PHYS 109 - Exploring Physics in the Outdoors

Units: 3; Breadth Area: GE-B1, GE-B3; Sustainability
A descriptive and activity-based course that helps connect experiences in nature with physics concepts. Topics include energy and energy systems, climate, heat, sound, light, gravity, electricity and magnetism. Emphasis on energy sustainability.

Strongly Recommended Preparation: High school algebra
Possible Instructional Methods: On-ground or Hybrid.
Grading: A-F or CR/NC (student choice)
Breadth Area(s) Satisfied: GE-B1 - Lower Division Physical Science, GE-B3 - Lower Division Laboratory Activity, Overlay - Sustainability
Course Typically Offered: Fall & Spring

Student Learning Outcomes - Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

Develop broad science content knowledge in the physical sciences by learning about the physical laws pertaining to energy, power, and work.
Describe key threats to environmental sustainability associated with the use of various energy sources as connected to observations and measurements in the outdoors.
Demonstrate the application of quantitative skills to physical science problems by making arithmetic and algebra calculations and order-of-magnitude estimates.
Investigate a variety of physical phenomena observed in the outdoors and describe the underlying physics involved.

B1. Physical Science Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate knowledge of scientific theories, concepts, and data about the physical sciences;
demonstrate an understanding of scientific practices, including the scientific method; and
describe the potential limits of scientific endeavors, including the accepted standards and ethics associated with scientific inquiry.

B3. Laboratory Activity Learning Outcomes

apply their knowledge of scientific theories, concepts, and data about the physical and sciences through laboratory activities;
apply their understanding of scientific practices, including the scientific method in a laboratory setting;
demonstrate accepted standards and ethics associated with scientific inquiry, while completing laboratory activities.

Sustainability Overlay Learning Outcomes

Identify the environmental, social, and economic dimensions of sustainability, either in general or in relation to a specific problem.
Analyze interactions between human activities and natural systems.
Describe key threats to environmental sustainability.
Explain how individual and societal choices affect prospects for sustainability at the local, regional, and/or global levels.