Syllabus: AST101, Survey of Astronomy

Syllabus: AST101, Survey of Astronomy an Internet-Enhanced Class Fall 2011 08/25/11 12/13/11 George Muncaster Tuesdays/Thursdays 5:45 7:05 PM Office: SCC NS107 Class Meets: SCC SL110 Section 37702 480-423-6111 E-mail: g.muncaster@sccmail.maricopa.edu Course Description: AST 101 provides a survey of the science of astronomy for the nonscience major. AST101 & AST102 together satisfy the MCCCD General Science (SG) requirement and may satisfy the AZ public university science requirement as well. Topics covered include: Practical Astronomy, History of Astronomy, properties of light, astronomical instruments, the solar system, stars, galaxies, the size and organization of the universe, and possibilities of life on other worlds. Prerequisites: None Instructor Office Hours: T/Th: 4:30-5:00 (NS107), MW: 6:30 7:00 p.m. (except Holidays). Note: I am often in earlier on M-Th afternoons before 5p.m., so you can ask the Math/Science Division office to find me around the NS building (probably NS400 or lab support room NS515). Syllabus Policy: The Syllabus is a guideline for the organization of the course. To succeed in this class, students must understand all Syllabus material & complete all course requirements. If you need help, ASK! That said, Syllabus information is subject to change: The most current Syllabus version is posted on the Bb course site. Topics/schedules may change at any time. Other changes will be announced in class & on Bb at least one week in advance of taking effect. You are responsible for any announced syllabus changes whether you attend class on that date or not. Course Materials Required: Textbook: We will use Discovering the Essential Universe, 4 th ed., by Comins, Freeman Press (ISBN-13: 9781429217972). You can also use Discovering the Universe, 8th, 7 th or 6 th ed., by Comins/Kaufmann, Freeman Press (less expensive & almost the same information! Scientific Calculator (a graphing calculator is OK, but could prove less useful) USB Flash Drive (for team activities and storage of online course materials) Internet and email access Course Materials Optional, but strongly recommended: Personal copy of planetarium simulation software (e.g., Starry Night, or an equivalent). (Most textbooks are bundled with such software [ Starry Night should be included with Kaufmann s text, and is available separately from several sources]. Several different freeware/shareware programs are also available on the Internet.) Astronomy Outline Chart (for sale in College Bookstores) Course Goals: A) Learn and apply in practice the methods of science in problem solving and independent thinking; B) Learn & master astronomy course material by multiple methods, including collaborative learning, group work, self-study and other approaches; C) Participate in all class, team and out-of-class activities. D) Improve ourselves to become better students and people. AST 101 Syllabus, Fall 2011 Version 1 (08/2011) 1

Course Competencies (see http://www.maricopa.edu/curriculum/a-c/956ast101.html Apply the scientific method and other critical thinking models to astronomical phenomena for hypotheses development, experimental design, data acquisition and data analysis. Outline the history of astronomical thought. Describe the electromagnetic spectrum in terms of energy, wavelength & frequency. Describe instruments used to detect radiation from the electromagnetic spectrum. Compare the physical properties of the Earth with its Moon. Summarize the components of the solar system. Compare and contrast the properties of the planets. Describe the minor components of the solar system. Describe the Sun s properties. Compare solar system dimensions with distances between stars. Explain the significance of the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram. Describe binary star systems and star clusters. List the possible steps in the formation of stars. Describe the birth, life, and death of stars. Describe the composition of the interstellar medium and its effects on radiation. Describe the contents and structure of the Milky Way Galaxy. Explain the significance of Hubble's Law. Describe possible models which account for active galaxies. Describe current cosmological models and their implications on the past and the future. Explain the probability of extraterrestrial intelligence and the possibility of extraterrestrial communication. Along the Way, you will: Demonstrate the ability to follow directions in completing assignments. Properly & safely use relevant equipment and complete out-of-class projects. Work effectively both individually and in collaborative groups. Organize and analyze information and concepts both qualitatively and quantitatively. Organize, prepare & write meaningful reports and present results in writing and orally. Attendance: Only enrolled students may attend this course! Attendance is crucial to your success, so you are expected to attend each class meeting. Missing class in a course which meets once-per-week impacts not only the student but the teams! Absences are excused only for College-approved activities. If a student is absent more than twice, the Instructor may immediately withdraw the student without additional notification. NOTE: Once withdrawn, a student will NOT be readmitted!! Cell Phones and Pagers: Use of a cell phone is not allowed inside the classroom PERIOD. The audio alert of cell phones, PDAs, etc. must be turned off in the classroom. Withdrawal Policy: SCC establishes a FIRM last day to self-withdraw, and a separate FIRM last day for Instructor-approved withdrawal from the course. Please do NOT withdraw yourself without first seeking advice from me or from Counseling Services. More positive options are often available to you! Recording: Students may audio (but not video) record class sessions for personal use only. AST 101 Syllabus, Fall 2011 Version 1 (08/2011) 2

