Are you enrolled in the WGU Integrated Physical Sciences class and wondering how to pass the WGU C165 OA exam? If so, you are not alone. Many students find this course challenging and confusing, as it requires a lot of memorization, understanding, and application of various terms, concepts, and skills related to critical thinking, reasoning, and evidence. In this article, we will talk about the most effective ways in which you can be ready before you take the OA exam and the tricks and tips that will help you along the way.
In this blog post, I will share with you:
- A brief overview of the course and its objectives
- An overview of the Pre-A and OA
- A suggested study plan for completing the course
- A list of the most important topics and concepts that you need to know for the course
- Some external resources and tools that you can use to enhance your learning and prepare for the assessments
- Frequently Asked Questions about the Integrated Physical Sciences WGU C165
Ready to get started? Let’s dive in.
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What is Integrated Physical Sciences WGU C165 about 📖
This is Integrated Physical Sciences, a course that explores the core principle rules that shape the physical world that we live in. This course explores three main branches of science: physics, chemistry, and earth sciences..
Indeed, by the time you complete the module, you will have already learned how these sciences are often interrelated in the process of deciphering the secrets of nature. Whether it is understanding the motion of objects, the characteristics of substances, or the processes that have been shaping our planet, you will end up with a broad meaning of them and their interconnectedness. The Integrated Physical Sciences WGU C165 learning Approach is intended for students to know theories and connect them with real-life applications, allowing you to not only understand theory but use it practically as well in the real world. A unique blend of readings and activities will be made use of to immerse you in the subject matter in a creative and reflective manner.
Course Competencies:
- Physic
- Chemistry
- Earth Science
At the end of your studies, you’ll showcase your knowledge through an objective assessment. This assessment serves as a testament to your grasp of the course content and your ability to apply it effectively.
So, get ready to embark on an exciting journey through the wonders of Integrated Physical Sciences, where curiosity meets understanding and exploration leads to enlightenment.
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Overview of Pre-A and OA 👇🏻
The Pre-A and the OA of module C165 are known to be average in difficulty, and the Pre-A tends to be a bit easier than the OA.
Pre Assessment
- Number of questions : 70 MCQ questions
- Time limit : 120 minutes (2 Hours)
- Venue : Online
Objective Assessment
- Number of questions : 70 MCQ questions
- Time limit : 120 minutes (2 Hours)
- Venue : Online proctored
The questions will be directly constructed from the course content provided to you in the WGU study material for the module. According to former students of C165, both assessments are fairly similar in structure. The only major difference between them is that the Objective Assessment (OA) contains more scenario-based questions than the Pre-Assessment (Pre-A). Therefore, we recommend not just memorizing the course content as you go through our study guide, but also understanding each topic and concept clearly in order to answer these questions effectively. This method will not only enable you to cope with the assessment but also enable you to have a deeper understanding of the concepts so that you can confidently use your knowledge in different instances.
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Study Plan for Integrated Physical Sciences WGU C165 OA📝
Now, let’s delve into our comprehensive study guide, which we have prepared for you to ace this module with ease. We have constructed a study plan based on feedback from former WGU students to provide you with all the tips and tricks you need to gain knowledge of the module as efficiently as possible. We recommend following this guide step by step to achieve guaranteed results in your journey. If not, you will be able to take our advice from this guide and construct your own study guide at your convenience.
Step 1 – Go through the video section of the course material
As the first step in your studies on Integrated Physical Sciences C165, we recommend that you watch the video explanations for each chapter in your study materials provided by WGU. As these videos are only a brief overview of these chapters, they will help you to get an idea of the course content and what to look forward to when reading through the provided resources.
These videos are fairly short, they average about 6 minutes per video.
Section 1: 4 videos
Section 2: 12 videos
Section 3: 7 videos
Section 4: 14 videos
Step 2 – Read through the course material
Now that you have an understanding of the course content, it is time for you to go through the provided resources by WGU and read through each chapter in detail. You can find some important documents in your “course search” section of the module to help you with your studies. Go to the course search and download all the “note-taking guides” for each chapter. These documents clarify exactly what knowledge you should gain from each chapter. While you are reading through the content, do not forget to take your own short notes and create your own flashcards for revision before attempting the OA. Once you have read through a chapter, it is important to take the quizzes on what you have learned before starting the next. These quizzes can be found at the end of each chapter in your course content.
Step 3 – Memorize the terms and definitions and attend cohorts
The terms and definitions in C165 are very important to memorize. The assessments require you to remember these terms and explain their meaning to score points and achieve the passing score. To help you with this step, you can find two documents in the “course search” section of the module, named “C165 Integrated Physical Science Vocabulary List” and “C165 Tips and Tricks for Memorization”. We recommend going through this document and trying to memorize each term before sitting for your Pre-A.
