Physical Science I Syllabus and Study Guide

Physical Science I Syllabus Overview

Course Information

This syllabus outlines the structure, policies, and content for Physical Science I at Middle Georgia State University. The course provides an introductory survey of the principles and concepts of the physical sciences, including mechanics, energy, temperature & heat, wave motion, optics, electricity, and magnetism. It also covers atomic and nuclear physics. Algebra is required.

• Course Code: PHYS 1011K

• Credit Hours: 4

• Prerequisites: MATH 1001 or higher

• Corequisites: PHYS 1012L

• Lecture Times: TR 12:30pm – 1:45pm

• Laboratory Times: T 2:00pm – 3:50pm

• Location: Dillard Hall 241

Course Description

• Topics include: mechanics, energy, temperature & heat, wave motion, optics, electricity, magnetism, atomic and nuclear physics.

• Skills developed: scientific method, laboratory procedures, mathematical and computational methods, problem-solving, and teamwork.

Required Texts and Materials

• Textbook: Conceptual Physical Science, 6th Edition by Hewitt

• Lab Manual: Conceptual Physical Science Laboratory Manual (must be purchased separately)

• Online Resources: MasteringPhysics account

• Equipment: Scientific calculator (approx. $10), writing materials

• Technology: Computer/tablet/smartphone with internet access

Course Topics and Structure

Major Topics Covered

• Nature of Science: Introduction to scientific inquiry and the scientific method.

• Patterns of Motion and Equilibrium: Study of motion, forces, and Newton's laws.

• Newton's Laws of Motion: Fundamental laws governing the motion of objects.

• Momentum and Energy: Conservation laws, kinetic and potential energy.

• Gravity, Projectiles, and Satellites: Gravitational forces, projectile motion, and orbital mechanics.

• Fluid Mechanics: Properties of fluids, pressure, buoyancy, and fluid dynamics.

• Thermal Energy & Thermodynamics: Heat, temperature, energy transfer, and laws of thermodynamics.

• Heat Transfer and Change of Phase: Mechanisms of heat transfer and phase changes in matter.

• State and Current Electricity: Electric charge, current, circuits, and electrical energy.

• Magnetism and Electromagnetic Induction: Magnetic fields, electromagnetism, and induction.

• Waves and Sound: Properties of waves, sound propagation, and resonance.

• Light: Nature of light, reflection, refraction, and optical phenomena.

• Atomic and Nuclear Physics: Structure of atoms, radioactivity, and nuclear reactions.

Sample Equations and Concepts

• Newton's Second Law: $F = ma$

• Kinetic Energy: $KE = \frac{1}{2}mv^2$

• Ohm's Law: $V = IR$

• Wave Speed: $v = f\lambda$

• First Law of Thermodynamics: $\Delta U = Q - W$

Course Schedule (Sample Weeks)

Date	Topic	Chapters	Competencies
14 August	Syllabus and Introduction	Prologue	T
19 August	The Nature of Science	Prologue	I, T
21 August	Patterns of Motion and Equilibrium	1.1–1.5	I, P
28 August	Newton's Laws of Motion	2.1–2.2	I, P
2 September	Test #1 (Prologue & Chapter 1)
4 September	Newton's Laws of Motion	2.3–2.5	I, P
9 September	Momentum and Energy	3.1–3.2	I, P
11 September	Momentum and Energy	3.3–3.5	I, P

Additional info: The full schedule includes all major topics, tests, and holidays. Each topic is linked to specific chapters and career-ready competencies: Inquiry and Analysis (I), Problem Solving (P), and Teamwork (T).

Assessment and Grading

Grading Breakdown

Component	Percentage
Homework	30%
Laboratory Quizzes	25%
Laboratory Reports	10%
Tests	35%

• Grading Scale:

  • 90–100%: A

  • 80–89%: B

  • 70–79%: C

  • 60–69%: D

  • Below 60%: F

• Late Work: Assignments turned in late receive a 10% penalty.

• Extra Credit: May be offered at instructor's discretion.

Assessment Details

• Tests: Six in-class tests; no makeup tests except for excused absences.

• Homework: Problems for each chapter to be completed online; group work encouraged but individual submission required.

• Laboratory Quizzes: Based on lab book and instructor's guidance; no makeup quizzes.

• Laboratory Reports: Details provided by instructor; timely submission required.

Class Policies and Student Support

Attendance Policy

• Attendance is required for all class sessions (face-to-face or online).

• Missing five or more class meetings may result in a failing grade.

Academic Integrity

• Plagiarism and cheating are strictly prohibited.

• Written work may be evaluated using plagiarism prevention services.

Student Support Services

• Disability accommodations available through the Office of Disability Services.

• Withdrawal policy and procedures provided online.

• Student Success Center, Writing Center, and Counseling Services available for academic and emotional support.

Summary of Key Physical Science Concepts

Mechanics

Mechanics is the branch of physics dealing with the motion of objects and the forces that cause this motion.

• Newton's Laws: Fundamental principles describing the relationship between force and motion.

• Momentum: Product of mass and velocity; conserved in isolated systems.

• Energy: Ability to do work; includes kinetic and potential forms.

Thermodynamics

Thermodynamics studies heat, temperature, and energy transfer.

• First Law: Conservation of energy in thermal processes.

• Second Law: Entropy and the direction of heat flow.

Electricity and Magnetism

Electricity and magnetism explore electric charges, currents, fields, and their interactions.

• Ohm's Law: Relationship between voltage, current, and resistance.

• Electromagnetic Induction: Generation of electric current by changing magnetic fields.

Waves and Optics

Waves are disturbances that transfer energy through space or matter; optics studies light and its behavior.

• Wave Properties: Frequency, wavelength, amplitude, and speed.

• Reflection and Refraction: Bending and bouncing of light at surfaces.

Atomic and Nuclear Physics

Atomic physics examines the structure of atoms; nuclear physics studies the nucleus and radioactivity.

• Radioactivity: Spontaneous emission of particles or energy from unstable nuclei.

• Nuclear Reactions: Changes in the nucleus, including fission and fusion.

Additional info: These study notes are based on the syllabus and schedule for Physical Science I. For detailed explanations, students should refer to the required textbook and laboratory manual.