Foundations of Physical & Chemical Sciences

Catalog description

How do the microscopic particles and invisible forces interact to form the world we experience daily? This course serves as a college-level introduction to the physical and chemical sciences and uses an algebra-based approach to solving word problems in these disciplines. PHYL1600 will introduce students to how microscopic particles and their properties, motions and behaviors manifest in macroscopic realities. In this course, students gain exposure to topics in physics such as motion, force, energy, heat and electromagnetism. Students will also be introduced to the topics in chemistry of the periodic table, properties of molecules, chemical reactions and phases of matter. The rules that govern energy and matter transformations will be explored. Students will discover examples of how the physical laws of the universe apply to everyday realities like cooking, energy consumption in homes, materials used in daily life, exercise, and star gazing. Note that algebra proficiency is a pre-requisite for this course and is not taught in the course directly. PREREQUISITES: This course requires algebraic manipulations, graphical analysis, and unit conversions. Students should purchase a scientific calculator like Ti-30Xa before the course. Either MTHS2000 or MTHS1000 or another equivalent Foundational Requirement in Quantitative Reasoning is required as a pre-requisite to registering for PHYL1600. Foundations of Physical and Chemical Sciences is a required course for students pursuing a BAAS degree with a concentration in Physical and Life Sciences. The course also fulfills the Scientific Process foundational course requirement for students in the BAAS program who are pursuing other concentrations.