Natural Science 225 - Introductory Astronomy

Generic "In Class" Course Syllabus

Instructor: Jim Mihal
E-Mail: natsci225@gmail.com
Office: ?
Office Hours: Posted outside my office. Email me anytime, I will try to respond within 24 hours
Phone: (262) 751-6465 (my cell)
Prerequisites: None
Credits: 3

Time: Tuesday & Thursday @ 5:45 - 9:10 PM Start Date: 06/10/2014 End Date: 07/24/2014
Place: Milwaukee Campus Main Building Room M404

Text: I've placed all class lectures online for free. Links to this material are found below. Each student must purchase a packet of star charts (available at the Milwaukee campus bookstore for $1.25 plus tax. If you wish, you can purchase the official course text: EXPLORATIONS:INTRO TO ASTR , ARNY, , 7th for $219.50 but I suggest you come to class before you purchase this text.

I hope you enjoy this course in astronomy. You will not be required to do any complex mathematics in this course. However, we will present many ideas and concepts in this class and this is the material I will stress on the evaluations. The course can be broken down into these main topics:

The History of Astronomy / Models of the Universe / Coordinate Systems and Calendars / Orbital Motion and Eclipses / Tools used by Astronomers and Laws of Physics / Our Solar System / Stellar Astronomy / Galactic Astronomy / Evolution of the Universe

Blackboard

This class is administered through a program called Blackboard. You will find links to all class related materials (including this syllabus) by visiting the MATC web site and logging on to Blackboard. I will be giving log-in instructions on the first day of this class. You will want to verify your access to blackboard soon after this introduction.

Evaluations

There will be 5 tests worth 100 points each. All 100 point tests are taken online through blackboard outside the scheduled class time. Students will be given a specified time period to complete the unit tests. Students failing to take the test within the specified time period without a valid and verifiable excuse may still take the test but with a 10 point late penalty. I'm offering you a chance to prepare for each test with a practice quiz (worth no points). In addition, several in-class "pop" quizzes will be given throughout the semester. These pop quizzes will have the average graded weight of three 100 point tests. This represents eight scores each worth 100 points. The final exam is comprehensive and is worth 200 points. The final exam will be taken "in-class". Students missing the final test will receive a zero. In addition, each student is required to watch the NOVA mini-series Origins. These 4 one hour videos are viewed outside of class with a graded assignment associated with each video. Finally, all students will learn the basic features of a free planetarium program - Stellarium. This assignment will also be done and evaluated outside of class and worth 100 points. Grades are determined as follows:
 

There are 1300 possible points you can earn in this class. Your grade is based on a percentage basis of that total.

90-100%   A             80-90%   B             70-80%   C             60-70%   D             0-60 %   U
(I give + and -‘s at 2.5% from each end)

It is strongly suggested that you attend all classes, take good notes and/or tape lectures. If possible, form study groups to help organize your notes.

Extra Credit: Attend any planetarium (like MPM or MOP) or astronomy club meeting (like MAS or WAS) and earn an additional 40 bonus points if you attend. Make sure you obtain a proof of attendance slip, put your name on it, and give it to your instructor. I've scheduled a private planetarium visit at UWM (MOP) for July 2nd @ 8 pm. You are welcome to attend this session to earn the extra credit points.

Although not required, it is suggested that you take NatSci 226 (Observational Astronomy...1 credit) concurrently with this class. In most cases, we present labs which reinforce material presented in this lecture class.

Please refer to the syllabus addendum (in blackboard) for policies regarding ADA Statement, dropping policy, code of conduct, grading disputes, incompletes, etc.
I hope you enjoy the class...Good Luck!

Study Guides / Reading Materials

Test 1 The sky and coordinate systems, Ancient History of Astronomy
Test 2 Modern History of Astronomy, planetary motion and models, gravity
Test 3 Orbital properties of the moon, Laws of Physics, Tools of Astronomers, Probes
Test 4 The Solar System
Test 5 Galaxies and the Evolution of the Universe