Course Syllabus

General Physical Science and Lab

 

Course Information

Course Number: PHY 1104

Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites: It is recommended that students complete at least Algebra I and Algebra II or higher-level math courses prior to taking this course.

Course Description: General Physical Science and Lab is an introductory course designed to give students an opportunity to explore the basic concepts of physical science. Students will be introduced to the foundations of science, including scientific inquiry, measurement, experimentation, and lab safety. Students will then learn about matter, atoms, and the periodic table, and dive into the chemical side of physical science with an introduction to chemical reactions and the energy involved in them. They will explore motion, Newton's laws, gravity and other forces, and the relationships among work, energy, and power. Students will then study waves and sound, electricity and magnetism, and light and the electromagnetic spectrum. The course closes with Earth systems and geology, and the atmosphere, weather, and climate. The course provides extensive examples and practice for students to explain and apply concepts.


The Physical Sciences Lab component provides a comprehensive introduction to the laboratory study of fundamental concepts of physics and chemistry. In this course, students will learn about lab safety and how to analyze and solve problems using critical thinking and the scientific method. Laboratory work is conducted using household materials and interactive simulations, with an emphasis on data collection, analysis, and scientific communication.

 

Course Outcomes:

  • Evaluate and explain the structure and properties of matter, including the function and role of atoms, the periodic table, and the states of matter.
  • Evaluate and explain chemical reactions, including how these reactions relate to energy and matter.
  • Evaluate and explain forces and interactions as they relate to objects and systems of objects.
  • Evaluate and explain energy, including the relationship between energy and force, chemical processes, conservation, and transfer.
  • Evaluate and explain waves, sound, and electromagnetic radiation as they relate to the history of scientific discovery and current technologies.
  • Evaluate and explain Earth's systems, including its internal structure, surface processes, atmosphere, weather, and climate.
  • Identify and practice lab safety, including proper use of lab tools.
  • Determine and evaluate the appropriate elements of a scientific experiment.
  • Execute the steps of an experiment, and evaluate and explain the findings.
  • Analyze the results of an experiment to determine if the steps of the scientific process or any scientific assumptions have been violated.
  • Evaluate scientific scenarios and apply concepts learned in the lecture course and explored in the lab activities to scenarios while employing critical thinking skills.
  • Write a lab report explaining your findings in an experiment.

Instructional methods utilized in this course include:

  • Lessons
  • CYKs
  • Module Quizzes
  • Discussion Posts
  • Mastery Assignments
  • Midterm and Final Exams 

 

Course Materials

All readings and materials necessary to complete required exercises are provided within the course platform. The primary required textbooks are available free of charge. Students are expected to read excerpts from the following textbooks:

Flowers, P., Theopold, K., Langley, R., & Robinson, W. R. (2019). Chemistry 2e. OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/chemistry-2e/

Fraknoi, A., Morrison, D., & Wolff, S. C. (2022). Astronomy 2e. OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/astronomy-2e/

Urone, P. P., & Hinrichs, R. (2012). College physics. OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/college-physics/

Urone, P. P., & Hinrichs, R. (2022). College physics 2e. OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/college-physics-2e/

 

Laboratory investigations in this course use interactive simulations alongside common household materials. Students are expected to use the following simulation library:

PhET Interactive Simulations. (n.d.). PhET interactive simulations. University of Colorado Boulder. https://phet.colorado.edu/

 

Additional open-access readings and resources from NASA, NOAA, the U.S. Geological Survey, and other scientific agencies are cited on the lesson pages where they are assigned.

Labs are conducted virtually using simulations and materials commonly found at home. 

 

Course Length

This course is estimated to take approximately 260 hours to complete, with a recommended timeframe of 14-16 weeks. It is designed to allow for regular, incremental progress at a pace that works for you.

 

Minimum Passing Grade

To earn college credit for this course, students must earn a minimum average grade of 70% or higher. If a high school student receives less than 70% in this course, it is up to the school offering the course to grant high school credit for its completion.

 

Grading Policies

Grade Weighting

  • Participation (Check Your Knowledge Quizzes): 10% 
  • Discussion Quizzes: 10% 
  • Module Quizzes: 20%
  • Mastery Assignment Lab Reports: 30% 
  • Mastery Assignment Quizzes: 10% 
  • Course Exams: 20% 

 