Another important step is to join the live cohorts conducted by the course instructors for this module. These cohorts are crucial for you to understand the core concepts in the course material and clear any doubts you might have had during your self-studies. Make sure to sign up for these cohorts well before their deadline.
Step 4 – Verify your knowledge by doing quizzlets and going through short notes
Once you have gone through the above steps, you should have a clear understanding of the course content. To verify your knowledge, we recommend that you attempt the quizzes below before moving to the next step.
Quizzlet #1
Do not forget to revisit your short notes and flashcards that you have created in step 1 to revise your knowledge.
Step 5 – Attempt the Pre-A and go through the coaching guide
If you are confident in your knowledge, now it is time to sit for the Pre-A and test your knowledge on module C165. It is important to treat this assessment as the real assessment to get an accurate estimate of your knowledge. Once you are ready, go to the C165 module homepage and start the Pre-A. Do not go through the questions quickly, try to read each question with close attention before providing an answer. Once you have finished all of the questions, if there is time, review the questions again to make sure you have not made any mistakes.
After you have completed the Pre-A, you will be given an auto-generated coaching guide to analyze your knowledge in each competency. This report will help you understand your weak points and areas where you require more studying. Go through the coaching guide very carefully and revisit the chapters where you scored the lowest. (Check out our C165 Pre-A: Q&A article to assist you in this step).
If you have not passed the Pre-A in your first attempt, attempt it again after going through your weak points. Successfully passing the Pre-A is important to validate your knowledge before you step into the OA.
Step 6 – Sit for the OA
Congratulations on your journey so far. You have gone through the difficult part and gained the knowledge you require to attempt the OA. Now all that is left is for you to put your knowledge to the test. Do not lose confidence in yourself; if you passed the Pre-A, then the OA is just another similar hurdle for you to pass. As we mentioned earlier, the only difference between the two assessments is that the OA has a number of scenario-based questions rather than the Pre-A. So be ready to answer these questions and score the maximum amount of marks. Below, we mention a few more pieces of advice for you to remember on the OA.
- Make sure you have a stable internet connection, a webcam, and a microphone.
- Follow the proctoring instructions and rules carefully.
- Use the same strategies and skills that you used for the Pre-A
- Take your time answering the questions
- Read all the options before selecting an answer.
- Relax and be confident in your abilities.
We hope that you pass the OA with flying colors. Good luck!!
Key Topics and Concepts of Integrated Physical Sciences WGU C165 🔑
Here we will discuss some topics that hold key significance when it comes to the OA. It is recommended to delve deep into these topics, as we will only provide you with a brief overview of each concept. You can use your WGU-provided resources or the external material we have listed in this article to do so.
Difference between Law, Theory and Hypotheses
Theory
In Science, theory is a well-supported understanding of some aspect of the natural world which is based on accumulated evidence, reasoning and experimentation. Contrary to a hypothesis which is a single, checkable assertion, the theory is a complete and strong platform comprising a large set of related concepts. Theories are supported by multiple lines of evidence coming out from different areas of studies and they are also subjected to rigorous comparisons and testing. They can be useful for generating an overall sense about how and why particular processes take place and they can be employed to make predictions about the outcome of future observations or experiments.
Law
A scientific law describes a fundamental principle or relationship that has been observed to occur consistently under specific conditions. Unlike theories, which explain why phenomena occur, laws describe what happens under certain circumstances. Laws are typically expressed as mathematical equations or concise statements that summarize observed patterns or regularities in nature. They are based on empirical evidence gathered through repeated experiments and observations. Scientific laws are considered to be universally applicable and do not require explanation or interpretation beyond their empirical observations.
Hypothesis
The hypothesis is a proposed explanation of how a certain phenomenon occurred. It is a presumption based on general knowledge or appearance, more often than not, to confirm a prediction or a specific observation. The hypotheses are done based on the knowledge, observation and logical reasoning that exist. They are usually expressed as “if…then” statements and can be checked by a repeated experimentation or observation. The test hypothesis is the cornerstone of the systematical research, as it is the essence of the hypothesis. Due to the fact that it provides both direction and a specific question that should be answered.
In other words, hypothesis is the presumed explanation of a particular phenomenon, the theory is the well-substantiated explication of diverse phenomena, and the law is the concise form of describing natural patterns and relations.
Differences between cold front and warm front
| Cold Front | Warm Front | |
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Characteristics
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A cold front occurs when a cold air mass advances and replaces a warm air mass. As the cold air moves forward, it wedges underneath the warm air, lifting it upwards. |
A warm front occurs when a warm air mass advances and overtakes a retreating cold air mass. As the warm air advances, it rises gradually over the colder air ahead.
