course requirements

Grades will be posted on Blackboard during the semester. The weighted average will show the

current grade average. The letter grade follows from that average.

The lecture/lab grade is based on exams, labs, quizzes, classwork, attendance.

A = 90-100, B = 80-89, C = 70-79, D = 60-69, F = 60 & lower.

The weighted average comes from the sum of these graded elements:

CCA Quizzes 8%

Attendance 5%

Exams (3 exams at 16% each +mastering) 48%

Lab and lab quizzes 27%

Lecture Notes quizzes 12%

Weighted grade average 100%

Grading criteria should be clearly explained in the syllabus. The criteria

should specify the number of exams and other graded material (exercises,

term papers, homework, assignments, projects, etc.), and the weight

assigned to them.  Instructors should discuss the format of exams (multiple

choice, short answer, essay, matching, combination, etc.). Guidelines for

other graded materials, such as homework or projects, should also be included in the syllabus.

Having explicit detail in this section helps to resolve issues more easily with student grades

should they arise.  Links tograding and evaluation rubrics could also be included here.

EXAM POLICIES

A) EXAMS 1-3

The exams will cover about five chapters each. The exam dates (subject to

revision only in extraordinary circumstances) are shown in the Course

Calendar. You must take exams during class at the scheduled time unless the student

has a documented exceptional circumstance and/or has made arrangements

with me at least 2 weeks before the scheduled exam time. A MISSED EXAM IS

GROUNDS FOR DISMISSAL FROM THE COURSE.

B) Test Construction

● Analyze diagrams, formulae, complete some mathematical computations

like on the quizzes.

● Write clearly designed sentences, which answer the question at hand, and

a cadre of facts germane to that question like on the quizzes.

● These principles and facts will be emphasized in the course lectures / labs and

will be of an appropriate number and nature given that this is an introductory course.

• Fill in the Blank question like on the quizzes

● Numeric problems like on the quizzes.

● The same will be true for any synthesis type questions.

C) YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR BEING AWARE OF THE DUE DATES SHOWN ON BB,

COMPLETING THEM AND SUBMITTING THEM ON TIME. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST DAY

TO START WORKING ON THE HOMEWORK OR IT IS UNLIKELY THAT YOU WILL COMPLETE IT

ON TIME! ALLSTUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETING THESE ASSIGNMENTS

CONCURRENTLY AS THAT MATERIAL IS BEING COMPLETED IN LECTURE.

D) Professional -- @ no additional cost -- tutoring is offered by and through ACC. See the First

Day Actionable Info folder on our BB site for more specific instructions on signing up for this

valuable and no extra cost service from the College. This service will be available and

encouraged from the first day of class. A tutoring lab is available on our campus.

E) Expect to spend about 2 hours outside of class for each hour in class. If you keep

Up with the reading, the homework assignments, and get help as needed, you are

Likely to be successful (acquiring knowledge of our glorious Universe & a solid grade in this class.

Group Activities

You are encouraged to work on homework assignments/labs/test prep with classmates and tutors.

However, regardless of the source of help you receive, you are responsible for your own work.

If you copy another person’s homework without doing it yourself, students will not understand

the material and despite possibly having a good homework grade, you will not do well in the course.  No student should turn in work identical to another student nor to any available key

from the internet, etc. In the first verifiable instance, a grade of zero will awarded to that

student for that offense on their work. The second offense of this kind will be grounds for

dismissal from the course. If substantial parts of your work are identical to another source,

then that source should be appropriately credited.

course readings

course readings

COURSE OUTLINE/CALENDAR

Course Schedule Stellar Astronomy with Lab 1403 Semester Spring, 2023

These dates and assignments are subject to change but with prior notification.

course subjects

A study of stars, galaxies, and the universe. Discussion of atomic spectra,

nuclear energy, and astronomical tools (such as optical, radio, and other

telescopes and image enhancers) as they provide knowledge about distant

objects. Emphasis on recent discoveries about quasars, black holes, and

cosmology.

Student learning oucomes/ Learning objectives

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

COURSE-LEVEL STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

● Demonstrate understanding of the nature of science and the

Scientific Method.

● Demonstrate knowledge of the basic laws of physics that apply to the

study of the Universe.

● Demonstrate knowledge of the basic properties of celestial objects,

and how those properties are determined.

● Demonstrate knowledge of the different stages in a star's

development, including its birth, life, and death.

● Demonstrate knowledge of the properties of galaxies, and how those

properties originate.

● Demonstrate knowledge of the hierarchical structure of the Universe,

from multiple star systems to the Universe as a whole.

● Demonstrate knowledge of the nature of the expansion of the

Universe, and what that expansion tells us about the past, present,

and the future of the Universe.

GENERAL EDUCATION STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon completion of this course, students will demonstrate competence in:

COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Develop, interpret, and express ideas and information through written, oral,

and visual communication that is adapted to purpose, structure, audience,

and medium.

CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS

Gather, analyze, synthesize, evaluate, and apply information for the

purposes of innovation, inquiry, and creative thinking.

EMPIRICAL AND QUANTITATIVE SKILLS

Apply mathematical, logical, and scientific principles and methods through

the manipulation and analysis of numerical data or observable facts

resulting in informed conclusions.

TEAMWORK

Consider different points of view to work collaboratively and effectively in

pursuit of a shared purpose or goal.