Assignment Grading Descriptions 

  • Check Your Knowledge - CYK quizzes, or "Check Your Knowledge" quizzes, are located at the end of each lesson. They are composed of multiple choice questions. These quizzes are auto-graded and are designed to help the student test their understanding of the lesson content. Students may take these quizzes as many times as desired to help prepare for the module and mastery assignment quizzes. It is required that students earn 100% on each quiz before proceeding to the next lesson in the course. The CYK quizzes can be taken as many times as needed to earn 100%.
  • Discussion Posts and Discussion Quizzes: Students will be prompted with a case study in which they will have to select the best solution to the given problem. Students will be prompted to defend their selection using evidence from the materials learned in the course and will be asked to analyze and evaluate other solutions developed by their peers. Each discussion is paired with a Discussion Quiz, which is the graded component. Discussion Quizzes may be taken once.
  • Module Quizzes: Multiple-choice quizzes that are auto-graded. Students may use notes and refer back to lessons using a separate browser or the printable versions of lessons. Quizzes are not timed. Students may take the module quiz twice. The higher of the two grades will count toward the student's grade.
  • Mastery Assignments: This course includes three (3) Lab Reports as written mastery assignments. These assignments are rubric-based assignments that reinforce concepts in the course. Assignments are aligned to course outcomes and require the student to spend extra time developing, reviewing, and revising their assignments prior to submission. Students are encouraged to seek out feedback from peers and experts to fully develop their assignments. Students are also encouraged to self-evaluate their work using the rubrics provided.

    • Mastery Assignments are subject to a one-time submission policy. Once an assignment has been graded, it is final. Resubmissions will not be accepted unless specifically requested by the grader.

    • Mastery Assignment Quizzes: This course includes two (2) Mastery Assignment Quizzes. These are unit quizzes created to help students understand how to evaluate and analyze case-based scenarios and problems that would commonly appear in the subject area. Questions are more difficult, scenario focused questions that require students to synthesize information they have learned across multiple modules. Students may use notes and refer back to lessons using a separate browser or the printable versions of lessons. Quizzes are not timed. Students may take these only once.
  • Course Exams: Proctored, multiple-choice exams that are auto-graded. This course includes a Midterm Exam and a Final Exam. Students may take each exam only once.  

 

Mastery Assignments

Use the following information to know in which module the Mastery Assignments are located. 

  • Mastery Assignment Quiz 1 – Module 3: Chemical Reactions
  • Mastery Assignment 1: Forces, Mass and Acceleration Lab – Module 4: Newton's Laws of Motion
  • Mastery Assignment 2: Current, Voltage, and Resistance Lab – Module 8: Electricity and Magnetism
  • Mastery Assignment Quiz 2 – Module 9: Light and Electromagnetic Waves
  • Mastery Assignment 3: Plate Boundaries and Earth's Changing Surface Lab – Module 10: Earth Systems and Geology

 

Mastery Assignment Submission Policy

Mastery Assignments are submitted for grading at the end of the module in which they are located. The module for each Mastery Assignment is listed in the chart above.

Assignments are typically graded within 5-7 business days of submission.

Before your assignment is graded, you may resubmit as many times as needed. This is useful if you need to correct an error, replace a file, or address concerns identified in your Copyleaks Originality and AI Report, which becomes available within a few minutes of submission. Students are encouraged to review this report carefully before their assignment is graded.

Once your assignment is graded, the grade is final. Resubmissions are not accepted after grading unless specifically requested by your instructor or TA. If you have questions about your grade, contact your instructor through the Canvas Inbox.

Late submissions negatively impact grades. Instructors are unable to grant extensions or make adjustments, so plan ahead and review all requirements carefully before submitting.

 

Academic Integrity Policy

TEL Education, in conjunction with its Regionally Accredited University Partners, maintains an Academic Integrity Policy. Academic integrity means honesty and responsibility in academic endeavors. According to the International Center for Academic Integrity, academic integrity requires “a commitment to five fundamental values: honesty, trust, fairness, respect, and responsibility.” Students are expected to practice academic integrity at all times.

Students are expected to refrain from all types of cheating, plagiarism, inappropriate utilization of technology, such as AI-generated content or translation software. All are detailed in the policy linked above.

If it is determined that a student has failed to comply with the Academic Integrity Policy, the issue(s) in question will be addressed by the institution, and subsequent action will be taken. The institution retains sole discretion to determine whether student conduct violates these policies, and this policy does not create due process or other appeal rights for students. If you disagree with the violation, you may submit an appeal using the Appeal Form as instructed on your violation email.

 

Student Code of Conduct

All students and student representatives (including authorized teachers, counselors, and parents) are expected to adhere to the Student Code of Conduct throughout the duration of the student's time in this course. Students and representatives are expected to engage respectfully, act with integrity, participate actively, and use technology appropriately, while any behavior that is disruptive, dishonest, threatening, or otherwise inappropriate is strictly prohibited.

All students are expected to maintain Academic Integrity, actively participate in their learning, and use technology appropriately in all areas of this course.

 

Discussion Board Expectations and Academic Discourse

Participation in discussion boards is a required component of this course and is intended to support thoughtful academic engagement with course content and peers. Students are expected to communicate in a manner consistent with college-level academic discourse at all times.

Discussion posts should demonstrate critical thinking, relevance to the topic, and meaningful engagement with course materials. Responses such as “I agree” without additional explanation or analysis do not meet participation expectations. Students should contribute ideas, ask questions, provide evidence or examples when appropriate, and engage respectfully with differing viewpoints.

