NEW MEXICO STATE UNIVERSITY AT CARLSBAD
INTRODUCTION TO ASTRONOMY - ASTR 110G
SPRING 2001
MW: 7:00 pm to 9:45 pm
(Lecture/Lab)
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INSTRUCTORS: John and Gayle D'Mura OFFICE: Room 234 PHONE: 234-9345 E-MAIL: gdmura@cavern.nmsu.edu jdmura@cavern.nmsu.edu OFFICE HOURS: before and after class (or by appointment) CLASSROOM: Lecture: Room 235 Lab: Room 232 COURSE DESCRIPTION: Introduction to Astronomy is a survey of the universe, which includes observations, theories, and the methods of modern astronomy. Topics include the history of astronomy, gravity, light, planets, stars and stellar evolution, galaxies, and cosmology. PRE-REQUISITES: None REQUIRED TEXT: Explorations: An Introduction to Astronomy, 2nd Ed., by Thomas T. Arny Textbook comes with Interactive Explorations CD-ROM GRADUATE OUTCOMES: The successful completion of this course will partially fulfill the following graduate outcomes: Effective communication Critical/creative thinking skills Awareness of the sciences Collaborative working skills Effective and responsible interaction in society Computation skills Basic computer skills Awareness of diverse cultures COURSE OBJECTIVES/OUTCOMES:
PERFORMANCE MEASURES AND GRADING: Students are responsible for procedures and policies contained and addressed in the NMSU-C student handbook and catalog. GRADES: All assignments receive a grade as follows: number of points earned number of points possible To calculate a grade for an individual assignment: 1) Multiply # of points earned by 100 2) Divide by # of points possible GRADING SCALE: A = 90 - 100 % B = 80 - 89 % C = 70 - 79 % D = 60 - 69 % F = 0 - 59 % Approximate weighting: Tests: 50 % Homework: 15 % Laboratory: 20 % Observations: 5 % Magazine Summary: 5 % Attendance: 5 % TESTS: There will be 4 tests, worth 100 points each. There will also be a comprehensive final exam which may be used to take the place of the lowest previous test score. This use is optional, and carries no penalty for trying (if the grade for the final is lower it doesn't count). All make-up tests are essay format. Arrangements for a make-up test must be made before the scheduled test date, and are subject to instructor approval. Make-up tests must be taken within one week, or the comprehensive final exam becomes the make-up test. Test questions will primarily cover material from lecture, but may also include lab-related questions, and will consist of some combination of multiple choice, true or false, matching, and/or short answer. HOMEWORK: The course outline below includes all reading and homework assignments from the text that will be given. Each chapter’s assignment is worth 10 points. Homework may be turned in at any time, allowing you to set your own pace, but is due no later than the day of the test covering that material. Late assignments will receive a maximum of half credit. WARNING: Don't ignore the homework! Each assignment may not seem worth much, but the total adds up quickly! LABORATORY: Attendance at laboratory sessions is required. Most of the work on these will be done during the class period. Each lab exercise is due no later than one week from when it is assigned, unless otherwise specified. OBSERVATIONS LAB: Each student will be able to name and identify, with instructor verification, the following: 10 Constellations 5 Bright Stars 5 Telescope and/or Binocular objects 2 Double Stars (2 sets) The instructor will verify the completion of each task. This assignment is ongoing throughout the semester, worth 40 points, and due before the end of the semester. ATTENDANCE: Attendance is required. A grade will be given at the end of the class based on attendance. This attendance grade will be worth 40 points, reduced by one point for every absence, without regard to the reason for the absence. It is the student's responsibility to arrange for any make-up work. MAGAZINE SUMMARY ASSIGNMENT: Each student is required to turn in a brief summary of a magazine or internet article, worth 40 points, due on or before March 21st. The procedure for this assignment is as follows:
SUGGESTED MAGAZINES: ** Arizona Highways Astronomy Discover National Geographic Natural History New Mexico Newsweek Science News Scientific American Sky & Telescope Smithsonian Time U.S. News & World Report ** This list is not exclusive. Any other magazine with a relevant article will do. If you are not sure about your article - ASK! STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES: If you have or believe you have a disability, we encourage you to contact the Special Needs Office at this college at your earliest convenience to self-identify. Once that office is provided with the disability supportive documentation needed, the Special-Needs Services Coordinator can then begin to arrange the types of appropriate accommodations that might be required. The Special-Needs Office is located in Room 2F across from the Learning Assistance Center. You may call 234-9317 (234-9323 TDD) to make an appointment. If you have a condition which may affect your ability to exit safely from the premises in an emergency or which may cause an emergency during class, you are encouraged to discuss this in confidence with the instructor and/or the Special-Needs Coordinator at the time of your appointment. STUDENT LEARNER OUTCOMES: The student will be able to:
TENTATIVE COURSE OUTLINE and HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS ASTR 110G
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE ASTR 110G SPRING 2001
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