Course Syllabus
Astronomy 110G Section M70
INTRODUCTION TO ASTRONOMY
Spring 2017 Syllabus (PDF format)
| Professor: |
|
| office location | NMSU Main Campus, Astronomy Bldg |
| office phone # | 575- |
| office hours | Mon. 8:30-9:30 pm, Thu. 9-10 am or by appointment |
| Teaching Assistant: |
|
| office location | NMSU Main Campus, Astronomy Bldg |
| office phone # | 575- |
| office hours | Mon. 10-11 am, Wed. 7-9 pm or by appointment |
Required Materials
Textbook
The required textbook for this class is online and freely available. You will be asked to refer to the following required resources throughout the semester:
- materials and resources posted on the class Canvas page (including lecture notes by Dr. Chanover as well as outside resources)
- the online astronomy textbook Astronomy, by Fraknoi, Morrison, and Wolff (published by OpenStax Astronomy). You may download the entire book as a PDF file from the publisher's web site, or you may view it online as we progress through the semester.
Lab Manual
The ASTR 110G M70 Labs will be available on our class page on Canvas. Note that this lab manual is DIFFERENT from the lab manual used by other sections of ASTR 110G.
Technology Requirements
You will need to have the following technologies in order to successfully participate in this course:
- consistent and reliable computer and internet access
- a web browser that allows viewing of Flash videos
- a webcam, a microphone, and speakers or headphones that can be used for videoconferencing
- a calculator
- a Google Docs account (we will help you set this up if you do not already have one)
- a PDF reader (for example, Adobe Acrobat Reader)
If you have questions about any of the above, please ask!
Prerequisites and Expected Competencies
There are no prerequisites for this course. You are expected to have the following competencies and skills:
-
English:
- skills: high school English language arts skills such as reading and writing
- context: for all labs, homeworks, discussions, and exams, you will need to be able to compose paragraph responses and short essays. Here are some tips on answering essay questions on an exam.
-
Math:
- skills: high school mathematics skills such as basic algebra and geometry
- context: for the labs and homework, you will be asked to use basic science and math skills to collect data, take measurements, perform calculations, and construct graphs or other data visualizations
-
Technical:
- skills: using Canvas, using email tools (with attachments), creating and submitting files using commonly used word processing programs, copying and pasting, using a scientific calculator
- context: because this is an online class, you will need to have the above technical skills in order to successfully interact with the course content and demonstrate your learning
Course Objectives
Astronomy 110G is a General Education class designed to provide you with a survey of the universe, including the observations, theories, and methods of modern astronomy. Topics we will cover in this course include planets, stars and stellar systems, black holes and neutron stars, supernovas and gaseous nebulae, galaxies and quasars, and cosmology. Emphasis will be placed on physical principles involving gravity, light and optics (telescopes). The laboratory component of this course involves exercises designed to experimentally illustrate principles of astronomy. This lecture/lab course satisfies the New Mexico Common Core Area III: Lab Sciences requirement. As such, there are 6 Course Goals (CGs) for this class. You should be able to demonstrate proficiency in all of the following areas by the end of the semester:
- CG1: describe the process of scientific inquiry
- CG2: use the process of scientific inquiry to solve problems
- CG3: communicate scientific information
- CG4: apply numerical analysis techniques to solve scientific problems
- CG5: apply scientific thinking to real world problems
- CG6: demonstrate communication and collaboration skills that support an online learning environment
There are also 7 Learning Objectives (LOs) for this course, which are described below. By the end of the semester, I hope that you will be able to:
- LO1: describe the sky as seen from Earth, the apparent daily and yearly motions of the Sun, Moon, planets and stars, and resulting astronomical phenomena.
- LO2: explain how telescopes and spectra are used to extract information about astronomical objects
- LO3: describe properties of the solar system components: the Sun, terrestrial planets, giant planets, and small bodies
- LO4: describe the structure, energy generation, and activity of the Sun and other stars
- LO5: summarize the life cycle of stars
- LO6: describe the structure of the Milky Way galaxy
- LO7: describe the large scale structure of the universe (locations and motions of objects)
The course is divided into 6 Modules, which you can access from the Modules link on the menu bar on the left. All assignments that you will complete in this class will be contained within one of those six modules, and they will be related to one or more of the CGs and LOs listed above. This is designed to help you understand how a specific assignment or task fits into the bigger picture goals and objectives for the class.
