PHYS 109 - Exploring Physics in the Outdoors

Units: 3 ; Breadth Area: GE-5A ; 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. Lecture Units:3

Breadth Area(s) Satisfied: GE-5A - Lower Division Physical and Biological Sciences (Physical), Overlay - Sustainability
Strongly Recommended Preparation: High school algebra
Possible Instructional Methods: On-ground, or Hybrid, or Online-Synchronous.
Grading: A-F or CR/NC (student choice).
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.

GE-5A. 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.
Describe the potential limits of scientific endeavors, including the accepted standards and ethics associated with scientific inquiry.

Sustainability Overlay Learning Outcomes

Discuss multiple dimensions of sustainability, including the scientific, social, cultural, and/or economic.
Analyze interactions between human activities and natural systems.
Describe strategies taken by individuals, communities, organizations, or governments for mitigating and/or adapting to key threats to environmental sustainability.