Astronomy 101 -

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Syllabus Astronomy 101

Professor John W. Hinds

Tel: 415-883-2211 Ex 8225

Office:  MW 140  

Office Hours 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm Wednesday    (Check Class Website for changes and additional hours)

E-mail: jhinds@mycom.marin.edu

ASTRONOMY - 101

 (No prerequisite. Two lecture and one discussion hour weekly.) This course is a non-mathematical description of the universe designed especially for the nonscience student. Topics include the sky and its apparent motion, the law of gravity, the nature of light, the solar system, stars and stellar evolution, galaxies and cosmology, and life in the universe. Can also be offered in a distance learning format. (CSU/UC) AA/AS Area A, CSU Area B-1, IGETC 5A
3.000 Credit Hours
48.000 TO 54.000 Lecture hours

Textbook  Required:

MasteringAstronomy® with Pearson eText -- Instant Access -- for The Essential Cosmic Perspective, 6/E
Jeffrey O. Bennett, University of Colorado, Boulder
Megan Donahue, Michigan State University
Nicholas O Schneider, University of Colorado, Boulder
Mark Voit, Michigan State University
 

 And

 A  STARCHART

 The course is designed to acquaint the student with our new understanding of the universe. We will explore our changing Cosmic Perspective from the time of the Greeks to present day. We will explore the science of Astronomy in a manner that will develop the students reasoning skills, including basic equations that explain how our scientific theories are developed and implemented.

Tests and Exams:

 Several exams will be given throughout the semester each will consist of true/false and multiple choice questions.

 A Midterm and a Final exam will be given

 The total points from the exams will determine 1/2 of the final grade.

 The additional 1/2 of total points will be earned through in-class participation and assignments topics for discussions, and one presentation.

 Assignments:

 Each week we will review basic concepts. For the major topics you will be assigned a topic to review this will include Internet research. This will be  required as additional preparation for our discussion in class.

 Students will assigned to a group and choose one topic from a list provided by the instructor and prepare a three minute presentation to the class on the topic of choice. This will be in the form a scientific report. Specific instructions will be provided.

 A short Project and Presentation based on APOD and a Topic from a list provided by Instructor 

  Extra credit:

 Select and watch any DVD title mentioned by the instructor.   50 points each.

 Additional recommendations will occur throughout the semester.

 Grading Policy:

 Grades will be based on the following distribution of points:

 Exams:  50 points

 Midterm Exam: 100 points                                  Final Exam: 150 points

 Weekly discussions:  25 points                           Weekly assignments: 75 points

 Presentation 150

 Extra credit: Points as assigned in class

 Your work will be graded on a Point System.

 Grading Policy

 Superior quality                         A

Good quality                              B

Average quality                          C

Poor quality                               D

Fail                                             F 

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