Communications
Web Page
The class web page on Canvas contains links to: this course syllabus, lecture notes, labs, assignments, class calendar, attendance records, study guides, student grade sheets, and mail and chat room tools. Check it often!
Official communication to you will often come through your NMSU e-mail address so we have an efficient and reliable method of contacting you. Please note that you can forward your mail to any current use e-mail address. We will be emailing you through Canvas so please access it regularly or forward it to your current use address, as you may be expected to respond quickly. Students can expect a response time of 24 hours or less to any communications sent to the instructor or teaching assistant. There may be extenuating circumstances for which the response time exceeds 24 hours, but in general we will get back to you within a day.
Expectations for Learner Interactions
The following expectations should serve as your guide for participation in this class. As members of this class, you will be expected to:
- submit work on time
- communicate with the professor and teaching assistant before assignment deadlines if there is a problem or extenuating circumstances that will prevent you from submitting an assignment on time
- read all feedback from the instructor and teaching assistant and seek clarification if you do not understand something
- access the class page on Canvas and interact with the course contents at least three times per week
- participate in the group discussions
- participate in two synchronous online class meetings using Adobe Connect (there will be multiple times to choose from)
- write clearly, in complete sentences, and use a spell-checker for all submitted assignments
- treat all class members with respect
- follow the netiquette guidelines reviewed in Module 1
All of the learning materials listed in the course modules are required. You are expected to read and watch these materials prior to the stated deadlines. Your understanding of the learning materials will be assessed in the quizzes, homework assignments, and exams.
Course Requirements
- Participation. All students are expected to participate in class assignments and discussions.
- Weekly Quizzes (WQs). Weekly quizzes will be assigned based on the material covered each week. If you remain current with the assigned reading, you should do fine on the quizzes.
- Homework Assignments. During the semester, weekly homework assignments will be given. These will be more applied, meaning you will have to apply the information you learned in class to a new situation. Thus, remaining current on the reading and lectures is also critical for your success on the homework. Two of the homework assignments will involve participating in synchronous online meetings using Adobe Connect. We will offer several time slots for each meeting to try to accommodate your schedule.
- Midterm exams (2). Students will take two mid-term exams covering material that was assigned during the first two thirds (approximately) of the term. The midterm exams will be taken by each student individually (working alone), either on campus or at a remote site with a proctor. If you elect to use a proctor, we will be using the ProctorU service for this course, and there is a fee of approximately $20 per exam that you will need to pay. See course schedule for tentative midterm dates.
- Cumulative final exam. During the regularly scheduled final exam period, students will individually complete a cumulative final exam covering all the material that was assigned during the term. The final exam will be taken by each student individually (working alone), either on campus or at a remote site with a proctor. If you elect to use a proctor, we will be using the ProctorU service for this course, and there is a fee of approximately $20 per exam that you will need to pay. See course schedule for tentative final exam dates.
- Labs. The laboratory is a critical component of this course, as it provides you with an opportunity to experience observation and experimentation as a means of furthering your understanding of astronomical concepts. The lab will be worth 25% of your overall grade in this class. However, you cannot pass the class if you do not also receive a passing grade in the lab. More details about the specifics of lab work and policies can be found on the Lab page (see Pages).
Grading
The grade weights for the various components of this course will be as follows:
| Course Element | Percentage of Grade |
| Homework | 20 |
| Weekly Quizzes | 20 |
| Midterm Exam 1 | 10 |
| Midterm Exam 2 | 10 |
| Final Exam | 15 |
| Lab | 25 |
| Total | 100 |
Final grades in the class will be assigned using the "NMSU Plus and Minus Grading Scheme," which is as follows:
| Grade | % of Total Points Earned |
| A+ | 97-100 |
| A | 94 - <97 |
| A- | 90 - <94 |
| B+ | 87 - <90 |
| B | 84 - <87 |
| B- | 80 - <84 |
| C+ | 77 - <80 |
| C | 74 - <77 |
| C- | 70 - <74 |
| D+ | 67 - <70 |
| D | 64 - <67 |
| D- | 60 - <64 |
| F | < 60 |
Incompletes: An incomplete in this class is given only when the student has at least a C or better at the time the incomplete is requested and cannot complete the class due to circumstances beyond her/his control. These circumstances must have developed after the last day to withdraw from the class. Appropriate circumstances include documented illness, documented death or crisis in the student's immediate family, and similar circumstances. Job-related problems are NOT appropriate grounds for an “I.”
