PSC Courses
PSC 101. Matter and Energy. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: F
2020-21 or later catalog: GE Area B1
2020-21 or later catalog: GE Area B3
2019-20 or earlier catalog: GE Area B3
2019-20 or earlier catalog: GE Area B4
Introduction to the basic principles of physical science, including observation, description, modeling, and the application of physical phenomena. Emphasis on interactions as described by energy, forces, and fields for mechanical, thermal, electric, and magnetic systems. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Fulfills GE Areas B1 and B3 (GE Areas B3 and B4 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs).
PSC 102. Atoms and Molecules. 4 units
Introduction to the basic principles of physical science (observation, description, modeling of physical phenomena) with an emphasis on interactions at the molecular level. Interactions and the behavior of gases, physical change, and chemical change (including chemical reactions, chemical bonding, and solutions). 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.
PSC 103. The Physical Environment: Earth. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: SP
Prerequisite: PSC 101 or PHYS 121 or PHYS 131 or PHYS 141. Recommended: PSC 102.
Introduction to the basic principles of the earth sciences, and applications of these principles in modern society. Structure and formation of the Earth, earthquakes, weather, and oceanography. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.
PSC 201. Physical Oceanography. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: F, W, SP
2020-21 or later catalog: GE Area B1
2019-20 or earlier catalog: GE Area B3
Sustainability Focused
Introduction to the motions of the ocean. Physical environment and sea floor features; seawater properties; atmosphere and ocean interactions; ocean currents and circulation; waves and tides; the El Nino cycle; coastal ocean processes; climate change and ocean stressors; ocean resources and marine life. 4 lectures. Fulfills GE Area B1 (GE Area B3 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs).
PSC 307. Nuclear Energy and Weapons in the Modern World. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: SP
2020-21 or later: Upper-Div GE Area B
2019-20 or earlier catalog: GE Area B5, B6, or B7
Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area A with grades of C- or better; and completion of GE Areas B1 through B4, with a grade of C- or better in one course in GE Area B4 (GE Area B1 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs).
Technology and basic science of fission/fusion weapons, uranium/plutonium, nuclear reactors, offensive/defensive missile systems, command/control, verification, weapon effects, nuclear testing. Historical context of Cold War and proliferation, recent events, global norms, arms control treaties. 3 lectures, 1 seminar. Fulfills GE Area Upper-Division B (GE Areas B5, B6, or B7 for students on the 2019-20 catalog).
PSC 320. Energy, Society and the Environment. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: W
2020-21 or later: Upper-Div GE Area B
2019-20 or earlier catalog: GE Area B5, B6, or B7
Sustainability Focused
Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area A with grades of C- or better; and completion of GE Areas B1 through B4, with a grade of C- or better in one course in GE Area B4 (GE Area B1 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs).
Science and technology of current and future energy sources along with associated environmental problems and societal response. Energy production, consumption, efficient usage, fossil fuels, nuclear, solar, other renewables. Risks, benefits, planning, economics. 3 lectures, 1 activity. Fulfills GE Area Upper-Division B (GE Areas B5, B6, or B7 for students on the 2019-20 catalog).
PSC 391. Appropriate Technology for the World's People: Development. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: F
2020-21 or later: Upper-Div GE Area D
2019-20 or earlier catalog: GE Area D5
Sustainability Focused
Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area A with grades of C- or better; one course in GE Area B4 with a grade of C- or better (GE Area B1 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs); and two lower-division courses in GE Area D.
A broad overview of international development and appropriate design for sustainability. Besides traditional classroom work, students work in teams to address problems with technical solutions. Collaboration with mentors from the university, private sector, and nonprofits serves to provide diverse background and project mentorship. 4 lectures. Crosslisted as HNRS/PSC/UNIV 391. Fulfills GE Upper-Division D (GE Area D5 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs).
PSC 392. Appropriate Technology for the World's People: Design. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: SP
2020-21 or later: Upper-Div GE Area B
2019-20 or earlier catalog: GE Area B5, B6, or B7
Sustainability Focused
Prerequisite: Junior standing; completion of GE Area A with grades of C- or better; and completion of GE Areas B1 through B4, with a grade of C- or better in one course in GE Area B4 (GE Area B1 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs). Recommended: UNIV 391 and completion of GE Area D2.
Addresses the needs of international impoverished communities with technological solutions, which are inexpensive, ecologically sustainable, and socially appropriate. Group study of target communities, and design and construction of an appropriate technology prototype. Not open to students with credit in PSC/UNIV/HNRS 492. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Crosslisted as HNRS/PSC/UNIV 392. Fulfills GE Area Upper-Division B (GE Areas B5, B6, or B7 for students on the 2019-20 catalog).
PSC 424. Organizing and Teaching Science. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: F
Prerequisite: Admission to the Single Subject Credential Program.
Techniques, aims and objectives in the teaching of physical and life sciences at the secondary level. Selection and organization of teaching material, including strategies for English language learners (ELL) and special needs students. Evaluation of results. 3 lectures, 1 activity. Crosslisted as BIO/PSC 424.
PSC 425. Clinical Experience in Teaching Science Seminar. 2 units
Term Typically Offered: W, SP
CR/NC
Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Single Subject Credential Program in Science. Concurrent: EDUC 469 or EDUC 479.
Principles and practices in effective teaching of science at the middle and high school level, learning theories, curriculum content and structure, classroom issues, and the teaching profession. Credit/No Credit grading only. Total credit limited to 4 units. 2 seminars. Crosslisted as BIO/PSC 425.
PSC 491. Appropriate Technology for the World's People: Development. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: F
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor, and senior or graduate standing. Corequisite: GE Area D5.
A broad overview of international development and appropriate design for sustainability. Besides traditional classroom work, students work in teams to address problems with technical solutions. Collaboration with mentors from the university, private sector, and nonprofits serves to provide diverse background and mentorship. Seminar paper required. Not open to students with credit in PSC/UNIV/HNRS 391. 4 lectures. Crosslisted as PSC/UNIV 491.
PSC 492. Appropriate Technology for the World's People: Design. 4 units
Term Typically Offered: SP
Prerequisite: Junior standing and completion of GE Areas B1 through B4, with a grade of C- or better in one course in GE Area B4 (GE Area B1 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs); or graduate standing. Recommended: UNIV 391 and two lower-division courses in GE Area D2 (or in GE Area D3 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs).
Addresses the needs of international impoverished communities with techno-logical solutions, which are inexpensive, ecologically sustainable, and socially appropriate. Group study of target communities, and design and construction of an appropriate technology prototype. Seminar paper required. Not open to students with credit in PSC/UNIV/HNRS 392. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Crosslisted as PSC/UNIV 492.
San Luis Obispo, California 93407