PHYSCI-101 - Conceptual Physical Science - Thomas Gavin

Course:	Conceptual Physical Science
Professor:	Thomas Gavin
Email:	thomas.gavin@canyons.edu
Format:	Online Hybrid InPerson
Course Length:	16 Week

Introduction

My name is Thomas Gavin, and I will be your professor this semester at College of the Canyons.

I grew up here in the Santa Clarita Valley attending Canyon High School, UCLA, CSUN and Pepperdine. I have been married for over 40 years now, have 5 adult children and 4 grandkids. I enjoy camping, reading, walking, tinkering around the house, and playing with my grandkids. The picture shows me next to SOPHIA the 747 based NASA telescope. This is my 8th year teaching Physical Science at COC, and I look forward to working with all of you.

It is very important that all students understand that we meet once a week in person for our laboratory experiments. If you miss the class, there are no makeups for the labs. Lectures and tests will be asynchronously (not zoom) online.

Course Description

We will explore the sciences of physics and chemistry, and the role these sciences play in everyday life on Earth; some applications in astronomy may also be included. In-class discussions and exercises will be based on expected preparatory reading of text and online lecture notes.

The objectives of this course are for you to:

Examine the physical properties that are present in your daily life
Recall and apply the basic concepts of chemistry and physics
Develop scientific thinking and problem solving skills
Practice the scientific method in a laboratory setting

What to Expect in this Course

Students in the Earth, Space, and Environmental Sciences Department taking physical science classes will be able to understand and appreciate nature and become knowledgeable about environmental issues, fundamental forces in nature, the basic principles behind modern technology, and the role of science in everyday life. Physical Science prepares students for a diversity of professions including teaching science at the secondary level, serving as a technical administrator in government and industry, or completing legal work with patents, scientific librarianship, and scientific journalism. Here is the official listing of the class at COC:

https://www.canyons.edu/academics/earthsciences/program/physci.php

The class is UC/CSU transferrable. It does include the COC required lab component. There are no prerequisites for this class.

This class is a hybrid which means it combines online instruction and in-person labs. However, this semester it may be all distance learning.

Asynchronous (ONLINE) sessions will take place using Canvas and Google Docs. The following types of instruction will be used:
- Lectures-via asynchronous lectures with built in feedback questions
- Laboratories-synchronous instruction followed by asynchronous completion by students
- Discussion-via synchronous sessions
- Homework-asynchronous and once per week with 10 questions per week
- Tests-asynchronously four tests including the final exam
- Science Project-asynchronous youtube based video project with you showing us some home based science
The in-person instruction will be the required once a week labs and discussion of the science topics we are covering.
The course can be accessed via Canvas at cv.canyons.edu on the first day of the course. Follow the login instructions at the bottom of the screen to log in. Here, you can also access Canvas user guides with helpful tips for navigating and using Canvas. For any Canvas related issues please call the Canvas Student Support line at (661) 362-3344 during college business hours, or (877) 889-9052 for 24/7 support.

Types of Assessments

Assessments will be included in the:

Lectures- asynchronous online
Homework- asynchronous online
Tests- asynchronous online
Laboratories- in-person
Science Project- asynchronous online

Textbook Information

This is a ZTC (Zero Textbook Cost) course. The textbooks are online and at no cost.

College Physics OpenStax: https://openstax.org/books/college-physics-2e/pages/1-introduction-to-science-and-the-realm-of-physics-physical-quantities-and-units
College Chemistry OpenStax: https://openstax.org/books/chemistry-atoms-first-2e/pages/1-introduction
Real World Science: Physics and Chemistry Applications by Ciardi-OER-Online on Canvas

Other Relevant Course Information

Basic required technical and personal study skills needed:

Basic computer literacy, including skills in Internet navigation and basic document creation. At the very least, you should know how to cut and paste, and how to attach documents to emails.
Reliable, consistent Internet access with an up-to-date browser, such as Firefox, Explorer, Safari, Google Chrome, etc.). You can also make use of the computer labs on COCs campus. There is a student Canvas app, but it is not as complete as a computer version.
Ability to work with or learn how to work with Canvas and the Google Suite..
Some kind of camera that is able to post to the web for the completion of your Science Project. This camera can be a webcam or cell phone camera.
Sixteen-week hybrid (online and live) courses require more time and effort than traditional, on-ground offerings. You are expected to handle a substantial workload in this time. Plan on this course taking at least 5-10 hours/week of your time in addition to the lab time. There is a considerable amount of reading and interactive activities online.
Students who do well in online courses tend to share the following qualities:
- They are very self-motivated, consistently meet deadlines and are prepared.
- They are strong, critical readers and communicate clearly and effectively in writing.
- They have strong time management skills.
- They enjoy active, cooperative learning experiences.
- They know the core rules of Netiquette and how to communicate respectfully online. Check out: http://www.albion.com/netiquette/corerules.html. You as students, and I as your instructor, are all responsible for creating a safe and respectful learning environment in our class, by being mindful of diverse opinions and beliefs from a variety of lifestyles, backgrounds, and experiences.

Additional Resources

Canvas

This course can be accessed on the first day of class via Canvas at https://coc.instructure.com. Log into Canvas using your CanyonsID single sign-on:

CanyonsID Username is your COC student email address (Ex: username@my.canyons.edu)
CanyonsID Password is your COC student email password

Please visit the Get to Know Your Online Classroom page for help logging into Canvas and for tips on using Canvas and Zoom. Canvas Chat Support is also available 24/7 for any Canvas related issues.

Online Education

Check out the Online Education website for more information on a variety of topics that can help you be a successful online student such as: exam proctoring, learning styles, computer skills, and tips for student success. If this is your first online course, feel free to take our online learning readiness assessment to assess your skills.

The Learning Center (TLC)

The TLC provides FREE online tutoring resources to COC students!

Academic Accommodation Center (AAC)

College of the Canyons AAC provides educational services and access for eligible students with documented disabilities who intend to pursue coursework at COC. A variety of programs and services are available which afford eligible students with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of the college programs and activities through appropriate and reasonable accommodations. For more information on their services visit the Academic Accomodation Center website.

Online Counseling

The Counseling Department offers appointments online. You can schedule an appointment by visiting the Online Counseling website. Counselors can help you map out a plan to reach your educational goals as well as advise you on course selection and registration.

Management of Stress and Mental Health

Often the pressure on our students is very strong, involving academic commitments, relationships, outside jobs and family pressure to name a few. The staff and faculty of College of the Canyons are here to see you succeed academically and care about your emotional and physical health. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including counseling and mental health services available on campus by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center in the Student Services Building (across from the bookstore). The phone number is 661-362-3259 that you can call 24/7. You can also e mail for an appointment at StudentHealthCenter@canyons.edu. At the Canyon Country Campus the Health Center will be in the new Student Services Building.

Also, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number is now 988. All students at COC are encouraged to enter that phone number in their cells. You can call it when you, or someone you know, is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress.

You can also now use the Crisis Text Line: Just text "Courage" to 741741. Someone will get back to you immediately. Its free, 24/7, and confidential.

Veterans Resource Center

The College of the Canyons Veterans Resource Center is a department within the Student Services Division at the college, created to help veterans and veteran dependents with applying to College of the Canyons, enrolling in classes, and requesting VA Education or Vocational Benefits. For more information please visit the Veterans Resource Center website, email veterans@canyons.edu or phone (661) 362-3469.

Library

The Library provides live online and in-person research help, access to a full range of e-resources and physical materials that support the curriculum, individual and group study areas, and much more!

Last updated: 02/08/2024 Sub#: 637