Honors 227
for Fall 2007
Scientific Thought and Processes
with Professor Dr. Harold Geller
This course explores and integrates the principles of physics, astronomy, chemistry, geology, biology and environmental sciences. The intent is to present many of the dominant theories and laws that underlie how the natural world operates, with a focus on the scientific methodology used for the discovery process. Subsequently, we explore how the theories and laws have relevance in every day life. The labs for the course include computer simulations and hands-on experiments to demonstrate cardinal features of natural systems, including the (i) scientific methods, (ii) concepts of physics and astronomy, (iii) concepts of chemistry and geology, and (iv) concepts of biology.
Instructor:
Dr, Harold Geller
Associate Chair, Department of Physics and Astronomy
GMU Observatory Director
Department of Physics and Astronomy
Office: Science & Technology I, Room 363A
Phone: 703-993-1276
Email: hgeller@gmu.edu
Office hours by appointment - I am on campus 5 days per week with an open door policy.
Lectures:
Tuesday & Thursday @
Laboratories: Section
201: Monday
Ms. Sara Clark sarabclark@aol.com
Section 203: Tuesday
Ms. Sara Clark sarabclark@aol.com
Instructors Web Site: http://physics.gmu.edu/~hgeller/HONORS227/
(website for lecture notes, labs, etc.)
Honors Web Site: http://honors.gmu.edu/
(website for syllabus and general information only)
Textbook: Tillery
B.W., E.D. Enger and F.R.Ross. 2006. Integrated Science. 3rd
Edition, McGraw Hill,
Grading Policy
There will be four in-class examinations and one comprehensive
final examination. The in-class examinations will be worth a total of 40% (10%
each) of your final grade. The final examination will be worth 25% of your
final grad and will be comprehensive in nature. The laboratory reports will be
due weekly and graded by your lab instructor. The in-class questions with the
personal response system called iClicker, will be given during each lecture and
will count 10% of your grade (50% for answering / 50% for correctness). Questions can NOT be done except in the
class period in which they are given.
|
Number |
Activity |
Per Cent Grade |
|
4 |
In-Class Examinations |
40% |
|
1 |
Comprehensive Final Exam |
25% |
|
10 |
Laboratory Reports |
25% |
|
100+ |
In-Class Questions with iClickers |
10% |
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==== |
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Total |
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100% |
Honor Code
Students are expected to follow the
"
In evaluating your performance in this course, the instructors operate under the assumption that the work you submit is yours and yours alone.
Course Format: Lectures
Lectures will consist of various forms of presentation materials, including videos, computer displays, demonstrations and Power Point. Questions are acceptable and encouraged at any time during the lecture. Students should be alert during the lecture and prepared to answer queries posed as they arise. The lecture notes, in Power Point format, will be posted on the web site for the course. Students are expected to have command of the lecture material and the text information.
Course Format: Text
The text covers the breadth of the natural sciences and provides a systematic and well-illustrated survey. In addition, it does an excellent job of integrating the sciences and provides a host of examples to help you understand the information and its application to life. Finally, at the end of each chapter is a well developed list of questions (short answer and discussion) that are an excellent study aid for the quizzes and examinations. You are encouraged to view the text as a parallel reference to the lectures, and each (lecture and text) are viewed as being equally of value as a reference.
Course Format: Laboratory Sessions
PLEASE NOTE: University laboratory safety regulations require us to request that all students in laboratory sections wear proper attire, which includes shirts/tops/blouses and closed-toe shoes. It also requires us to PROHIBIT FOOD AND DRINKS.
Labs are a collaborative effort of 2-4 students working as a team. Each student will hand in her/his own laboratory report for each week’s exercise. The labs will consist of computer simulations and hands-on experiments. Laboratory reports will be turned in at the close of that week’s lab unless your lab instructor has requested a different submission date. Information from the labs will be part of the lecture questions, in-class examinations, and the final examination.
Laboratories are NOT an optional part of the course. Because of the effort involved in setting up each lab, it is impossible to provide opportunities for make-up labs. Labs begin at the stated time and being late is disruptive and not acceptable. In the event that you are unable to attend laboratory for a legitimate reason (to be determined by Dr. Geller), you need to notify Dr. Geller in writing. In the event of an absence (legitimate or otherwise), you are still responsible for the material covered, and you may have to perform a task as a substitute, in any event.
