Full course description
Course Description
Integrated Physics and Chemistry A is the first semester in a two-semester series that explores the structure and properties of matter and principles that govern the motion of objects in their everyday lives. Through investigation and critical thinking, students will examine force, motion, energy, and matter. In Integrated Physics and Chemistry A students use scientific reasoning and problem solving to investigate the nature of physical science, matter, the periodic table, chemical reactions, solutions, and nuclear chemistry.
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS)
UTHS courses are designed in alignment to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) which define the skills and content to be taught in each course and grade level in the state of Texas.
Course Topics
- Unit 1: The Nature of Physical Science
- Unit 2: Matter
- Unit 3: Periodic Table and Bonding
- Unit 4: Chemical Reactions
- Unit 5: Solutions
- Unit 6: Nuclear Chemistry
Course Objectives
Upon completing this course, you will be able to—
- Conduct safe and effective laboratory investigations using the scientific method, appropriate equipment, and communication devices;
- Use critical thinking, scientific reasoning, and problem solving to make informed decisions;
- Understand the relationship between the structure of matter and its properties;
- Evaluate how the changes in matter affect their everyday lives.
Required Course Materials
Please visit the Computer Requirements page to view minimum device, internet, and application requirements for all UT High School courses. Generally, a desktop or laptop device five (5) years or newer with access to an office suite, such as Microsoft Office or Google Workspace, will be adequate to participate in most UTHS courses.
Unless otherwise noted, students are responsible for purchasing or securing all the following course materials:
- Textbook: A textbook is not required for this course.
- Interactive Notebook: A paper or digital composition book is acceptable. For paper composition books, please also have the following items on hand:
- Pens or Pencils
- Tape or Glue
- Scientific or Graphing Calculator: A TI-84 is recommended for UTHS math and science courses. Please review the UTHS Graphing Calculator Policy before purchasing a device.
- Please read through course materials list to find a list of lab supplies required for this course.
Course Organization
Students must complete the course in sequence: You will not be able to access the next unit until all work in the preceding unit is completed. You may take your final exam only after completing all units and submitting all graded assignments.
- Units: Each unit includes multiple lessons and graded assignments as well as ungraded practice quizzes to help you check your understanding of the material.
- Summative Assessments: Each course includes two online, virtually proctored summative assessments testing your understanding of the material presented in the preceding 2-3 Units.
- Format: Online, Multiple-choice
- Time Allowed: 1 hr 30 min
- Final Exam: Each course includes an online, virtually proctored final exam testing your knowledge of all material presented in the course.
- Format: Online, Multiple-choice
- Time Allowed: 3 hrs 20 min
Course Grade Weighting
Your final course grade is calculated by weighting the three assignment groups displayed in the table below:
| Assignment Group | Total Assignments | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Graded Assignments | 12-18 | 50% |
| Summative Assessments | 2 | 25% |
| Final Exam | 1 | 25% |
Online Proctored Exams
All course exams, including both summative assessments and the final exam, must be completed online. Students must test online with Proctorio and are required to add the Proctorio extension to either their Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome browser—installation instructions are provided in the student's course. Proctorio uses a student's computer, web camera, and microphone to record video of both the student and their desktop during the exam. Then, UTHS instructors review the student's exam video data collected by Proctorio. Only authorized UTHS staff and instructors can view the exam recordings. Student data is not shared with any persons or organizations outside of UTHS and are deleted after one year. We encourage you to visit Proctorio's Data Security and Privacy site pages to learn more about how we protect student date.