Classes in psci

PSCI 1 Principles of Physical Science 3.0 units
Description: An introduction to the physical sciences for the non-science major. Attention is focused on fundamental laws of nature, their development and relation to the physical world. PREREQUISITE: Skills equivalent to those in an Elementary Algebra course. ADVISORY: English 280.

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Describe and discuss numbers, units, and the Scientific Method.
2. Identify, describe, compare, and contrast position, displacement, speed, velocity and acceleration.
3. Identify, describe, compare, and contrast Newton's Laws.
4. Identify, describe, compare, and contrast Potential, Kinetic, and Thermal Energy and the concept of Conservation of Energy.
5. Identify, describe, compare, and contrast voltage, current, resistance, electric circuits, and magnetism.
6. Identify, describe, compare, and contrast elements, compounds, and mixtures and the properties of each.
7. Identify, describe, compare, and contrast the fundamental particles of matter and their role in the structure of an atom.
8. Identify, describe, compare, and contrast the different types of atomic bonding.


PSCI 2 Introduction to Meteorology 3.0 units
Description: An introductory course in Meteorology that is both descriptive and analytical on the physical principles affecting the earth's weather. Topics covered include the nature of the atmosphere, solar energy, heat, temperature, pressure, stability, moisture, wind, storms, severe weather and forecasting. The course introduces climatology as a scientific study and will look at the earth's climatic history, current research in climate modeling and the possibility of global climate change. ADVISORY: MATH 205.

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Read weather maps and correctly interpret the main weather map symbols.
2. Describe the mechanisms by which heating imbalances drive the atmospheric circulation
3. Explain the relation between the wind field and pressure patterns.


PSCI 3 Ocean Studies 3.0 units
Description: Online Ocean Studies is a an introductory oceanography course provided by the American Meteorological Society to undergraduates. The course is prepared by an experienced team of oceanographers and science educators. AMS Ocean Studies is produced in cooperation with the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration. AMS Ocean Studies examines the world ocean from an Earth system perspective. The course emphasizes (1) the flow and transformations of water and energy into and out of the ocean, (2) the physical and chemical properties of seawater, (3) ocean circulation, (4) marine life and its adaptations, (5) interactions between the ocean and the other components of the Earth system (i.e., hydrosphere, atmosphere, geosphere, and biosphere), and (6) the human/ societal impacts on and response to those Earth system interactions. AMS Ocean Studies is modeled after the highly successful AMS Weather Studies course. ADVISORY: MATH 205.

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Describe the flow and transformations of water and energy into and out of the ocean.
2. Explain the important interactions between the ocean and other components of the Earth system.
3. Discuss the human/societal impacts on, and the response to, ocean-Earth system interactions.


PSCI 23 Independent Study 1.0 units
Description: Designed to afford selected students specialized opportunities for exploring areas at the independent study level. The courses may involve extensive library work, research in the community, or special projects. May be repeated until six units of credit are accrued. This course has the option of a letter grade or pass/no pass. REQUIRED: The study outline prepared by the student and the instructor must be filed with the department and the dean.