E-Mail & Internet Access: Each student must be able to individually: A) Access course-related materials on the Blackboard website and Internet and B) Correspond with the Instructor and other students via email. Classroom Discipline: All students are expected to understand & comply with all current published policies, rules & regulations in the current college Catalog, Class Schedule, and Student Handbook. Disciplinary actions may be imposed for misconduct and violations of law and/or college rules & policies, including plagiarism, profanity, or disruptive conduct. Safe and Positive Learning Environment: I endorse SCC s policy that the classroom is a safe learning environment for every individual. Therefore, Each student will be treated with respect. Each student will show respect to the instructor and every other student. Disagreement does not constitute disrespect: We all have different personal values, preferences, educational backgrounds, and experiences. Responsibly sharing different points of view benefits everyone, especially in a science course. However, each student must respect the rights and needs of fellow classmates, especially during discussions and in the planning and completion of the team-based exercises which are essential to this course. To establish a positive learning environment for this class: As your Instructor, I will be professional, courteous, respectful, and empathetic to students by: Beginning and ending class on time, Being prepared for each class session, Clarifying assignments and informing students of any adjustments to the class schedule, Being available for individual consultation, and Providing academic feedback and scoring your assignments in a timely manner, As a Student, you are expected to be reflective, courteous, respectful, and empathetic to your classmates, Instructor, and other College staff assisting you in your learning, and to: Attend class & show up on time Be prepared for class meetings Participate in all course activities Keep up with assignments Follow instructions & complete assignments Turn in assignments by the due dates Put forth your best effort Rigorously practice Academic Integrity Communication: Communication is essential to your success in this class! Course communications occur in classes, email & Blackboard. If a significant issue or concern arises, please see me before it becomes a problem! Other resources/options may well be available to assist you, e.g., regarding: o Tutoring in math or writing skills o Coursework Assistance o Absences o Decision to withdraw from the course o Student support o Grading questions Student Support: Free confidential assistance & workshops are available at Counseling Services (SC108, by Advisement). Workshops include: Study skills, note-taking, time management, test-taking strategies, math/science/test anxiety); goal setting; success strategies; and career exploration. AST 101 Syllabus, Fall 2011 Version 1 (08/2011) 3

Academic Accommodations: The Maricopa Community Colleges will not discriminate on the basis of disability in the application, admission, participation, access or treatment of persons in any instructional program or activity. Students who believe they may need special accommodations in this course should contact Disability Resources & Services (SC144; 480-423-6517). GRADING: Each student receives an individual Letter Grade in this course, as determined by total score points earned on: Pretests, Exams, Individual & Team Assignments, and a Field Trip Report. Activity # Point Value % Value Total Possible Points Quizzes 15 10 points 15% 150 points In-Class Exams 2of3 200 points 40% 400 points In-Class Presentations 2 @ 30 points 8% 60 points Field Trip Report 1 @ 100 points 10% 100 points Video Assignments 4 @ 30 points 12% 120 points Final Exam 1 @ 200 points 20% 200 points (Incentive Credit [possibly] TBD TBA TBA TBA ) Total: 1,030 points Approximate guidelines for letter grades are: A: 900+ points B: 800-899 points C: 700-799 points D: 600-699 points F: <600 points The grading scale will not be raised, but it could possibly be lowered slightly. Quizzes: Plan to have a BRIEF weekly Quiz (paper or Bb online) to assess your out-of-class reading & preparation. If you read the assigned Textbook pages before each class meeting you should be well prepared to discuss the topics in class, ask questions & take the Quiz. (Note: District guideline is 2+ hours of homework per credit hour per week.) Exams: Three (3) In-Class Exams and a Final Exam are each valued at 200 points. The lowest In- Class exam score is dropped). In-Class exams cover material since the prior exam. The Final Exam is comprehensive/cumulative. All Exams are Closed-Book, Closed Notes tests and require a scientific calculator. One (four) Help Sheet(s) are permitted at the In-Class (Final) Exams. Note: NO makeup Exams! An exam MAY be taken early at the Instructor s discretion. Presentations: Short, TEAM PowerPoint presentations summarize research on important topics. Field Trip: Each student is individually expected to complete a visit to an approved, astronomicallyrelevant facility &write an informative Field Trip Report. Additional details are provided online. Plan for 6-12 out-of-class hours preparing, attending & documenting the Field Trip. Value: 100 points. Video Assignments: Each student will individually view several videos which illustrate and elaborate upon important course topics. Students download, print out & then complete a Key Questions form while viewing each video: Value: 120 points. Extra Credit: There is NO Extra Credit in this Class. However, there MAY be opportunity(ies) for ALL students to earn to earn Incentive Credit by accomplishing instructor-specified efforts, for example, attending a specified lecture at ASU or another Community College AST 101 Syllabus, Fall 2011 Version 1 (08/2011) 4

