PSC-PHYSICAL SCIENCE -- 1999-2000 Catalog
PSC 101 The Physical Environment: Matter and Energy (4) GE B1a
Introduction to the basic principles of physical science and application of these principles in modern society. Objects at rest and in motion, energy and power, fluids, heat, light, and sound. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.
PSC 102 The Physical Environment: Atoms and Molecules (4) GE B1a
Introduction to the basic principles of the atomic, molecular, and sub-atomic behavior of matter, and applications of these principles in modern society. Electricity and magnetism, electrical nature of matter, organic and inorganic chemistry, modern physics, the nucleus. 3 lectures, 1 activity. Prerequisite: PSC 101.
PSC 103 The Physical Environment: Earth and the Universe (4) GE B1a
Introduction to the basic principles of the Earth sciences and astronomy, and applications of these principles in modern society. Structure and formation of the Earth, earthquakes, weather, oceanography, Solar System, stars, and cosmology. 3 lectures, 1 recitation. Prerequisite: PSC 101.
PSC 110 Energy for the Present and the Future (3) GE B1a
Detailed qualitative presentation of current and future energy sources along with the associated environmental problems. Energy production, energy consumption, efficient use of energy, fossil fuels, nuclear fission and alternative sources such as solar, geothermal and fusion energy. 3 lectures.
PSC 171 Nuclear Weapon Proliferation in the Post Soviet World (3) GE B1a
Science and technology of fission and fusion weapons, effects of nuclear weapons and nuclear radiation, nuclear proliferation. Nuclear arms treaties and the technology of verification. Nuclear reactor technology. 3 lectures.
PSC 201 Introduction to Physical Oceanography (3) GE B1a
Origin, extent of oceans. Nature of sea bottom, sediments. Causes, effects of ocean circulation, tides and waves. Physi-cal properties of sea water. Interaction with atmosphere and influence on our climate. Shorelines and shoreline processes. Marine environments. Possible field trips. 3 lectures.
PSC 304 Applications of Physical Science (4)
Serious problems faced by technological societies worldwide, such as the destruction of ozone, runaway greenhouse effect, smog, acid rain, water pollution, nuclear radiation hazards, and the depletion of fossil fuels. 3 lectures, 1 activity. Prerequisite: PSC 101, PSC 102, PSC 103 or equivalent.
PSC 305 Patterns of Change (4)
Patterns of change in the formation and evolution of the Universe, the Earth, and life. Topics include the Big Bang, radiometric dating, plate tectonics, the fossil record, biogeography, and the biochemical evidence that supports evolution. 3 lectures, 1 activity. Prerequisite: PSC 101 or PSC 103 or consent of instructor.
PSC 424 Organizing and Teaching of Physical Sciences (3)
Techniques, aims and objectives in the teaching of physical sciences and general sciences at the secondary level. Selection and organization of teaching material. Evaluation of results. 3 lectures. Prerequisite: Evidence of satisfactory preparation in physics and chemistry.
PSC 461 Senior Project (2)
Selection and completion of a project under faculty supervision. Project results are presented in a formal report. Minimum of 60 hours total time.