Physical Science 107

Course Catalog Description

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PHYSICAL SCIENCE 076 0107 - Current Public Issues in Physical Science
Interdisciplinary approach to physical sciences; current public issues serve as framework for course that covers earth sciences (conservation, pollution, space exploration) as well as other branches of science and social and humanistic aspects; integrates significant aspects of physical science with student's other studies as well as daily living. Writing assignments, as appropriate to the discipline, are part of the course. 3 credit hours, 3 lecture hours per week based on sixteen weeks.

Instructor

Professor Walker
jwalker@ccc.edu
Office: 3850
Phone: (773) 907-4698
Website: JustOnly.com/physci/

Textbook

No textbook is required for this course but you are required to purchase a bound composition book (no spiral notebooks) to be used as a course journal.

Journal Checklist
Journal Rubric

Statement of Course Goal

The goal of this course is to inspire you and challenge you to learn about important issues based in the physical sciences such as anthropogenic climate change, soil chemistry and conservation, ocean chemistry and energy use and to gain a deeper understanding of the problems, solutions and controversies discussed in the news media.

Course Introduction

Notes from Introductory Powerpoint (9.4M)

Resources

• Comparitive Map of the Atmosphere (originally from NASA 1962 data via Wikipedia: Earth's atmosphere)
• Geological Time Scale
• Climate Map
• Estimated U.S. Energy Use in 2010
• Energy Use, Google Public Data

International Websites

• United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

Government Organizations (.gov)

• United States Geological Survey
• National Oceanic and Atomospheric Administration
• United States Environmental Protection Agency
• United States Department of Agriculture
• Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
• Argonne National Laboratory
• Energy Flow
• NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies

Organizations (.org)

• National Snow and Ice Date Center: Arctic Sea Ice News and Analysis
• American Museum of Natural History (Science)
• 350.org
• CO2now.org
• The Post Carbon Reader
• America's Power
• Chicago Climate Reaction

Educational Organizations (.edu)

• LEARN: Atmospheric Science Explorers - Cycles of the Atmosphere
• Drought Monitor
• Cameron Douglas Craig - Eastern Illinois University - video series

dot com websites (.com)

• Weather Underground

People

• David Archer
• Dr. Stephen Schneider
• Mark Lynas
• James Hansen
• Jon Foley

News

• USA Today
• The Wall Street Journal
• The New York Times
• The Washington Post
• Chicago Tribune
• Chicago Sun-Times
• Science Daily
• Le Monde
• The Independent
• National Geographic Daily News: Energy

Articles of Interest

• The Nine Plantary Boundaries
• Planatary Boundaries: Scientific Article

Simulations

• Sea Level Rise

Truman College Mission Statement

"Our Mission dedicates us to deliver high-quality, innovative, affordable and accessible educational opportunities and services that prepare students for a rapidly changing and diverse global economy."

FERPA

FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) is a federal law that protects the privacy of student educational records: http://www.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/index.html. Faculty cannot reveal information about students, or discuss student records over the phone or unsecure e-mail. CCC student e-mail meets FERPA requirements.

Student Services

The Student Services Department provides a broad range of services to assest students in achieving their academic and life goals.

Students with Disabilities

The Truman College Disability Access Center (DAC) verifies needs pursuant to the American Disabilities Act (ADA), determines student academic accommodations, and issues accomodation letters. The center is located in room 1428 with phone number: (773) 907-4725. Linda Ford is the director.

Tutoring Center

The tutoring center is located in room L129, 773-907-4785.

TRIO Student Support Services

TRIO is for low-income students, first generation college students, or students with disabilities who need academic support: room 1435, 773-907-4797. Registration is required at the start of each semester.

Student Success and Leadership Institute (SSLI)

SSLI is for students who need various other support services to achieve their educatinal goals: room 1435, 773-907-4714