AST111:
Solar
System Astronomy- Summer 2008
Class Number 41378 - Daily 11:20AM-1:00PM - PSF-123
AST111 is a three-credit introduction to Solar System Astronomy,
with an emphasis on the physical concepts, scientific method, and
latest
developments in modern astronomical research. A supplementary
laboratory class is offered in AST113.
Course material is
developed
using lectures, demonstrations, and in-class projects. The course is
intended
for non-science majors although background knowledge of high-school
algebra and geometry is assumed. (This is roughly equivalent
to MAT114/142 at ASU.)
Students must take both AST111 and
AST113 in order to satisfy ASU's lab-science (SG/SQ) requirements!
The general topics to be presented
include:
- Historical framework for modern astronomy
- Motion of the celestial sphere throughout the year
- Relative sizes and distances within the solar system
- Appearance and physical properties of the planets
- Recent discoveries from spacecraft observations
- Properties of light, optics, and spectra
Very useful web sites for current information on astronomy are:
A tentative syllabus and a partial
set
of online notes are available. In
addition
to materials distributed in class, students should bring the following
items to all classes:
- Universe, 8th ed., by Kaufmann and Freedman - available
at
the ASU
Bookstore
Course Grades: Course grades will be based on scores from four exams.
All
exams have equal weight. The exam with the lowest score will be
dropped.
No makeup exams will be given. All grades will be on a simple A, B, C,
D, E scale. Plus/minus
grades will NOT be assigned. Historically, the overall
percentages needed
to receive an A, B, C, or D have been about 80%, 70%, 60%, and 50%,
respectively.
Students will be apprised of their standing in the class after each
exam.
Withdrawals: The instructor will NOT withdraw a student for any
reason.
Specifically, students should be aware that non-attendance will NOT
automatically
result in their being dropped from the course. Thus, a student should
not
assume they are no longer registered for a course simply because they
did
not attend class during the first week or for an extended period of
time
during the semester. It is the student's responsibility to be
aware
of their registration status. The following dates will be followed
without
exception.
- Registration and Drop/Add Deadline: June 3, 2008
- Course Withdrawal Deadline: June 15, 2008
- Complete Withdrawal Deadline: July 3, 2008
Academic Integrity: Each student has an obligation to act with honesty
and integrity, and to respect the rights of others in carrying out all
academic assignments. Additional information on the student
academic integrity code is available online.
Incompletes: A grade of incomplete will NOT be awarded unless there
is documented evidence of extreme personal or immediate family
hardship.
Changes in work hours, child-care emergencies, or other similar
personal
problems will not be approved as reasons for awarding incompletes. The
department chairperson and/or college dean must approve any
incomplete
grade requests.
Reasonable Accommodations for Students with Disabilities: Disability
Resource Center (DRC) provides information and services to
students
with any documented disability who are attending ASU. Individualized
program
strategies and recommendations are available for each student as well
as
current information regarding community resources. Students also may
have
access to specialized equipment and supportive services and should
contact
the instructor for accommodations that are necessary for course
completion.
The instructor reserves the right to make changes to this syllabus
as
needed.