ASTR Solar System Astronomy Course Syllabus - Fall 2012

Transcription

1 ASTR Solar System Astronomy Course Syllabus - Fall 2012 Course description Outcomes Term Instructor information Class meetings Text Evaluation Grading Mid-term progress report Course schedule Course policies Important dates Individuals with disabilities who need to request accommodations should contact the Disability Services Coordinator, Student Center 255, , disabilityservices@mail.clayton.edu. Course Description: Number and Title: ASTR 1010 (CRN 88096) Solar System Astronomy Credit Hours: 3.0 semester credit hours (3-0-3) Catalog Description: Astronomy from early ideas of the cosmos to modern observational techniques. The solar system planets, satellites, and minor bodies. The origin and evolution of the solar system. Course Prerequisites and Co-requisites:

2 Content: Prerequisite: Exit Learning Support mathematics. This prerequisite can be met by successfully completing MATH 0099, by successfully completing any 1000-level mathematics course, or by math placement scores which support registration in any 1000-level mathematics course. Our place in the Universe The seasons and the Moon The science of astronomy Celestial coordinates and navigation Laws of motion, conservation laws, gravity Light and matter Telescopes The Solar System Formation of the Solar System Planetary geology Planetary atmospheres Jovian planet systems Asteroids, comets and dwarf planets Other planetary systems Computer Requirement: Each CSU student is required to have ready access throughout the semester to a notebook computer that meets faculty-approved hardware and software requirements for the student's academic program. Students will sign a statement attesting to such access. For further information on CSU's Official Notebook Computer Policy, please go to y. Software Requirement: To properly access the course content you will need to download the following free software: Adobe Reader (needed to access files in PDF format): Adobe Flash (needed to access video content): Computer Skill Prerequisites: Able to use the Windows TM operating system

3 Able to use Microsoft Word TM word processing Able to send and receive using Outlook TM or Outlook Express TM Able to attach and retrieve attached files via Able to use a Web browser In-class Use of Student Notebook Computers: This course will be taught in a hybrid format. One lesson per week will be held in a classroom, and one lesson will be held on-line. Student notebook computers will be used in the classroom in this course. Computers will be required to access course materials and to communicate with your instructor. GeorgiaVIEW (Online Classroom): On-line activity will take place in GeorgiaVIEW, the virtual classroom for the course, and MasteringAstronomy, the course textbook web site. You can gain access to GeorgiaVIEW, by signing on to the SWAN portal and selecting: GaVIEW on the top right side. If you experience any difficulties in GeorgiaVIEW, please or call The HUB at TheHub@mail.clayton.edu or (678) 466-HELP. You will need to provide the date and time of the problem, your GeorgiaVIEW username, the name of the course that you are attempting to access, and your instructor's name. You can gain access to MasteringAstronomy by following the instructions in this link. Major Student Activities: Assigned reading from text Assigned homework problems Taking notes during class Answering and asking questions during class Quizzes and examinations Demonstrations of physical principles Program Learning Outcomes:

4 General education outcomes: The following link provides the Clayton State University Core Curriculum outcomes (see Area D): Course Learning Outcomes: o o o Course Outcome 1: Be able to describe how the basic laws of physics apply to Solar System astronomy. Course Outcome 2: Be able to describe the theory of the formation of the Solar System. Course Outcome 3: Be able to compare and contrast Solar System objects. Term: Fall Semester 2012 Instructor Information: Instructor: Dr. John Campbell phone: (678) fax: (678) JohnCampbell@clayton.edu internet: Accessibility: Office: Please use the GeorgiaVIEW feature for all class related s. If you are unable to access GeorgiaVIEW, please use the above CSU address. All s will be responded to within one business day. Clayton Hall, Room T211A Office hours:

5 Tuesday, 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm at Peachtree City in Room 114 Thursday, on-line, 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm Other times by appointment Class Meetings: Classroom: Peachtree City, Room 120 Class times: In the classroom: 6:00 p.m. - 7:15 p.m., Tuesday On-line: You will participate asynchronously. You do not have to be on-line at the same time with your classmates. Your instructor will be available on-line from 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm to answer questions each Thursday. Your instructor will also respond to your questions and requests periodically throughout the week. Textbook Information: Text: Bennett, Donahue, Schneider, and Voit, the Cosmic Perspective, 6th edition, Pearson Addison-Wesley, You will also need two items that come bundled with the textbook: The access kit for the MasteringAstronomy Web site. The Voyager: StarGazer software. This textbook and the two items bundled with it will be used in the Note: If you purchased a used copy of the book, you can purchase access to the MasteringAstronomy Web site on line at

6 Note: The cost of a used textbook plus the cost of MasteringAstronomy may exceed the cost of a new textbook bundled with MasteringAstronomy. Text Coverage: Chapters 1-13 Evaluation: Examinations: 3-75 minute 100 points Reading quizzes: 14 quizzes in 10 points Homework: 14 homework sets in 25 points Discussions: 14 sets of discussion questions in 15 points Final examination** 200 TOTAL 1200 *Reading quizzes, homework sets, and discussion question sets covering fundamentals of study assignments will be administered in MasteringAstronomy. All will be announced in advance. You may use your textbook for reading quizzes, homework, and discussion question assignments. **The final examination will be comprehensive. Grading: A % B 80-89% C 70-79%

