NSC 104 - Physical Science: Chemistry & Earth

Offered as needed
Lecture- 3 Lab- 2
4 credit hrs/5 contact hrs
An introduction to chemistry and Earth Science. This introductory course explores important concepts of chemistry including the scientific method, matter and its properties, and chemical and nuclear reaction. Topics in Earth Science include geology such as minerals, the rock cycle, the role of water on sculpting the Earth’s surface and the impact of human interactions on the Earth. Lab exercises will supplement these topics.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Measure and compare the properties of energy and matter.
Explain atomic structure, the periodic table and the formation of chemical compounds.
Explain the fundamental properties of compounds, and of chemical and nuclear reactions.
Identify minerals and components of the rock cycle including igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks, and explain the interaction of plate tectonics, earthquakes and volcanoes.
Discuss the effects of human interaction on the geology of the Earth.
Explain the role of water in sculpting the Earth’s surface (weathering) including the topics of deserts, glaciers, oceans, surface water and ground water.
Safely perform and interpret experiment results in the laboratory.