An absence from any lab carries an automatic zero for that lab unless you have cleared the absence with Dr. Geller.
Course Format: In-Class Questions
Students will utilize an iClicker, provided by the Honors Program, for use as participation for the in-class questions during lecture.
Course Format: Examinations
The four examinations will include short answer (multiple choice, fill in the blank) and problem solving questions. As a study guide, you should work through the questions at the end of each chapter. Examinations can NOT be made up unless Dr. Geller provides a variance; variances are only granted for legitimate excuses. Any make-up exam will not be the same as that given in class.
Entry Level Competencies
The course is mostly conceptually-based, using some high school level algebra and geometry. The only prerequisite is acceptance into the Honors Program.
Course Objectives
- Describe the scientific method and philosophy of science
- Explain how
- Describe physical laws that govern the interaction of matter, energy, time, and space in the cosmos
- Comprehend the different forms of energy and their interchangeability
- Appreciate the magnitude of the scientific problem of the search for extraterrestrial life in the Universe
- Explore biochemical and molecular properties of living systems
- Explore the intricacies of the living cell
- Understand the theory of evolution of life on earth
- Comprehend the chemistry of matter
- Understand the geology of the earth and other earth-like planets
- Comprehend the electromagnetic spectrum and the nature of light
- Appreciate how cells operate at the molecular and genomic level and how genetic engineering is a viable tool for addressing diseases
- Understand the genetics of inheritance and why you exhibit the attributes (physical and physiological) that you do
Major Topics to be Addressed
- Scientific method
- Origins of the universe
- Origins of our solar system and planets
- Physics of light, gravity, matter, magnetism, radioactivity, nuclear energy, and relativity
- Geology of volcanism, plate tectonics, and erosion
- Birth and death of stars and galaxies
- Big Bang theory of universal creation, pulsars, neutron stars, and black holes
- Origin of life on Earth
- Biochemical and molecular attributes of all living systems
- Evolution of life on Earth and the interplay of genetics and ecology
- Principles of genetics, role in evolution, and the nanoscale aspects of molecular biology
- Biotechnology, genetic engineering and your future
- Revolutions in the sciences: how they evolve
Fall 2007 Schedule (subject to change)
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Syllabus Honors 227 Fall 2007 |
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Week No. |
Dates |
Topics |
Chapters |
Lab |
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1 |
28-Aug |
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28-Aug |
1 |
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30-Aug |
2 |
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31-Aug |
Honors Welcome 11:30 AM Lounge |
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2 |
4-Sep |
3 |
NO LABS |
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6-Sep |
3 |
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3 |
11-Sep |
4 & 5 |
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13-Sep |
4 & 5 |
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4 |
18-Sep |
6 & 7 |
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20-Sep |
Electricity & Light (FP pdf) (HO pdf) Reflection/Refraction/Diffraction animation DoubleSlit Interference interactive :::: Internal Reflection interactive ::::::::::: Graphics for light learning :::::::::::::: Studying Hints from my astronomy class Multiple Choice Taking Tips [Wesleyan] |
6 & 7 |
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5 |
25-Sep |
Exam No. 1 (Exam #1 Answer Guide) |
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27-Sep |
8 |
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6 |
02-Oct |
9 |
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04-Oct |
Water and Solutions (FP pdf) (HO pdf) :::::::: Hyperphysics View of Bonds |
10 |
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7 |
9-Oct |
No Class (Tuesday is a Monday schedule) |
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NO LABS |
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11-Oct |
Nuclear Chemistry (FP pdf) (HO pdf) :::::::::: Chernobyl ::: Yucca Mtn. |
11 |
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8 |
16-Oct |
Exam No. 2 (Exam #2 Answer Guide) |
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18-Oct |
12 |
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9 |
23-Oct |
13 |
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25-Oct |
14 |
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10 |
30-Oct |
15 & 16 |
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1-Nov |
17 & 18 |
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11 |
6-Nov |
19 |
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8-Nov |
19 |
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12 |
13-Nov |
Exam No. 3 (Exam #3 Answer Guide) |
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15-Nov |
20 |
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13 |
20-Nov |
26 |
NO LABS |
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22-Nov |
HAPPY THANKSGIVING |
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14 |
27-Nov |
26 |
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