Physical science
Mr Wayne Kirstine
6 points * Full-year subject * Distance * Prerequisites: Consultation with a course adviser * Prohibitions: Cannot be credited towards the major study in a Bachelor of Applied Science * Students cannot obtain credit towards any award for more than one of GAS1080, GAS1095, GAS1086.
Objectives On the completion of this subject students will have developed an awareness of the basic scientific concepts applied in the areas of motion, atomic structure and bonding, properties of matter, radioactivity, light, electricity and magnetism, inorganic and organic chemistry; improved their scientific literacy by developing a basic vocabulary of frequently-used scientific terms; improved their understanding of natural phenomena and of modern technology; acquired skills in the use of simple measuring instruments and scientific equipment; collected and tabulated numerical data, plotted and interpreted graphs, and organised scientific report.
Synopsis This subject is intended to introduce the student with limited scientific background to the physical sciences and to develop the student's scientific literacy, knowledge and skills. Areas of study include measurement, Newton's laws of motion, gravity, work and power, properties of matter, introduction to the atom, molecules and the mole concept, stoichiometry and chemical equations, radioactivity and the nucleus, electromagnetic radiation, the nature of light, modern atomic theory, chemical bonding, the periodic table, electricity and magnetism, chemical equilibrium, acids and bases, introduction to organic chemistry. Detailed study guides are provided, and experiment kits are available to allow distance education students to carry out experimental activities at home. A detailed experiment manual and supporting videotapes are provided.
Assessment Assignments (including experimental work): 50% * Semester examinations: 50% * Students must obtain satisfactory results for both their experimental work and their examinations.
Prescribed texts
Payne C A and others Physical science 6th edn, W C Brown, 1992
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