INTRODUCTION TO ASTRONOMY
AST 111, 112, 113 & 114
TEXT: "Foundations of Astronomy" 7th Edition By Michael Seeds ISBN#0-534-39204-0
INSTRUCTOR: Mr. Tom Vining Phone: 480-484-7000 ext. 6303 Email: Tvining@susd.org
My web page http://members.cox.net/tomvining/site, DMHS web page http://desertmountain.susd.org/
Welcome to "Introduction to Astronomy" aka “Astrophysics”. This course promises to be an exciting and mind expanding experience. In front of us we have a Universe of material to cover and comprehend. Your tour guides in this course will be Michael Seeds, myself, the students in this class as well as a variety other authorities in the astronomy community.
This course is descriptive in nature and is an introductory course for the non-technical student. We will cover most of the chapters in the text so you will be doing a significant amount of reading. In the first few weeks we will be learning some of the basic principles that govern matter throughout the universe. If at any time you get confused or don't understand the material we are covering please do not hesitate to ask questions either before, during or after class. Some people say that I am intimidating - well yes I am - get over it. You are going to meet numerous intimidating people in your life and most of us are real people who care about you and want the best for you we just don’t show our emotions well.
In order to get the greatest benefit for this class it is suggested that you briefly read and review the assignments before each class, then reread the assignment after it has been discussed in class. Your textbook is an excellent resource for pictures and diagrams. I will have a few copies of the text in class so you don’t need to bring your book to class.
We will be having several nighttime observing laboratories that will be mandatory.
This course will be offered for college credit through Scottsdale Community College. Each semester is worth 4 credit hours at a cost of $71 per semester hour plus a $15 registration fee for a total of $299 per semester. This class fulfills Arizona’s University natural science [SG,SQ] requirement. If you take the class for college credit you will register for two classes each semester. AST 111 (fall) and AST 112 (spring) are the lecture class and each are 3 credit classes. AST 113 (fall) and AST 114 (spring) are the lab class and are one credit classes each.
Materials needed for class and lab: Flashlight (must have red bulb or red lens and not too bright), Calculator, Planisphere (star wheel).
GRADING: Each Semester your grade will be based on the following:
Enrolment Status Dual High School Only
Three Unit Tests 50% 30%.
Final Exam 20% 15%..
Homework 5% 5%
Project Report and Presentation 25 % 25 %
Lab reports and write- ups 100% 25%
Scale 90-100% = A; 80-89% = B; 70-79% = C...
HOMEWORK: In general homework will not be collected. It is to your benefit to complete the assignments to further your understanding of the material.
RESEARCH PROJECT: The research project is designed to further your understanding on a particular topic or area in Astronomy. The report will need to be a minimum of five single spaced typed pages not including title page and bibliography. It must include a bibliography with a minimum of eight sources none of which may be the encyclopedia. Plagiarism of any material will result in failure for this assignment. Remember plagiarism is defined as using three or more words from a source without giving proper credit. You will need to present your findings to the class in a short (max 20 minute) presentation.
ATTENDANCE: You are expected to attend every day. Tardiness will not be tolerated. Each time you are tardy 3 times you will be required to bring in healthy snack for the whole class or serve Saturday school. Dual enrolment students – no student may miss more than 3 classes (yes three classes) without prior instructor approval.
SCC CODE OF CIVILITY
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