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                    Cuesta College Astronomy 10 Syllabus Spring 2008

 Section #5167 TTh 6:30-9:30 PM, San Luis Obispo Campus, Room 2402

Instructor Contact Information and Office Hours

Instructor         Dr. Russell M. Genet, Adjunct Professor of Astronomy

   Email            russmgenet@aol.com

   Phone             (805) 438-3305

   Fax                  (805) 438-3355

   Office Hours               One-half hour immediately preceding each class.

   Please feel free to contact the instructor with questions or for assistance.

Materials for the Course

Required    Perspectives on Astronomy.  2008. Michael A. Seeds and Dana E. Backman. Australia: Thomson.

Optional   Edmund Scientific Star and Planet Locator (starwheel),

Prerequisites

The prerequisite for this course is Math 23, Math 23SI, or the equivalent.  There are no math problems in this course.

Learning Outcomes

This one-semester course is a descriptive survey of and introduction to the conceptual aspects of astronomy.   The emphasis of this course is on developing observational and predictive astronomy skills, understanding concepts and applying analytical reasoning, and not on memorization of facts and figures!   Student learning outcomes are as follows:

• Understand, explain, and predict the celestial cycles of the stars, the Sun, the Moon, and of the planets, using a planisphere ("starwheel"), and diagrams.
• Compare/contrast features of the geocentric and heliocentric models of planetary motion, understand the scientific method, and how it was applied in the historical triumph of heliocentrism over geocentrism.
• Explain conceptually how optical and radio telescopes work.
• Explain properties of planets, rings, satellites, and debris (asteroids and comets).
• Explain the evolution of the Sun and planets from their origins to their present state.
• Quantify properties of stars, and how these properties are determined.
• Explain how stars are born, how they live, and how they die.
• Explain properties and evolution of binary stars and compact companions.
• Explain properties and evolution of our Milky Way galaxy, and of other galaxies.
• Explain the history of our universe, current theories, and their supporting evidence.
• Discuss the state of investigating the extraterrestrial hypothesis, and/or other topics at the forefront of astronomy research.

Grading Policy

A total of 1000 points can be earned via examinations and various activities throughout the course. The points break down and the due dates are as follows:

Academic Skills

            12 chapter quizzes – beginning of each class ­– 50 points each 600    

            12 discussion quizzes – end of each class – 20 points each                  240

Final examination                                                                                          150    

            Special (to be announced)                                                                             10

            Total                                                                                                              1000

Letter Grades

            A         900-1000

            B         800-899

            C         700-799

            D         600-699

            F          Less than 600

Enrollment

Students are responsible for their own enrollment status in this class, and are expected to handle their own adds and/or drops accordingly, as authorized by the instructor.  The instructor reserves the right to drop students due to non-attendance.

Attendance Policy

Attendance is crucial.  Some of the material is not adequately covered in the text.  You are responsible for all topics covered in lectures by the instructor, and in materials handed out during class.  Absences for any reason can result in a zero quiz score.  Additional information concerning chapter quizzes and discussion quizzes can be found at http://www.orionobservatory.org/. Attendance is mandatory for the final as there will be no make ups.

Academic Responsibilities
You will be expected to be informed of and to abide by all student policies outlined in the Cuesta College Catalog, 2007-2008.   You are also responsible for being informed of and to abide by all student policies and calendar deadlines in the Cuesta College Spring '08 Class Schedule, especially those listed on the inside front cover.  

Students with Disabilities

Students with disabilities are encouraged to take this class.  Students should contact Disabled Student Program & Services (San Luis Obispo campus: 546-3148; North County campus: 591-6215) regarding arrangements for disability accommodations in a timely manner.

Academic Honesty

Academic honesty is essential to the academic community.  Quizzes and exams are individual efforts, and you may not copy from another student, give answers to other students during a test, or take a test for someone else.  At the discretion of the instructor, students caught being academically dishonest may receive a failing grade on the test, be dropped from the class, or be failed in the course. 

Reading and Test Schedule

 Additional Credit Activities 

 Information on CCAS Meetings and Star Parties can be found on the CCAS website at:
www.ccastronomy.org

 Information on Bowen Observatory Observation Night can be found on Dr. Len’s website:
www.waiferx.com/physics/