Because this is a dual credit college course, all discussion interactions should reflect professionalism, maturity, and respect for others. Inappropriate, dismissive, hostile, sarcastic, discriminatory, or off-topic comments are not acceptable and may result in a reduction in participation grades or additional disciplinary action consistent with institutional policies.

Students are also expected to:

  • Use respectful and appropriate language
  • Remain on topic and contribute constructively
  • Support opinions with course concepts, examples, or reasoning when applicable
  • Engage with classmates in a way that encourages productive academic conversation
  • Follow all academic integrity and netiquette expectations outlined in the course and institution policies

Discussion boards are academic spaces, not social media platforms. The expectation is that students communicate with the same level of professionalism and respect expected in a college classroom.

 

Course Forum Expectations

The course forum is an optional space for students to introduce themselves, ask questions, and discuss course concepts with peers, student coaches, and instructors. While participation is not required, it is available as a resource throughout the course.

The forum is intended for academic purposes only and should not be used as a social media platform. Students who participate are expected to keep posts course-related and to engage respectfully and professionally with all participants. Personal attacks, inappropriate language, promotional content, and off-topic posts are not permitted.

 

Grade Appeal Policy

Final course grades assigned by instructors are considered permanent. However, students may appeal a final grade under specific circumstances, as outlined below. This policy applies to final course grades only. Appeals related to individual assignments, participation grades, or other components of the course will not be considered.

 

Grounds for Appeal

A student may appeal a final grade only if one or more of the following conditions are met:

  • A clerical or calculation error resulted in an incorrect final grade.
  • The final grade was assigned in a manner inconsistent with the course syllabus or stated grading criteria.

 

Appeal Timeline

All grade appeals must be submitted within 10 business days after the last day of the course. Appeals submitted after this deadline will not be considered.

Appeal Process

  1. First Step – Instructor Communication
    The student must first contact the instructor in writing to discuss the grade concern and seek clarification or informal resolution.
  2. Formal Appeal – Written Submission
    If the issue remains unresolved, the student may submit a formal written appeal utilizing the Grade Appeal Form. This written appeal must:
    • Clearly state the grounds for appeal,
    • Include any relevant supporting documentation,
    • Be submitted within the 10-business-day deadline.
  3. Review and Decision
    The academic administrator or review committee will evaluate the appeal and may consult with the instructor. The decision of the administrator (or designated reviewer) is final and will be communicated in writing to the student.

 

Exams

In this course, students will complete a midterm and a final exam, both of which must be proctored. The exams in this course are proctored by Honorlock, which is a browser extension that monitors student performance and progress while taking an exam. Students will be required to bring a form of identification with them when starting the exam. While Honorlock will record the student’s computer webcam, speakers, and desktop, all security and privacy protocols/requirements will be followed.

Honorlock support is available 24/7/365. If you encounter any issues, you may contact them through live chat on the support page or within the exam itself. Some guides you should review are Honorlock MSRs, Honorlock FAQs for Test Takers, Honorlock Knowledge Base, and How to Use Honorlock.

 

Technical Requirements

This is a fully online course; therefore, it requires the following technologies: 

  • A desktop or portable computer, including Windows PC, Macintosh OS, or Chromebook (tablets, cell phones, and iPads are not supported);
  • Google Chrome Browser
  • A working built-in or external webcam, speakers, and microphone;
  • Internet speed must be at least 2 Mbps download and 2 Mbps upload. Hot spots are not recommended. Test Internet speed.
  • Headphones or speakers
  • Honorlock Google Chrome Extension
  • Ability to access the Google Work Suite (e.g., Google Slides, Google Docs)
  • Access to YouTube

To access detailed information about the minimum hardware requirements necessary to take full advantage of this course, visit the technical requirements page in your course.

 

Student Communication Policy

All students enrolled in this course, including those under the age of 18, are protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). This means that all course-related communication, grades, and academic progress will be discussed only with the student, not with parents, guardians, or other third parties, unless the student has provided written consent to the credit-granting institution. 

In the event a FERPA Release is on file with the institution, while this allows academic records to be released to the authorized individual, it does not allow the authorized individual to intercede on the behalf of the student, including emailing the instructor, attending office hours, and filing grade appeals.

Students are encouraged to take responsibility for their learning and to reach out directly to their instructor with any questions or concerns. For more information about the Student Communication Policy, refer to the document linked here.

 

Disability Services Statement

TEL is committed to providing equitable student access to course content and materials by providing reasonable accommodations for all persons with disabilities. TEL also complies with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Students who need special accommodations must make their requests by contacting the TEL Support Team. TEL’s Support Team will coordinate reasonable accommodations upon registration and before the course begins. Students over the age of 18 taking college-level courses require a 504 for special accommodations.

Any student seeking to request academic accommodations on the basis of a documented disability should contact the TEL Support Team at disabilityservices@tel-education.org to coordinate reasonable accommodations.

 

Additional Information

Please review the following documents before continuing on to the course material. 

 

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