1. General Course Issues Integration of the sciences
Progression of the sciences
Physics/astronomy to geology/earth sciences to biology
Importance of the laboratory
Importance of the lectures
Importance of the text
Multiple opportunities in performance/grading
Tests, quizzes, labs and final examination

2. Synopsis
Principles of physics, astronomy, chemistry, geology, and biology
Dominant theories and laws that underlie how the natural world operates
Theories and laws are relevant in every day life
Underlying themes across all disciplines (e.g., emergent properties, models, scientific method)
Cardinal features of scientific investigations (e.g., scientific method, data visualization, models, data collection), through a combination of computer simulations and hands-on experiments in lab

3. General Course Issues Web site information (syllabus)
Accessibility of instructors
Instructor of record for problems
Role of laboratory instructors (Kristy Garnet, Sara Clark)
Mid-term grades f (examinations)
Problems, discussion and resolution
Grading

4. Lecture Rationale for lecture versus text Lecture notes on web site
Lateness to lectures
Questions in lecture
Traditional lectures plus discussion format
Quizzes/Exercises
Announced in advance…sometimes but not always
What is fair game?
Form of questions
Dropping one
Missing and make-up…not an option

5. Laboratories Integral part of course (not optional)
Nature of labs (e.g., computer, hands-on, modeling)
Multiple purposes and objectives (e.g., scientific method, data visualization)
Role of the lab instructors
Lateness to lab
Missing lab (excuse) and make-up
Weekly “reports” and grading
Working in teams plus working on your own
Behavior and decorum in lab
Lateness of lab report (2 pt/day)
Next two week’s lab (Monday’s group with S. Clark)
Lab material is fair game for tests

6. Examinations Form of the exams (N=4) Fair game: lecture, text, lab
Short answers (multiple choice, fill in the blank)
Short discussion (0.5 page)
Long discussion (1 page)
Fair game: lecture, text, lab
Final examination in December
Comprehensive
Same format as above
Study sessions before exams (if there is a demand)

7. Grading Activity Number Percentage In-Class Exams 4 40 Laboratory
Reports
~10 25
In-Class
Quiz/Exercise
7-8 10
Final Exam 1

8. Take Home Message Integration and progression of the sciences
Appreciation of how science is done
Appreciation of the principles of the sciences as being logical, rational, systematic and mathematically based
Dominant themes in physics, astronomy, geology, and biology
Science is NOT as complex and intractable as you think