Class Policies
Office Hours: Our office hours are posted at the top of the syllabus or will be announced online. If you cannot make the posted office hours, please contact us and we would be happy to arrange another time for an online chat or a face-to-face meeting if you are in Las Cruces.
Group Work: Because this is a distance education class, it is not taught in the traditional format of a lab science class where students work with lab partners. In this class, you are expected to complete all work independently, without collaborating or discussing with other members of the class. If you have questions about ANY of the assignments, please contact the Teaching Assistant or Professor. We would be more than happy to answer your questions - that's why we are here!
Late Work: Assignments are due NO LATER THAN the assigned due dates. Late work will be accepted, but will be marked down 25% of the total point value per late day. This applies to all homeworks, quizzes, labs, and any other submissions.
Exams: The midterm exams will be given during the weeks of 20-24 February and 13-17 March and the final exam will be during the week of May 8-12.
Dropping the Course: The last day to withdraw from the course without penalty is Friday Jan. 20, 2017. Students who do not take the first midterm exam may be dropped from the course. The last day to drop with a “W” is March 17, 2017.
Grading: Assignments are to be typed, with a liberal use of spell-check applied before submitting, and you are expected to use complete and coherent sentences. Answers should also be explanatory; instead of “No” it should be “No, because...”. Students must earn a C in the course to receive a Satisfactory rating if they have opted for the S/U option. Every effort will be made to return graded work to you within one week of submission. Students will be notified by email if grading will be delayed beyond one week.
Six-Week Early Performance Grade for this course will be available on February 24, 2017. You will be able to access your grade through your my.nmsu.edu account under the Student Tab: Click on Student Record / Midterm Grades. In this class the Six-Week Early Performance Grade will reflect your performance on about 30% of the total graded work in this course. If you are doing well, congratulations on your success – but be mindful that there is still a significant portion of the graded work yet to be completed. If you are doing poorly, or not as well as you would like, please meet with me to discuss how you can improve. If you have concerns about your progress in multiple courses and need to consider a schedule change, meet with your academic advisor.
Grade Disputes: If you detect a miscalculation in points received on a test or quiz, please report this matter immediately so that we may adjust your grade. If you disagree with your scores prior to the final exam, you must present your reasons for the disagreement in writing within ONE WEEK of your receipt of this graded material. Your opportunity to appeal the grade on the assignment expires after that week has passed.
Academic Grievances: See the Student Academic Grievance Policy for information about the procedures for filing an academic grievance.
Resources
Student Accessibility Services
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) covers issues relating to disability and accommodations. If a student has questions or needs an accommodation (all medical information is treated confidentially), contact:
Trudy Luken, Director
Student Accessibility Services (SAS) - Corbett Center, Rm. 208
Phone: (575) 646-6840 E-mail: sas@nmsu.edu
Website: http://sas.nmsu.edu/
NMSU policy prohibits discrimination on the basis of age, ancestry, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, retaliation, serious medical condition, sex, sexual orientation, spousal affiliation and protected veterans status. Furthermore, Title IX prohibits sex discrimination to include sexual misconduct: sexual violence (sexual assault, rape), sexual harassment and retaliation. For more information on discrimination issues, Title IX, Campus SaVE Act, NMSU Policy Chapter 3.25, NMSU's complaint process, or to file a complaint contact:
Lauri Millot, Title IX Coordinator
Agustin Diaz, Title IX Deputy Coordinator
Office of Institutional Equity (OIE) - O’Loughlin House, 1130 University Avenue
Phone: (575) 646-3635 E-mail: equity@nmsu.edu
Website: http://www.nmsu.edu/~eeo/
Student Services
NMSU Police Department: (575) 646-3311, http://www.nmsupolice.com
NMSU Police Victim Services: (575) 646-3424
NMSU Counseling Center: (575) 646-2731
NMSU Wellness, Alcohol and Violence Education (WAVE): (575) 646-2813
NMSU Social Work Services: (575) 646-2731
NMSU Campus Health Center: (575) 646-1512
NMSU Dean of Students: (575) 646-1722
For Any On-campus Emergencies: 911
Military and Veterans Programs: (575) 646-4524
Academic Resources
Career Services: (575) 646-1631
Student Success Center: (575) 646-3136. The Student Success Center is home to the Campus Tutoring office, and also offers workshops on topics such as study skills, test anxiety, speed reading, and overcoming procrastination.
