MCC PHS 142 Astronomy Syllabus

IOWA VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT
MARSHALLTOWN COMMUNITY COLLEGE (MCC) PRINCIPLES OF ASTRONOMY
COURSE SYLLABUS
http://edu-observatory.org/mcc/syllabus
Spring 2008
RM 516 COURSE NUMBER: PHS 142 M01 COURSE TITLE: Principles of Astronomy COURSE MEETING, DATES & TIMES: Monday Evenings 6-9 PM DEPARTMENT: Math & Science Division SEMESTER CREDIT HOURS: 3 REQUIRED MATERIALS Textbook: Astronomy: Journey To The Cosmic Frontier, 5th ed by John D. Fix ISBN: 978-0-07-305002-7 Planisphere: Planisphere 42° North ISBN 1-55297-853-2 Internet Resources (and interactive syllabus): http://edu-observatory.org/eo/mcc.html http://edu-observatory.org/mcc INSTRUCTOR: Sam Wormley HOME PHONE: 515 296-2627 E-MAIL: swormley1@mchsi.com BUILDING/OFFICE: Room 516 DATE SYLLABUS WAS COMPLETED: Jan 14, 2008 DATE SYLLABUS LAST REVIEWED: Jan 14, 2008 COURSE DESCRIPTION & OBJECTIVES: John D. Fix, author of your textbook, writes in the preface of an earlier edition of your textbook: "The book provides a complete description of current astronomical knowledge, neither at an extremely technical level nor at a level that fails to communicate the quantitative nature of physical science". Understanding the world about us is a life-long pursuit. Learning is one of the most precious things that happens to you in life. In this class, not only are you introduced to a complete description of current astronomical knowledge, but you also learn how to be a better lifelong learner. Emphasis is on principles of how the things work in the universe as opposed to memorizing a bunch of facts or numbers that you could easily look up. Principles of physics here on the Earth are the same as "out there" at planets, stars and galaxies! When you look out on a clear dark night, away from city lights, you are looking out into the Universe. This course will help you to make connections between what you see and some basic physical principles which govern the world and the Universe that you are a part of. The hydrogen atoms in your body (after all you are more than 90% water) are 13.7 billion years old! Every atom of hydrogen was created by the Big Bang. None since. Carbon, the basis of organic life, the iron in your blood, iodine and heavier elements necessary for life, were forged in the fiery cores of stars and supernovae explosions eons ago and then swept up from interstellar space 4.66 billion years ago when the solar system formed. This course will help you connect with the Universe, of which you are, in deed, an integral part! The textbook is your primary source of information. There will be much supplementary material (stories, films, dialogue) presented and occasional observing outside on the MCC campus. The most valuable aspect of the contact time in the classroom is dialoguing with your instructor--gaining answers and insight to your questions. Your active participation in the learning process is essential. It is you who do the learning. The instructor merely assists you. PREREQUISITES: High School Algebra CO-REQUISITE: None QUALITY STANDARD: This course is taught to a standard meeting and exceeding that required to transfer credit to the Regents Universities of Iowa and other colleges and universities. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS AND ASSIGNMENT MATRIX:

Date	Class Participation	Homework Assignment Due	Take Home Exams
	1/3 of grade	1/3 of grade	1/3 of grade
1-14	Required
1-28	Required	Required (Ch. 1-3)
2-04	Required	Required (Ch. 4-5)
2-11	Required	Required (Ch. 6-7)
2-18	Required	Required (Ch. 8-9)	Handout Midterm
2-25	Required	Required (Ch. 10-11)	\|
3-02	Required	Required (Ch. 12-13)	Midterm Exam Due
3-10	Required	Required (Ch. 14-15)
3-24	Required	Required (Ch. 16-17)
3-31	Required	Required (Ch. 18-19)
4-07	Required	Required (Ch. 20-21)
4-14	Required	Required (Ch. 22-23)	Handout Final
4-21	Required	Required (Ch. 24-25)	\|
4-28	Required	Required (Ch. 26-27)	\|
5-05	Required	Outstading Homework Due	Final Exam Due

