This document outlines an introductory physical science course that covers basic concepts in physics, chemistry, geology, meteorology, and astronomy. Over 11 weeks, students will read textbook chapters, complete weekly discussions and labs, and take open-book quizzes. Labs reinforce concepts from chapters and are completed by viewing lab videos and taking untimed quizzes. The course aims to describe physical laws and processes, apply concepts to modern issues, and explain relationships between science disciplines. Students are evaluated based on lab assignments, quizzes, and discussions, with the goal of learning foundational principles in the physical sciences.

1. COURSE DESCRIPTION
Introduces the student to basic concepts from the physical
sciences such as motion, force, energy, heat, electricity,
magnetism, and the atomic theory of matter. Discusses the
scientific principles that underlie everyday phenomena, modern
technologies, and planetary processes. Examines how the
various branches of science, such as physics, chemistry,
geology, meteorology, astronomy, relate to each other. Lab
portion of the course reinforces basic concepts.
INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS
Required Resources
Hewitt, P., Suchocki, J., & Hewitt, J. (2012). Conceptual
physical science (5th ed.). San Francisco, CA: Pearson Addison-
Wesley.
Supplemental Resources
Chamberlin, T. C. (1965). The Method of Multiple Working
Hypotheses. Science. New Series, 148(3671), 754-759.
Retrieved from
http://www.auburn.edu/~tds0009/Articles/Chamberlain%201965
.pdf
Energy Resource Potential of Methane Hydrate. (2011).
Retrieved from
http://www.netl.doe.gov/file library/Research/oil-gas/methane
hydrates/MH_Primer2011.pdf
Fletcher, C. (2013). Climate change: What the science tells us.
Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.
Hewitt, P.G. (2011). Practice book for conceptual physical
science. San Francisco, CA: Pearson Addison-Wesley.

2. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). (2013).
Fifth Assessment Report (AR5). Retrieved from
http://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar5/
Stewart, R. (2009). Our Ocean Planet Oceanography in the 21st
Century. Retrieved from
http://oceanworld.tamu.edu/resources/oceanography-
book/contents.htm
COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES
1. Describe the characteristic values and procedures of the
physical sciences.
2. Apply concepts in physical sciences to evaluate current
trends and issues in the modern world.
3. Give examples of how the physical laws governing motion,
waves, energy, and heat relate to everyday phenomena.
4. Describe the properties of electricity, magnetism, and
electromagnetic radiation.
5. Explain the relationships between the Periodic Table of
Elements, the inner structure of atoms, and the chemical
properties of substances.
6. Analyze the physical structures, properties, and processes
that shape the Earth and their associated natural hazards.
7. Describe the physical processes influencing climate and
weather.
8. Discuss what is known about the life cycles of stars, galaxies,
and the universe.
9. Use technology and information resources to research issues
in physical sciences.
10. Write clearly and concisely about physical sciences using
proper writing mechanics.
WEEKLY COURSE SCHEDULE
The standard requirement for a 4.5 credit hour course is for
students to spend 13.5 hours in weekly work. This includes
preparation, activities, and evaluation regardless of delivery

3. mode.
Week
Preparation, Activities, and Evaluation
Points
1
Preparation
· Reading(s)
· Prologue: The Nature of Science
Activities
· The Science Corner
Note: The Science Corner contains supplemental content
designed to promote student learning and is related to each
week’s material. Students are encouraged to complete the
Science Corner activities within each week.
· Discussion
Evaluation
· Lecture Quiz 1: Prologue: The Nature of Science
20
30
2
Preparation
· Reading(s)

4. · Chapter 2: Newton’s Laws of Motion
· Chapter 3: Momentum and Energy
Activities
· Discussion
Evaluation
· Lab 1: Exploring Newton’s Laws
· Lecture Quiz 2: Chapters 2 and 3
20
20
30
3
Preparation
· Reading(s)
· Chapter 6: Thermal Energy and Thermodynamics
· Chapter 7: Heat Transfer and Change of Phase
Activities
· Discussion
Evaluation
· Lab 2: The Physics of Heat Transfer
· Lecture Quiz 3: Chapter 6 and 7
20
20
30
4
Preparation
· Reading(s)
· Chapter 8: Static and Current Electricity
· Chapter 9: Magnetism and Electromagnetic Induction
Activities
· Discussion
Evaluation
· Assignment 1: Applications of the Scientific Method
· Lecture Quiz 4: Chapters 8 and 9

