NSC 102 - Physical Science: Physics & Space

Offered FL, WI
Lecture- 3 Lab- 2
4 credit hrs/5 contact hrs
An introduction to the physical sciences: physics and space science. Topics within physics will include motion and forces, energy, heat and temperature, waves, electricity and light. Topics within space science will include the variety and evolution of stars, our understanding of the universe, our solar system and the earth‐moon system. Sessions will include a mixture of hands‐on experimentation, group problem solving, and class discussions.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Compare and contrast disciplinary characteristics of science, non-science and pseudoscience.
Demonstrate fluency in the technical meaning of physical quantities and units.
Convert units, e.g. densities, speeds, temperatures, etc.
Use fundamental and empirical principles to solve quantitative and qualitative problems in topics that may include: motion, energy, matter and thermodynamics, waves, electricity, astronomy and astrophysics.
Compare and contrast one’s perception and understanding of the physical world with one’s interpretation of physical principles.
Use self-critical observation, experimentation and calculation to express fluency in fundamental and empirical physical principles.