Introduction to Astronomy ASTR 1100 R11 FALL 2024SQL

Java Python Introduction to Astronomy, ASTR 1100 R11

FALL 2024

1.      COURSE FORMAT

This course will be offered online only.  In order to complete this course and access KPU services, you must have the following:

•    An electronic device (such as a desktop computer, laptop, smart phone, or tablet)

•    Reliable access to the internet

NOTE: Although this course is being delivered online, respectful behavior is expected at all times, just as if you were attending this course in person.

Videos, reading material, and reading quizzes will be available online for students prior to the weekly online meeting on Wednesdays. The weekly meeting will typically be a mix of Q&A, coverage of current events in astronomy, group work, and student video presentations. Online Mastering Astronomy homework

(CourseId iscoombes39134) will be assigned weekly and a term paper will be due towards the end of the semester. Labs will be a mixture of hands-on and computer-based activities that you can do at home. Your lab instructor will provide more information on labs at the start of the semester.

2.      COURSE DESCRIPTION

This is an introductory course in astronomy and is intended for students not majoring in science. Topics include the Earth, the solar system, stars, galaxies and cosmology, as well as light and telescopes. The laboratory program explores a variety of scientific topics and techniques.

3.      TENTATIVE SCHEDULE OF TOPICS

Week	Topics	Text Chapters
1	Introduction Our Place in the Universe	1
2	Our View of the Sky	2,3
3	Origin of the Solar System	4
4	Terrestrial Worlds	5
5	The Outer Solar System	6
6	Light and Telescopes	See “Tools of Science” sections in chapters 3, 5, 8, and 11.
7	Planets Around Other Stars	7
8	Our Sun and the Stars	8
9	Stellar Lives and Deaths	9,10
10	Galaxies	11
11	Galaxy Distances and the Expansion of the Universe	12,13,14
12	Life in the Universe	15
13	Review

4.   REQUIRED MATERIALS

(i)   The Cosmic Perspective Fundamentals, 3rd  Edition, Bennett, Dona Introduction to Astronomy, ASTR 1100 R11 FALL 2024SQL hue, Schneider & Voit.

(ii)  Mastering Astronomy, online homework system

(iii) ASTR 1100 Laboratory Guide. Online access will be provided free of charge by your lab instructor.

Link to Bookstore to purchase etext and MasteringAstrononomy

5.   DETAILED SUMMARY OF EVALUATION SCHEME

Online homework assignments                                    15%

Online in-class group activities                                     15%

Video presentations                                                       25%

Term paper                                                                       20%

Home lab activities                                                          25%

Grade	Grade Points	Conversion Scale (%)	Definition
A+	4.33	90  - 100	Exceptional Achievement
A	4.00	85  -   89	Outstanding Achievement
A-	3.67	80  -   84	Excellent Achievement
B+	3.33	76  -   79	Very Good Achievement
B	3.00	72  -   75	Good Achievement
B-	2.67	68  -   71	Good Achievement
C+	2.33	64  -   67	Satisfactory Achievement
C	2.00	60  -   63	Satisfactory Achievement
C-	1.67	56  -   59	Minimal Achievement. This grade does not    permit student to pursue another course for which the graded course was a prerequisite.
D	1.00	50  -   55	Minimal achievement. This grade does not permit student to pursue another course for which the graded course was a prerequisite.
F	0.00	0   -   49	Unsatisfactory achievement. Student did not meet minimum course requirements.

6.   INSTRUCTOR/CLASSROOM POLICIES:

Attendance at the weekly online session is strongly recommended. It will involve important activities such as graded group work and student video presentations.

7.   HOME LAB ACTIVITIES

You must complete all of the lab activities to pass the course. They will be composed of both hands-on and computer-based activities that you will do at home. More information will be available from your lab instructor at the start of the semester