5. 20
160
30
5
Preparation
· Reading(s)
· Chapter 10: Waves and Sound
· Chapter 11: Light
Activities
· Discussion
Evaluation
· Lab 3: The Electromagnetic Spectrum
· Lecture Quiz 5: Chapters 10 and 11
20
20
30
6
Preparation
· Reading(s)
· Chapter 12: Atoms and the Periodic Table
· Chapter 13: The Atomic Nucleus and Radioactivity
Activities
· Discussion
Evaluation
· Lab 4: Radioactive Elements in the Periodic Table
· Lecture Quiz 6: Chapters 12 and 13
20
20
30

6. 7
Preparation
· Reading(s)
· Chapter 16: Mixtures
· Chapter 18: Two Classes of Chemical Reactions
Activities
· Discussion
Evaluation
· Lab 5: Mixtures, Compounds, and Chemical Reactions
· Lecture Quiz 7: Chapters 16 and 18
20
20
30
8
Preparation
· Reading(s)
· Chapter 20: Rocks and Minerals
· Chapter 21: Plate Tectonics and Earth’s Interior
Activities
· Discussion
Evaluation
· Lab 6: Plate Tectonics
· Lecture Quiz 8: Chapters 20 and 21
20
20
30
9
Preparation
· Reading(s)
· Chapter 24: The Oceans, Atmosphere and Climatic Effects

7. · Chapter 25: Driving Forces of Weather
Activities
· Discussion
Evaluation
· Assignment 2: Global Warming: Cause and Mitigation
· Lecture Quiz 9: Chapters 24 and 25
20
160
30
10
Preparation
· Reading(s)
· Chapter 26: The Solar System
· Chapter 27: Stars and Galaxies
Activities
· Discussion
Evaluation
· Lab 7: Eclipses, the Stars, and Stellar Distance
· Lecture Quiz 10: Chapters 26 and 27
20
20
30
11
Preparation
· Reading(s): None
Activities
· Discussion
Evaluation
· Lab 8: Exploring New Developments in Science

8. 20
20
GRADING SCALE – UNDERGRADUATE
Assignment
Total Points
% of
Grade
Labs (8 labs worth 20 points a apiece)
160
16%
Quizzes (open book with a 2-hour time limit)
(10 quizzes, covering prologue and 18 chapters, with 10
questions worth 3 points apiece)
300
30%
Assignment 1: Applications of the Scientific Method
160
16%
Assignment 2: Global Warming: Cause and Mitigation
160
16%
Participation (11 discussions worth 20 points apiece)
220
22%
Totals
1,000
100%

9. Points
Percentage
Grade
900 – 1,000
90% – 100%
A
800 – 899
80% – 89%
B
700 – 799
70% – 79%
C
600 – 699
60% – 69%
D
Below 600
Below 60%
F
SCI 110 – Introduction to Physical Science
© 2015 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document
contains Strayer University Confidential and Proprietary
information and may not be copied, further distributed, or
otherwise disclosed in whole or in part, without the expressed
written permission of Strayer University.
SCI 110 STUDENT GUIDE MCCANN 1158 (SME 1307 8-11-
2015) Page 2 of 6
Lab Assignments
Worth 20 points apiece

10. Each lab will be submitted based on the following:
1. View the lab videos located in the online course shell.
2. Complete the lab quiz located in the online course shell. You
may complete the lab multiple times. It is untimed.
Lab
Assignment
Week
Due
Lab Title
1
2
Lab 1: Exploring Newton’s Laws
2
3
Lab 2: The Physics of Heat Transfer
3
5
Lab 3: The Electromagnetic Spectrum
4
6
Lab 4: Radioactive Elements in the Periodic Table
5
7
Lab 5: Mixtures, Compounds, and Chemical Reactions
6
8
Lab 6: Plate Tectonics
7
10
Lab 7: Eclipses, the Stars, and Stellar Distance
8
11
Lab 8: Exploring New Developments in Science