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Weather Conditions
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Cold fronts are often associated with rapid changes in weather conditions. Prior to the passage of a cold front, warm and humid conditions may prevail. As the front passes, there can be a sudden drop in temperature, gusty winds, and intense precipitation, including thunderstorms, heavy rain, or snow showers. |
Warm fronts are associated with more gradual changes in weather conditions compared to cold fronts. Prior to the arrival of a warm front, cloudy skies and light precipitation, such as drizzle or light rain, may occur. As the warm front passes, temperatures rise steadily, and skies may clear, leading to fair weather conditions. |
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Cloud Types
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Clouds associated with a cold front often include towering cumulonimbus clouds, which can produce thunderstorms and heavy precipitation. Following the passage of a cold front, skies typically clear as cooler and drier air moves in.
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Clouds associated with a warm front often include stratus clouds, which can produce steady, light precipitation over a wide area. Following the passage of a warm front, skies may become partly cloudy or clear as warmer and moister air moves in.
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Frontal Boundary
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On weather maps, a cold front is depicted as a blue line with triangular spikes pointing in the direction of movement.
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On weather maps, a warm front is depicted as a red line with half-circles pointing in the direction of movement.
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In summary, cold fronts are associated with rapid changes in weather, including intense precipitation and temperature drops, while warm fronts bring more gradual changes, with steady precipitation and rising temperatures. Understanding the characteristics and effects of these frontal boundaries is essential for weather forecasting and predicting atmospheric conditions.
Differences between low-pressure and high-pressure systems
| Low-Pressure System | High-Pressure System | |
|---|---|---|
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Characteristics
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A low-pressure system is characterized by relatively lower atmospheric pressure at its center compared to the surrounding areas. Air within a low-pressure system tends to rise, creating a region of ascending air currents. |
A high-pressure system is characterized by relatively higher atmospheric pressure at its center compared to the surrounding areas. Air within a high-pressure system tends to sink, creating a region of descending air currents. |
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Weather Conditions
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Low-pressure systems are often associated with unsettled weather conditions, including cloudy skies, precipitation (such as rain or snow), and potentially severe weather phenomena like thunderstorms or hurricanes. |
High-pressure systems are associated with stable and generally fair weather conditions, including clear skies, light winds, and minimal cloud cover. They often bring dry and sunny weather.
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Wind Patterns
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Winds in a low-pressure system circulate counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere. This is due to the Coriolis effect, which deflects moving air masses. |
Winds in a high-pressure system circulate clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and counterclockwise in the Southern Hemisphere. This circulation pattern is opposite to that of a low-pressure system due to the direction of the Coriolis effect. |
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Air Mass Movement
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Air tends to converge towards the center of a low-pressure system, where it rises, cools, and condenses to form clouds and precipitation.
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Air tends to diverge away from the center of a high-pressure system as it descends towards the surface. This sinking air suppresses cloud formation and precipitation, leading to dry conditions. |
In summary, low-pressure systems are associated with unsettled weather and rising air, while high-pressure systems are associated with stable weather and sinking air. Understanding the characteristics and behaviors of these systems is crucial for weather forecasting and understanding atmospheric dynamics.
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External Resources 📂
We have gathered some external resources to assist you in your journey towards success in Integrated Physical Sciences WGU C165. Here, you will find resources to enhance your knowledge of course content and assist you in revising each topic to validate your understanding. If you have sufficient time to go through these external resources, it will greatly help solidify your knowledge.
- Quizzlets – Quizzlet #3 , Quizzlet #4, Quizzlet #5 , Quizzlet #6
- Youtube videos – Youtube Playlist by Jacquie Lester , Youtube Playlist by Alexis Smith
- Extra Read on Topics – Atmosphere Layers , Volcanoes and Earthquakes , Types of Chemical Bonds , Properties of Waves
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FAQ❓
- Question : There is a lot of material to study in this course. Which section is tested more?
Response : Although some areas are represented more on the OA than others you need to be well versed in all of them to successfully pass the OA. - Question : What are some practices that other students have done to find success in this course?
Response : To be successful in the course one should engage with the material provided. Preparation by studying and practicing with the questions provided in various locations within the material will ensure a higher chance of success. - Question : How long does it take to finish this course?
Response : It is up to you how long it will take to complete this course. How busy is your personal life and/or work life? These are factors to consider. Typically, if you spend 20-30 minutes a day of dedicated study you could be finished within 2.5 to three weeks. - Question : Where can I download a copy of the Study Guide?
Response : There is no study guide for this course. WGU has Note Taking Guides for each section topic in the course These guides will help you take notes on key topics.
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Conclusion 📄
In conclusion, mastering Integrated Physical Sciences through WGU’s C165 module gives you a deep understanding of the world’s basic principles. With a comprehensive study guide and tips from former students, navigating the course is easier. By studying the material and sharpening your thinking skills, passing the objective assessment becomes doable. Succeeding here isn’t just about passing a test; it’s about appreciating the science that shapes our world. So, approach the journey with care and curiosity, knowing that each step brings you closer to understanding our physical world better.