ATTENDANCE POLICY: Although the college does not require you to attend every class in order to pass your classes, you are accountable for your performance of all the tasks necessary to fulfill the objectives of the course. A part of that performance may occur in the classroom. Therefore your attendance in class is necessary in order to meet the performance standards of the course. The college calendar notes all the period in which the college will meet, including holidays and breaks. College classes will follow the college calendar at all times, unless subsequently modified. To be successful in this course, it is highly recommended that you spend 2 hours outside of class studying for each hour of in-class work. BAD WEATHER: The administration strives to make weather-related decisions regarding delays or closings by 6:00 am for day classes and by 3:30 pm for night classes. You're best bet is to check KCCI (Channel 8) via the television or their website, as this is the first station contacted. (Website at: www.theiowachannel.com). We also contact radio stations, 99.5 FM and 1190 AM so tune into one of them if you're in your car. Also, you may call the college at 641 752-7106, where there should be a message shortly after the decision is made. No matter what, your safety comes first, so make a responsible decision and contact your instructor if you decide to not attend school. COURSE CONTENT ADVISEMENT: This course addresses topics that may be sensitive, offensive, and/or controversial. If you are uncomfortable with any topic or the manner in which it is presented, please discuss your concerns with the instructor or the Chief Academic Officer. Carl Sagan said, "The notion that science and spirituality are somehow mutually exclusive does a profound disservice to both". GRADING AND EVALUATION: Attendance and homework are essential to mastery of the course material. Grades will be determined as follows: Class Participation* 1/3 Quizzes & Weekly Homework Assignments** 1/3 Midterm Exam** 1/9 Final Exam** 2/9 *Make the commitment to be in class and positively participate every night for the full three hours. Behavior that does not contribute positively to the class will result in a lower grade. **There is little excuse for turning homework in late. You have a whole week between classes to read the chapters and do the homework. Homework one week late - half credit. Two or more weeks late - no credit. Don't expect credit for missed exams. GRADING SCALE: Grades (past grades on

the right) are supposed to reflect each individual's mastery of course content. The guideline is something like: A = .900 - .999 B = .800 - .899 C = .700 - .799 D = .600 - .699 F = below .600 METHOD OF INSTRUCTION: Your instructor's primary goal is to assist you in learning astronomy. You must take the responsibility to attend class, read the textbook, do the homework and take the exams. Your instructor is there to help you with the learning--Answering questions, clarifying concepts, presenting lecture materials, readings, homework and guiding observations. EVALUATION/CLASS POLICIES: Academic Integrity: The very nature of higher education requires that students adhere to accepted standard of academic integrity. The Code of Academic Conduct for Iowa Valley Community College District is found in the Student Handbook. Violations include cheating, plagiarism, and fabrication, abuse of academic materials, complicity in academic dishonesty, falsification of records and official documents. Consequences: Consequences can include a reduction in course grade, failure to pass the course, and dismissal from the college. DISABILITIES STATEMENT: Iowa Valley Community College District (IVCCD) understands its responsibility under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to make reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Please contact Dr. Laura Browne, Associate Dean -- Learning Services (641 752-7106, ext 237 or Laura.Browne@iavalley.edu) if you have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits learning and a record of such impairment or being regarded as having such impairment. Success Center (rooms 410 and 412) is designed to provide additional support for students who need help reaching their academic goals. The Success Center provides peer tutoring at no cost to the student, and non-transferable, institutional credit courses in reading, math, vocabulary, and spelling improvement. In addition, computers, math and writing assistance are available. The Success Center is open from 8 AM to 4 PM daily. DROP/ADD POLICY: If the change (adding or dropping a class, changing from credit to audit or audit to credit) is made within the first week following the beginning of a semester, there is no charge for making the change. Changes made after the second week of the semester or the first week of the summer session will be listed on the student's transcript with the grade "W" (withdrew). A charge will be assessed for the registration change(s) after five days of classes during regular semester. Charges for withdrawal during summer, special sessions, or condensed sessions will be charged accordingly. Once registered, failure to attend a class on or before the day when official student count is taken may cancel registration in that class. Failure to "change registration" officially in the Registrar's Office will result in a grade of "F" recorded on the student's transcript for that class or classes. Information on refunds of tuition after dropping classes and the actual refund schedule can be found under "Tuition Refund Policy" in this catalog. COURSE WITHDRAWAL POLICY: Students may withdraw without academic penalty from courses in which they are enrolled by submitting a course withdrawal form to the Student Services Office by the requisite date with written approval from the instructor, counselor, or administrator. A $5 service fee is assessed for course withdrawals. Withdrawal during fall or spring semesters must occur by the 12th Friday for full-term courses or the 6th Friday for split terms. Interim or summer session withdrawals will be similarly apportioned. A student who stops going to class without officially withdrawing will earn an "F." COURSE ASSIGNMENTS: We will cover 2-3 chapters of the textbook per week. Class contact time will include asking and answering questions concerning the textbook material, presenting supplementary material, and occasional observing outside on the MCC campus. You must take the responsibility to attend every class, read the textbook, do the homework, take the exams and ask questions. Your instructor is here to help you with the learning--Answering questions, clarifying concepts, presenting lecture materials, readings, homework and guiding observations. Homework assignments (handed out during each class) are due at the beginning of the class date for which they are assigned. Allow enough time (roughly two hours outside of class for every hour in class) to read the textbook chapters and do homework. At the end of each chapter are typically found: Chapter Summary Key Terms Conceptual Questions Problems Figure-Based Questions Planetarium Activity For More Information (Further Readings) Suggestion: Read the chapter Summary at the end of each chapter first, then read each chapter completely. It is essential that you read each chapter assigned as you will be tested over this material. Take notes about anything you don't understand and ask questions in class. Going over the Conceptual Questions at the end of each chapter is excellent preparation and lets you know if you are understanding the material. Write down and ask questions!