Official Course Description: MCCCD Approval: 10/27/92
PHS120 19932-99999	LEC LAB	4 Credit(s) 0 Credit(s)	3 Period(s) 3 Period(s)
Introduction to Physical Science: Astronomy, Meteorology, Geology and Oceanography
Designed primarily for students with limited background in physical science and mathematics and for nonscience majors. Topics from astronomy, meteorology, geology and oceanography. A laboratory course designed to help the students learn the basic laws and facts of the physical sciences which provide the starting points for scientific thought and speculations. May not receive credit for both PHS120 and GLG106. Prerequisites: None.

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MCCCD Official Course Competencies:
PHS120   19932-99999	Introduction to Physical Science: Astronomy, Meteorology, Geology and Oceanography

1.	Identify the basic properties and types of minerals and rocks and describe their formation and occurence. (I)
2.	Describe the alteration of rock material by physical and chemical weathering processes. (II)
3.	Explain the dynamics of the hydrologic cycle. (III)
4.	Describe the characteristics of streams and ground water and the landforms they produce. (III)
5.	Describe characteristics of deserts. (IV)
6.	Identify the factors involved in the formation of arid climates. (IV)
7.	Describe earthquake waves and characteristics, and explain what these waves indicate about the internal structure of the Earth. (V)
8.	Describe the driving force behind plate tectonics and the resultant evolution of the Earth's crust. (VI)
9.	Classify volcano types as to the style of eruption and the distinguish between intrusive and extrusive igneous rock bodies. (VII)
10.	Describe the bias of the fossil record and the determination of the age of the Earth based on radiometric dating techniques. (IX)
11.	Interpret geologic structure and describe their history based on relative age dating techniques. (IX)
12.	Describe the structure of the Earth's atmosphere and distinguish between the methods of heat energy transfer. (XII)
13.	Describe the role of water in its various states to the production of weather phenomena. (XIII)
14.	Explain the dynamics of atmospheric pressure. (XIV)
15.	Describe the conditions necessary for the development of storms and the wave cyclone as a weather producer. (XV)
16.	Describe the motions of the Earth and celestial bodies as described by Kepler and Newton. (XX)
17.	Identify and characterize the parts of the electromagnetic spectrum and relate them to atomic theory. (XXI)
18.	Describe the physical characteristic of the Moon and the Sun and the planets. (XXII)
19.	Describe the structure of the Galaxy and explain the evolution of stars. (XXIII)
20.	Classify stars as to spectral type and describe these types as to the H R diagram. (XXIII)
21.	Explain the significance of coppler shifts. (XXIV)
22.	Describe the structure of the Universe and cosmological theories as to its origin and end. (XXIV)

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MCCCD Official Course Outline:
PHS120   19932-99999	Introduction to Physical Science: Astronomy, Meteorology, Geology and Oceanography

I. Minerals and Rocks A. Atomic structure B. Minerals C. Igneous rocks D. Sedimentary rocks E. Metamorphic rocks II. Weatheirng and Mass Wasting A. Mechanical weathering B. Chemical weathering C. Rates of weathering D. Mass wasting III. Running water and ground water A. Streamflow B. Changes downstream C. Baselevel D. Stream valleys E. Drainage patterns F. Cycles of landscape development G. The movement of groundwater H. Springs I. Wells J. Thermal features IV. Deserts A. Distribution and causes B. Geologic processes C. Desert landscapes D. Wind erosion and deposition V. Earthquakes and the Earth's Interior A. Earthquake waves B. Seismic instruments C. Location and intensity D. Destruction E. The Earth's interior and composition VI. Plate Tectonics A. The development of the idea B. A modern version C. Plate boundaries D. The evidence E. Pangaea VII. Igneous Activity A. The nature of volcanos B. Pyroclastics C. The types of volcanic cones and some famous eruptions D. Volcanos and climate E. Volcanos and plate tectonics VIII. Geologic Time and Earth History A. Historical notes B. Relative dating C. Correlation D. Fossils and the bias of the fossil record E. Radioactivity and dating rocks F. The geologic time scale G. Life of the past IX. The Atmosphere A. Weather and climate B. Composition of the atmosphere C. The ozone and CO2 problems D. Earth - Sun relations E. Radiation F. Mechanics of heat transfer G. Controls of temperature X. Moisture in the Atmosphere A. Change of state B. Humidity C. Condensation and clouds D. Air stability E. Precipitation XI. Pressure and Wind A. Pressure measurement B. The factors affecting wind C. Cyclones and anticyclones D. Global circulation patterns E. Local winds XII. Weather Patterns and Severe Storms A. Air masses B. Fronts C. The wave cyclone D. Thunderstorms E. Tornados F. Hurricanes XIII. The Earth's Place in the Universe A. The birth of modern astronomy B. Constollation and astrology C. Powers of ten - a perspective of the Universe XIV. The Moon, the Sun and astronomical tools A. The Moon B. The study of light and telescopes C. The Sun XV. The Solar System A. The origin of the solar system B. The Planets C. Space debris XVI. Beyond the Solar System A. Properties of stars B. Stellar distances C. Star classification D. Hertzsprung-Russel diagram E. Unusual stars F. Stellar evolution G. Star clusters H. Galaxies I. Cosmology

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