Astronomy 1161: The Solar System
Instructor: Amber Ponder
Autumn 2013

An introduction to Astronomy with an emphasis on a scientific view of our place in the universe. Topics include: connecting the motion of Earth to the moving patterns of stars in the sky, the relevant physics of gravity and light, how astronomers make observations, a survey of our Solar System, and understanding our Earth better by comparing it to other planets.

Instructor: Amber Ponder aponder4@cscc.edu

Office Hours/location: By appointment; NH 325

Textbook: The Cosmic Perspective 7th edition. Bennett, Donahue, Schneider, & Voit Lecture-Tutorials for Introductory Astronomy 3rd edition, Prather, et al.

Times: T & Th 2:00pm – 3:20pm NH 012

Email:
Use only your CSCC student email account to send me course-related messages. Communication is a large part of success in my class. If, at any time, you have a question or concern, I urge you to let me know and I will do what I can to help. I typically respond to email messages no later than the next business day, often times much sooner.

Class-time:
Consists of a combination of PowerPoint lectures with review questions and in-class tutorials for you to discuss and complete with your classmates. You will need to print off (or make a copy) of the “A-B-C-D Voting Card” located on Blackboard under “Course Info”.

Exams (40% of total grade)
There will be three exams. No exam score will be dropped. These will be administered in class (see schedule). These are closed-book exams, but a list of equations and constants will be provided as necessary.

Mastering Astronomy Interactives (20% of total grade)
These can be found on the Mastering Astronomy website (the link with instructions can be found on Blackboard) and will count for 20% of your final grade. You will have 3 opportunities answer each question correctly. If you are able to do so, you will earn some extra credit. But, if you are struggling, you may open a hint. This will limit the amount of extra credit, but aid in arriving at the correct answer, so do not be afraid to use them. These are graded automatically.

Homework Assignments (20% of total grade)
These can also be found on Mastering Astronomy website. I will announce the availability of each along with the due date in class. They are to be completed thru the Mastering Astronomy website and I will grade them as soon as I am able. All answers are to be in your own words. No credit will be given for any answers that are copied from outside sources. The homework will count for 20% of your final grade.

Class Participation (20% of total grade)
This will count for 20% of your total grade. It can be earned by participating in discussions and in-class lecture-tutorials. Credit will be assigned on a random basis, so you must be present to get credit for these assignments. Make sure you bring your voting card and “Lecture-Tutorial” workbook to class every day.

Grades
I calculate course grades based on a weighted percentage of points. Your exams count for 40% of your final grade, homework 20%, interactives 20%, and class participation 20%. The overall course grading scale is:

In determining course grades, I round to the nearest whole percentage: 79.6% rounds up to 80% (B), but 79.2% rounds down to 79% (C). I do not grade on a curve.

Websites
Blackboard and Mastering Astronomy are the primary websites for this course. Blackboard will be used primarily for course information and communication. Mastering Astronomy will be used for on-line interactives and homework. Please check the Blackboard announcements regularly.

POLICIES TO NOTE
- The syllabus & schedule are subject to change as needed. All changes are announced on Blackboard
- Once you turn in your final exam, the course is over. There’s nothing more you can do to raise your grade.
- Missed exams may be made up with dated documentation and my permission only.
- I report all instances of plagiarism and