Generic
"In Class" Course Syllabus
Generic
"In Class" Course Syllabus
Instructor: Jim Mihal
E-Mail: natsci167 followed by
@gmail.com (sorry but I do it this way to avoid
spammers)
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 - 9:05 PM Start Date: 06/14/2011 End Date: 07/28/2011
Text: I've placed all class lectures online. 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, , 6th for $161.50 but I suggest you come to class before you purchase this text.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
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.
There will be 5 tests worth 100
points each. All 100 point tests are taken online through blackboard. 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 two 100
point tests. This represents seven 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. Grades are determined as follows:
| Evaluations | Maximum Points | Location |
| 5 Tests - each
worth 100 points maximum Several "pop" Quizzes averaged to 200 points maximum
|
700 points | Tests are given
online (Blackboard, Course Documents Icon) Pop quizzes are given in class |
| Required Homework Assignments (Nova - Origins videos) | 200 points | Assignments Icon in Blackboard |
| Final Exam | 200 (comprehensive) | Taken on campus if time permits |
There are 1100 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 tentatively scheduled a private
planetarium visit at UWM (MOP)
for June 29th @ 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