment or discrimination will not be tolerated.
XI. Statement of Adherence to ADA Guidelines
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 state that qualified students with disabilities who meet the essential functions and academic requirements are entitled to reasonable accommodations. It is the student’s responsibility to provide appropriate disability documentation to the College.
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