7 D 60-69% F below 60% Mid-term Progress Report: The mid-term grade in this course, which will be issued by tember 30, reflects approximately 30% of the entire course grade. Based on this grade, students may choose to withdraw from the course and receive a grade of "W." Students pursuing this option must fill out an official withdrawal form, available in the Office of the Registrar, by mid-term, which occurs on ober 5. Instructions for withdrawing are provided at this link. The last day to withdraw without academic accountability is Friday, ober 5, Course Schedule: The course schedule for ASTR 1010, Solar System Astronomy, is provided in the table below. Text chapter references are to Bennett, Donahue, Schneider, and Voit, The Cosmic Perspective, 6th edition, Pearson Addison-Wesley, Color code Lesson type Tuesday, in-class meeting Thursday, on-line work Examination Lesson Date Lesson Topic Text Chapter 1 2 Aug 14 Aug 16 Developing Perspectives 1 Developing Perspectives 1

8 Aug 21 Aug 23 Aug 28 Aug Discovering the Universe 2 Discovering the Universe 2 The Science of Astronomy 3 The Science of Astronomy 3 No class Faculty Development Day 7 06 Celestial Timekeeping and Navigation S Celestial Timekeeping and Navigation S Motion, Energy and Gravity 4 Motion, Energy and Gravity Examination I (on-line) 1-4, S Light and Matter 5 Light and Matter 5 Telescopes 6 The Solar System 7 Last day to withdraw

9 05 without academic accountability Formation of the Solar System Formation of the Solar System Planetary Geology: Earth and Other Terrestrial Worlds Planetary Geology: Earth and Other Terrestrial Worlds Planetary Geology: Earth and Other Terrestrial Worlds Examination II (on-line) Planetary Atmospheres: Earth and Other Terrestrial Worlds Planetary Atmospheres: Earth and Other Terrestrial Worlds Jovian Planet Systems 11 Jovian Planet Systems Asteroids, Comets and Dwarf Planets Asteroids, Comets and Dwarf Planets Examination III (on-line) 10-12

10 No class Thanksgiving Break Other Planetary Systems 13 Other Planetary Systems 13 Final Examination TBA 6:00-8:00 pm The Final Examination is comprehensive and will be conducted in Room 120 at the Peachtree City campus Site. 1-13, S1 Course Policies: General Policy Students must abide by policies in the Clayton State University Student Handbook, and the Basic Undergraduate Student Responsibilities. University Attendance Policy Students are expected to attend and participate in every class meeting. Instructors establish specific policies relating to absences in their courses and communicate these policies to the students through the course syllabi. Individual instructors, based upon the nature of the course, determine what effect excused and unexcused absences have in determining grades and upon students ability to remain enrolled in their courses. The university reserves the right to determine that excessive absences, whether justified or not, are sufficient cause for institutional withdrawals or failing grades. Course Attendance Policy

11 Attendance is expected for all class periods. Students are expected to complete all on-line assignments within the time allowed. Attendance is required for examination periods (online or in the classroom). Any absence form an in-class exam or failure to take an on-line exam in the time period allotted must be accompanied by a written excuse from a doctor or other competent authority. Missed Work Without a valid excuse, a grade of zero points will be assigned for any missed work. If a valid excuse is provided: Academic Dishonesty You will be allowed to take an on-line quiz or complete an on-line homework assignment. Your instructor will assign a new due date. Make-up examinations will be given only if they are taken before graded examinations are returned to students (next class period). In the event that a make-up examination cannot be taken before exams are returned to other students, the missed examination will not count in calculating the course grade. This means that other graded work will be responsible for a greater weight in determining the course final grade. The final examination must be taken. Students missing the final examination should contact their instructor concerning the applicability of an Incomplete grade. Any type of activity that is considered dishonest by reasonable standards may constitute academic misconduct. The most common forms of academic misconduct are cheating and plagiarism. All instances of academic dishonesty will result in a grade of zero for the work involved. All instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Office of Student Life/Judicial Affairs. Judicial procedures are described beginning on page 16 of the Student Handbook (Procedures for Adjudicating Alleged Academic Conduct Infractions). Disruption of the Learning Environment

12 Behavior which disrupts the teaching learning process during class activities will not be tolerated. While a variety of behaviors can be disruptive in a classroom setting, more serious examples include belligerent, abusive, profane, and/or threatening behavior. A student who fails to respond to reasonable faculty direction regarding classroom behavior and/or behavior while participating in classroom activities may be dismissed from class. A student who is dismissed is entitled to due process and will be afforded such rights as soon as possible following dismissal. If found in violation, a student may be administratively withdrawn and may receive a grade of WF. A more detailed description of examples of disruptive behavior and appeal procedures is provided at: Other Policies The use of simple calculators is allowed for all quizzes and examinations. On-line reading quizzes and homework sets are open book. All examinations are closed book. No student-produced "memory sheets" or note cards are allowed. Operation Study At Clayton State University, we expect and support high motivation and academic achievement. Look for Operation Study activities and programs this semester that are designed to enhance your academic success such as study sessions, study breaks, workshops, and opportunities to earn Study Bucks (for use in the University Bookstore) and other items. Important dates: Quizzes: Quizzes will be announced in advance in MasteringAstronomy and in GeorgiaView.

13 Tentative schedule for examinations: Examination Chapter coverage Date I (on-line) 1-4, S1 tember 20, 2012 II (on-line) 5-9 ober 25, 2012 III (on-line) ember 20, 2012 Final (classroom) 1-13, S1 TBD 6:00-8:00 pm Last day to withdraw without academic penalty: Friday, ober 5, Last update: July 31, 2012