1. Seminar on the New UM General Education Programmes/Courses
Team 6: Physical Science and Society
Dr. Chan Iat Neng, FST
Dr. Choi Wai Wa, FST
Dr. Ho Sut Kam, FST
Dr. Ip Weng Fai, FST
Mr. Wan Iat Meng, FST
Dr. Wei Bing, FED
January 2010 GE

2. INTRODUCTION
Physical Science
It is a branch of natural science and it can explain or model a particular aspect of the behavior of nature. The contents contain Physics, Chemistry, Earth science and Astronomy and so forth. They analyze the nature and properties for nonliving system.

3. OBJECTIVES
Basic scientific fact exploration that helps students understand and interpret natural phenomena
The technique of critical thinking skills is studied by providing experiences in assessing information and assessment to solve problems
The study of recognition of social consequences of technology is covered so that students will examine the usefulness and limitations of technology
The understanding of the role of science in everyday life helps students to gain appreciation of science.

4. PEDAGOGICAL ARRANGEMENT
Overview of Physical Science
Lecture
Guest Speaking
Company Visit
Field Study
Demostration

5. NEW COURSES Physical Science 1/4 Learning Outcomes
The scope of content covers the point of views and principles in the natural world and in the daily subjects related to sciences. The development and the applications in physical sciences are also introduced.
1/4
Learning Outcomes
To know the natural principles of our world
To have the basic concepts on the main subjects in physical sciences
To develop the view from the atom range, the living planet and to the universe
To broaden the objective thinking for learning sciences
To increase the problem solving capability

6. NEW COURSES Chemistry and Modern Society 2/4 Learning Outcomes
This course is designed for students that are non-chemistry majors and will be taught with a physical science basis. Firstly, overview of physical science will be introduced. Then, this course will emphasize the related application of chemistry that can benefit modern society. It provides an introduction to the study of the properties and changes in matter. Course emphasizes topics such as: classification of matter, chemical nomenclature, structure of atoms and compounds, the mole, chemical reactions, solids, liquid and gases.
2/4
Learning Outcomes
Have some understanding of the ways in which they can gain and apply knowledge of the natural world, of society, and of themselves
To better define and comprehend students own experiences in the modern world
To think critically about application of scientific knowledge in society
Analytical skills developed by solving problems

7. NEW COURSES Exploring the Earth 3/4 Learning Outcomes
An introduction to the major principles of physical geology covering the structure of the Earth, plate tectonics, volcanism and other mountain building processes, the surface erosion process, and the formation and properties of minerals and rocks.
3/4
Learning Outcomes
Use written and oral communication skills effectively, employing methods appropriate to message and context
Think clearly and critically, combining experience, knowledge and reasoning into considered judgment
Identify, interpret, and solve problems, effectively implementing and evaluating proposed strategies
Read and understand maps, graphs, tables and diagrams
Critically examine statement and information

8. NEW COURSES Electricity and Life 4/4 Learning Outcomes
This course is about the study of physical science for non-engineering students with emphasis on basic electricity related topics. The focus of the course is not only the elementary physics of electricity; but also enlightening applications in Energy, Telecommunication and Health of electricity for the human life. Some site visits and experimental demonstrations are also arranged to provide hand-one experiences and insights for the students on the relative topics.
4/4
Learning Outcomes
Identify the physical properties and summarize the phenomenon of the electricity
Give examples to the applications of the electricity in Energy, Telecommunication and Health
Illustrate the linkage between applications of electricity and society
Read the popular scientific materials about the topics of electricity
Estimate the principle of applications based on the basic properties of electricity
Comprehend the scientific principle of various applications in modern society based on the basic properties of electricity
Handle and well organize the collecting information