| Course ID: | PHYS-2028-001 |
| Lecture Times: | TR 12:45 p.m. - 2:05 p.m. |
| Lecture Location: | Yoakley Hall, Room 109 |
| Lecturers: | Dr. Donald
Luttermoser, Dept. of Physics & Astronomy Dr. David Harker, Dept. of Philosophy |
| E-mail Addresses: |
lutter@rmspametsu.edu (delete "rmspam" from
address before sending) harkerd@rmspametsu.edu (delete "rmspam" from address before sending) |
| Office Hours: | by Appointment |
| Textbook: | No Official Textbook is Required (Reading assignments will announced in class) |
| Day | Topics | Lecturer |
|---|---|---|
| January 15 | Introduction | Luttermoser |
| January 20, 22 | Solar System Formation & Evolution | Luttermoser |
| January 27, 29 | The Earth-Moon System | Luttermoser |
| February 3, 5 | The Changing Earth's Atmosphere | Luttermoser |
| February 10, 12 | Student Projects | --- |
| February 17, 19 | History of Life | Dr. Rebecca Pyles |
| February 24, 26 | Adaptation | Pyles |
| March 3, 5 | Natural Selection | Pyles |
| March 10, 12 | Spring Break | No Class |
| March 17, 19 | Concept of the Gene | Harker |
| March 24, 26 | Immunology and Antibiotic Resistance | Dr. Frosty Levy |
| March 31, 2 | Speciation | Levy |
| April 7, 9 | Evolution of Altruism | Harker |
| April 14, 16 | Global Warming | Luttermoser |
| April 21, 23, 28 | Preparation for Public Presentation | Students |
| April 30 | Pollution and Habitat Destruction | Dr. Kevin O'Donnell |
Please consult the ETSU supplemental syllabus attachment for other helpful university information.
Click here to view the web page for this course.
Great Ideas in Science II (GIS) is the second semester of a one-year honors course. GIS endeavors to introduce the student to the interdisciplinary side of science. Every year the "theme" of the course changes and for this 2008/2009 academic year, the theme of this course will be about global changes. This topic is very broad since it can encompass a variety of different sciences, hence this is a good theme to show interdisciplinary science.
During the Fall 2008 semester, the class focused on science's role in explaining change that is seen in nature through a study of the scientific method and how science defines change and the public's perception of change. This semester also introduced the student to concepts in physics and mathematics which help demonstrate various types of change in nature. In this Spring 2009 semester, we will focus changes involving our planet and the lifeforms that reside on it.
Besides the opening day Introduction, you will note there are three main areas of learning on the Course Schedule indicated by the "boxed" topics, (1) The Changing Earth, (2) Biological Evolution, and (3) the Human Impact Forcing Change. Each main area will have Lecturers that are knowledgeable of the material in that module. Each "module" will have Student Projects associated with it and possible additional assignments from which the course grade will be derived. These projects will be outlined near the beginning of each module and can include class debates, oral and/or written reports, or whatever other cool things we can think of to do. For the last project, the class as a whole will prepare and present a lecture to the general public covering global warming.
Note that there will be no exams given in this class. I also do not believe in "extra credit." Extra credit work is the same as "credit" work in this class. As honors students you will be expected to perform at levels above the standard undergraduate student.
As the semester progresses, I will be adding links for the lectures you will be attending on the Course Web Page listed on the first page of this syllabus. I will also post descriptions of what each Student Project will entail once the class decides on a Project. Other useful links will also be posted on this Web Page as well.
From time to time, we may have to meet at times outside of class to watch an interesting video or movie, or perhaps go on a field trip. As the semester progresses, such activities will be announced a few weeks ahead of time. I'll keep you posted.
Each of the four Student Projects will be equally weighted in the calculation of your course grade. I will be assigning a numeric score (100 points maximum) for each project for each student. The Final Course Score is based upon the following formula:
The Final Course Grades is based upon the Final Course Score with the following scale:
| A | = | 92% or better | B- | = | 80-81.9% | D+ | = | 68-69.9% | ||
| A- | = | 90-91.9% | C+ | = | 78-79.9% | D | = | 60-67.9% | ||
| B+ | = | 88-89.9% | C | = | 72-77.9% | F | = | Less than 60% | ||
| B | = | 82-87.9% | C- | = | 70-71.9% |
Note that a failing grade also will be given if the student has engaged in any form of academic dishonesty. IMPORTANT NOTE: Turn your cell phones off before coming into class!