The Writing Center: Clara Belle Williams Hall, Room 102
NMSU Library: (575) 646-1508
Tech Support
Student Technology: (575) 646-4857
ICT Help Desk: (575) 646-1840, help@nmsu.edu, http://help.nmsu.edu
Canvas help: http://studenttech.nmsu.edu/learnnmsuedu/ (or click the Help button in the lower left corner of your Canvas page)
Canvas tutorial: if you are new to Canvas, check out the Canvas student tour!
Accessibility of Technologies Used in this Course
The accessibility statements for all required technologies are given below
Canvas, Google, Adobe Connect, Adobe Acrobat Reader (Windows), Adobe Acrobat Reader (Mac)
No accessibility statement exists for the online textbook. There are no transcripts available for the videos unless otherwise noted.
Privacy Statements
Two online tools for which accounts are required will be used this course: Canvas and Google. The privacy policies for these tools is available for you to read and use to safeguard your accounts:
The Adobe Connect tool will also be used within Canvas; here is the Adobe privacy policy.
Image Citations
Nearly all of the astronomical images depicted throughout the course materials are freely available through various NASA web sites, particularly NASA's Image Galleries. Where possible, citations for all other materials are given.
Academic Misconduct
The Student Code of Conduct defines academic misconduct, non-academic misconduct and the consequences or penalties for each. The Student Code of Conduct is available in the NMSU Student Handbook online. Academic misconduct is explained here.
Plagiarism
All work that you turn in must be your own. You may not copy or refer to the work of any current or previous student in this class. You also may not copy information word-for-word from web sites or any other resource. This is considered cheating; any instances of cheating will result in a grade of 0 and disciplinary action according to the Student Handbook. Intentional and unintentional instances of plagiarism are considered instances of academic misconduct and are subject to disciplinary action such as failure on the assignment, failure of the course or dismissal from the university. To learn more about what constitutes plagiarism and how to avoid it, see the web page maintained by the NMSU Library. Note that all parties involved in the submission of plagiarized or copied work are equally guilty of academic misconduct under all circumstances.
The current University definition of plagiarism can be found here. It reads as follows:
“Plagiarism is using another person’s work without acknowledgment, making it appear to be one’s own. Any ideas, words, pictures, or other intellectual content taken from another course must be acknowledged in a citation that gives credit to the source. This is irrespective of the origin of the material, including the Internet, other students’ work, unpublished materials or oral sources. Intentional and unintentional instances of plagiarism are considered instances of academic misconduct. It is the responsibility of the student submitting the work in question to know, understand, and comply with this policy. If no citation is given, then borrowing any of the following would be an example of plagiarism:
- an idea or opinion, even when put into one’s own words (paraphrase)
- a few well-said words, if these are a unique insight
- many words, even if one changes most of them
- materials assembled by others, for instance a bibliography
- an argument
- a pattern or idea
- graphs, pictures, or other illustrations
- facts
- all or part of an existing paper or other resource
This list is not meant to include all possible examples of plagiarism.”
Even with a citation, failure to put quotation marks around direct quotations also constitutes plagiarism, because it implies that the writing is your own. Material should either be paraphrased or clearly designated as a quotation. Note that replacing words with synonyms, changing verb tense or other minor alterations do not qualify as paraphrasing.
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|