AST101 Course Schedule: (NOTE: Plan that these topics will be covered NOT LATER than the dates noted.) Week Topics to be Covered Text Other : + Proverb Formula(s) Homework Notes 1 Syllabus, Schedule, Pretests FTF (8/23) Fundamental Quantities of Science N/A Learning Scientific Notation Skills; Chapter 1 Nature & Structure of Science: Ch. 2.1 Fundamental - What is Science? Quantities of - How does it behave? Scientific Method! Science; - Occam s Razor (KISS) Ch. 1 Metric System; LIT Circumference - The Observational Paradigm Velocity (LIT & ACBD) ACBD 2 (8/30) 3 (9/06) 4 (9/13) 5 (9/20) Orienting Ourselves in Our Universe - What s IN the Sky (Night & Day) - How does the Sky Behave? - How do we observe it? Coordinate Systems! Orienting Ourselves (concluded) - What causes Moon Phases & Eclipses History of Astronomy 1: Ancient & Early Greek Astronomy Ch. 1 History of Astronomy 2 (Copernicus, Tycho,Galileo & Kepler) Ch. 2 Exam #1 Review. Exam #1 Astrophysics: Galileo & Newton: Laws of Motion & Gravity Real # Line; Celestial Coordinates Ecliptic Coordinates Ch. 1 Team Summaries! Ch. 2 TMTOW- TSAC AQA YCHIBW DIBPOV LNSU Angles & Circles Angles = Time Kepler s Laws Newton s Laws LUG NMK3L Team Assignment#1 Study for Exam 1 ESTD TCAT Video Assignment 1 6 (9/27) 7 (10/4) 8 (10/11) Astrophysics: Galileo & Newton: Laws of Motion & Gravity Waves; Light; the Electromagnetic Spectrum Spectra Ch 3 8-4;8-5 Ch. 2 Team Assignment#2 Ch. 3 Ch 3-1 3-4 Temperature Atoms YNGSFN NJABBIC Electromagnetic Radiation Study for Exam 2 Radiation Laws Study for Exam 2 AST 101 Schedule, Fall 2010 Version 2 (10/2010) 5

Week Topics to be Covered Text Other Proverb Formula(s) Homework Notes 9 TANAATS Optics Formulas Video (10/18) Assignment 2 10 (10/25) 11 (11/01) 12 (11/08) 13 (11/16) 14 (11/22) 15 (11/29) 16 (12/06) 17 (12/13) Telescopes Introduction to the Solar System Theories of Solar System Formation Exam 2 review. Exam #2 Solar System (concluded) Introduction to Stars & their Life Cycles Our Star, the Sun Exterior & Interior Ch. 3 Ch. 4-6! Ch. 4-6 Ch. 9 Ch. 7 Ch 3-5--3-17 Coffee Movie Ch. 6-8 Age-Dating: Toolbox 4-2 When will the Sun Burnout? Estimating Star Luminosity & Lifetime Field Trip Report Due The H-R Diagram: Classifying Stars Distance Scales: Parallax & Star Clusters Ch. 11 Study for Exam #3 Life Cycles of Low Mass Stars: White Ch. 9 EPTAS Team Dwarfs Assignment #3 Life Cycles of High Mass Stars: Ch. 10 Supernovas, Neutron Stars & Black Holes Study for Exam Exam #3 #3 Introduction to Galaxies & their Life Cycles Ch. 11 The Distance Scale 3: Variable Stars The Milky Way: Our Galaxy & its Neighbors The Local Group of Galaxies EPTAS Clusters of Galaxies Ch. 11 The Distance Scale 4: Supernovas & Other Ch. 11 Team Clever Tricks Assignment #4 Evidence for Galactic Lifecycles & Evolution Active Galactic Nuclei & SMBH Ch. 11 Study for Dark Matter, Dark Energy & Cosmology Ch.12 Final Exam 12/13: Wrap Up. Brief Review.! AWTEW FINAL EXAM Notes: Field Trip: Destination must be approved AND the Report must fully satisfy all separately-provided requirements Additional material is covered in lecture, posted on Bb, and assigned although it may not be found in the textbook.! Exam Reviews are no longer than one-half hour. In-Class Exams are 75 minutes long. Final Exam is 2 hours long & taken on the SCC-assigned date. AST 101 Schedule, Fall 2010 Version 2 (10/2010) 6