Physical Science 107

General Student Learning Outcomes for Physical Science 107

At the completion of this course, the successful student will be able to do the following:

• Use scientific terms correctly that are currently found in news articles (New York Times et. al.)
• Research a Physical Science topic effectively and write an informational paper on this topic.
• Access information from U.S. governmental websites for the Physical Sciences including USGS, NOAA and EPA.
• Compare various energy resources in terms of efficiency and environmental impact.
• Discuss current topics in Physical Science e.g. climate change, sources of energy, sustainability, ocean acidification etc. and rationally support a point of view put forth on these issues.
• Critically interpret graphs, data charts, and general information provided to the public.

General Education Goals Established by Truman College

Taking a course in Physical Science helps a student achieve all of the following general education goals. How this occurs is explained below.

• communicate effectively in both written and oral forms

Students will keep a journal. Students will write a paper on a current topic in Physical Science.

• gather, interpret and analyze data

Students will analyze charts, graphs and data presented to the public on current issues in Physical Science

• demonstrate the ability to think critically, abstractly and logically

The Scientific Method is predicated upon deductive and inductive logical reasoning. Students will study applications of the scientific method to information gathered by the scientific community. Students will be required to defend positions based on evidence.

• work with a variety of technologies

Students use computers, digital imaging devices, media, the Internet, podcasts, all in the pursuit of scientific knowledge.

• exhibit social and ethical responsibility

This very serious goal is addressed on many levels in the physical science course by analyzing the social impacts of issues studied in the Physical Sciences

• perform productively in the workforce

Organizational skills are improved in this general education course. Scientific literacy is developed.

• demonstrate the ability to learn independently

Students are given independent projects to complete in the course. They are also given questions to research independently. Reporting these results to the class develops their ability to speak confidently to their peers.

• gain awareness of their role in the global community

By discussing the way that physical science is connected to other occupations and careers we develope student awareness about their career choice and its dependencies on a basic understanding of the general science.

Physical Science and Enginering Departmental Learning Outcomes

Upon graduation with an Associate degree from Truman College a student should be able to:

• Organize, analyze and interpret information and use the scientific method to make inferences.
• Exhibit knowledge of scientific concepts through written and oral communication.
• Demonstrate excellent laboratory skills and techniques including the proper use of relevant instruments and related technologies.
• Use the lexicon of science to explain abstract scientific concepts.
• Relate concepts learned in Physical Science and Engineering Department classes to real world situations.