GE-102 Natural Sciences Course: Physics, Chemistry & Biology Curriculum

GE-102: Natural Sciences

General Education Cluster • Credit Hours: 03 (2+1)

Course Overview

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the natural sciences, exploring the fundamental principles of physics, chemistry, and biology. Students will develop an understanding of scientific inquiry, the nature of scientific laws and theories, and the historical development of scientific thought across different cultures.

Course Code: GE-102

Course Title: Natural Sciences

Credit Hours: 03 (2+1)

Category: General Education

Course Content

Introduction to Science

Understanding of science - Science and scientific inquiry means, Nature of scientific laws and theories.

Historical Perspectives

• Inquiry about the natural world in Prehistory and Antiquity
• Science in the Medieval Era: China, South Asia, Mesoamerica, and Muslim Middle East
• Introduction to Modern Scientific Method

Physics

1. Measurement: Time, Length, Precision and Accuracy, Significant figures
2. Motion in One Dimension
3. Force and Newton's Laws
4. Energy, Work and Conservation Laws
5. Gravity and Gravitation
6. Wave Motion and Sound
7. Optics
8. Current and Resistance
9. Magnetic Fields
10. Introduction to Nanoscience

Chemistry

1. What is Chemistry? Branches and Properties
2. Applications of Chemistry
3. Atoms, Ions, Elements, Compounds & Mixtures
4. States of Matter
5. Acids, Bases & Salts
6. Climate Change
7. Infectious Diseases
8. Pollution and its Types

Biology

1. Cell Structure and Types
2. Cell Cycle and Division
3. Human Skeletal System
4. Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration
5. DNA, RNA and Recombinant DNA Technology
6. Pollution: Types, Consequences and Control

Laboratory Experiments

At least two experiments from the following lists will be performed based on available resources:

Physics Experiments

• Find the acceleration of a ball/sphere
• Demonstrate dispersion of light through prism
• Verify Ohm's law (using wire as conductor)
• Trace magnetic field using a bar magnet

Chemistry Experiments

• Measurement of liquid sample using glass apparatus
• Acid-base titration
• Identify sources of air pollution in your area

Biology Experiments

• Identify and draw labeled diagrams of human skeleton bones
• Observation and recording of breathing rate
• Grow and study bread mold
• Demonstration of Imbibition phenomenon

Recommended Resources

Introduction to Science

• Richard Feynman's Comments on Science (online resource)
• Hawking, S., Miodinow, L. (2008). A Briefer History of Time. Bantam Books. - Chapter 3: Nature of a Scientific Theory
• Chalmers, A. (2015). What Is This Thing Called Science? 4th ed. Indianapolis: Hackett Publishing Company, Inc., pp.24-47.

Historical Perspectives

• McClellan III, J.E. and Dorn, H. (2016). Science and Technology in World History: An Introduction. Second Edition. Johns Hopkins University Press
• Various online resources on ancient calendars and archaeological findings

Physics Resources

• Feynman, R., Leighton, R. and Sands, M. (2010). The Feynman Lectures On Physics. Basic Books.
• Hewitt, P.G. (2015). Conceptual Physics, 12th Edition. Pearson.
• Rovelli, C. (2015). Seven Brief Lessons On Physics. Allen Lane, Penguin Books Ltd.

Chemistry Resources

• Chang, R. (2008). General Chemistry: The Essential Concepts, 5th Edition. McGraw Hill.
• Brown, T.L., LeMay, H.E., Bursten, B.E. (2017). Chemistry: The Central Science, 14th Edition. Pearson.
• Tro, N. (2018). Chemistry in Focus, 7th Edition.

Biology Resources

• Campbell, N.A. (2002). Biology. 6th Ed. Benjamin/Cummings Publishing Company, Inc.
• Mayr, E. (1997). This is Biology: The Science of the Living World. Harvard University Press.
• Miller, S.A. and Harley, J.B. (2005). Zoology, 6th Ed. McGraw-Hill.

GE-102 Natural Sciences Course Outline

General Education Cluster • Last Updated: 2023