Course Syllabus

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  1. Course and Instructor 

Format:  Flex: These courses will have a designated class schedule. The designated schedule will have virtual meetings conducted using videoconferencing technology like Webex or Zoom. Students must have access to technology to attend the course and attend the Webex or Zoom sessions. Some of these courses may have optional face-to-face components such as small group discussions, group projects, or similar.

Course Title: Astronomy w/Lab Stellar Astronomy

Course Code: 102

Semester: Spring

Meeting Days & Times: Monday or Wednesday 6:00 pm - 8:50pm

Class Location: ONline Only

 

Credits: 4

Prerequisite: None

Start Date: 1/18/21
End Date: 5/5/21
Refund Date: 2/2/21
Withdraw Date: 4/10/21

No-Show Reporting Date: 1/25/2021

No-Show reporting is determined based on your attendance and engagement. You will be reported as a no-show for this course if you do not do 2 of the first weeks assignments.  If you are dropped for non-attendance, a refund is not automatic nor guaranteed. For additional explanation of No Show Attendance Reporting, including details related to financial aid, go to https://catalog.coloradomtn.edu/content.php?catoid=14&navoid=1623#noshow 

Instructor Information

Instructor Name: Amanda Martin

phone: 970-510-0220

E-mail (Office): amartin@coloradomtn.edu
Office Hours: By appointment only

 

Required Course Materials

Astronomy: A Beginner’s Guide to the Universe by Chaisson and McMillan

 

Credit-based students participate in CMC’s Learning Materials Program (LMP). It is through this program that all physical or digital textbooks, digital required course materials and relevant custom materials listed above are provided to students an all-inclusive flat per credit fee. (There are a few exceptions to included materials such as Lab Kits and a selected number of excluded courses.) Detailed information about the Learning Materials Program, including how to ensure you receive your textbooks and how to return texts at the end of a course, can be found at https://coloradomtn.edu/classes/textbooks/ 

II. Course Description (4 CR)

Emphasizes the structure and life cycle of the stars, the sun, galaxies, and the universe as a whole, including cosmology and relativity. Incorporates laboratory experience. This is a statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT- SC1 category.

III. Student Learning Outcomes, Competencies, and Skills

  1.     Recognize the distinctions between science, pseudoscience and non-science.
  2. Describe the scientific method in detail.
  3. Collect, organize, interpret and present data in a systematic manner, using charts, graphs, tables.
  4. Analyze scientific data evidence and sources to support a theory/data critically.
  5. Set up and solve problems using geometry, algebra, trigonometry and the metric system as required.
  6. Describe the physical scale and timescale of the universe.
  7. Apply the physics of gravity and motion as they apply to astronomy.
  8. Discuss the basic properties of light and its uses in astronomy and cosmology.
  9. Identify objects and classify types of objects visible in the night sky.
  10. Relate principles from relativity and quantum mechanics to topics from astronomy and cosmology.
  11. Summarize stellar life cycles for different mass stars.
  12. Classify galaxies and explain current theories of galaxy formation and evolution.
  13. Outline the origin, evolution and fate of the universe as described by current theories in cosmology.
  14. Describe how the expansion of the universe was discovered and what it tells us about the past and future.
  15. Explain the significance of Hubble’s Law in modern cosmology.
  16. Demonstrate understanding of the basic ideas of Big Bang theory and inflation.
  17. List and explain the evidence for the Big Bang, including the cosmic microwave background, expansion of the universe and Big Bang nucleosynthesis.
  18. Assess the evidence for dark matter and dark energy and explain their importance to the structure and fate of the universe.

IV. Student Feedback to Instructors

Near the end of the semester, you will be asked to complete a survey about your experiences in this course. The survey will be available through Canvas. Individual instructors may solicit additional feedback beyond this survey.

V. Evaluation Methods

Each assignment has a point value and all points are the same weight.

 

VI. Class Management

Communication with the instructor: via e-mail or on Canvas.  Instructor does not hold office hours.

How will a class session cancellation be communicated?

Check Canvas for any announcement of cancellations.

How will Canvas be used?

Canvas is where all of you grades can be found and are kept up to date. 

Are there specific requirements for assignment submittal?

None, although I prefer google doc

Are there certain expectations of the students by the instructor (decorum)?

Attend class and be respectful to the instructor and peers.

Are assignments accepted early, or late?

All assignments are due by finals.

Is there a date after which no assignments will be accepted?

All assignments are due by finals.

Is there a penalty for missing class? 

You can miss 1 classes, after that a 2% penalty per class will be assessed. 

Is there a minimum/maximum number of classes that can be missed without a grade penalty?

Max 1 classes.

What about emergencies?

Communication with the instructor is the important aspect.  Tell instructor of emergency via email or Canvas

Are there special arrangements for laboratories?

None

VII. Student Information 

  1. You have a right to know certain information that the College is required by law to provide. Links on this page will connect you with helpful information including disability services, complaint processes, policies and procedures, textbook information, registration, attendance and grading, graduation rates and much more.
  2. Students Rights and Responsibilities: The CMC Student Handbook, published annually and available online at https://coloradomtn.edu/student-services/, outlines the expectations for student conduct on campus and in classes as well as the college’s academic policies and expectations.
  3. Notice of Nondiscrimination: Colorado Mountain College does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, and family and genetic information, or in its programs and activities, as required by Harassment and Discrimination Prevention (Title IX) of the Education Amendments of 1972,  Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and as provided in other applicable statutes and College policies. The College prohibits sexual and gender-based harassment, including sexual assault, and other forms of interpersonal violence. To obtain more information regarding non-discrimination policies, visit http://coloradomtn.edu/about-cmc/notice-of-nondiscrimination/ or contact Lisa Doak, Harassment and Discrimination Prevention (Title IX) Coordinator, ldoak@coloradomtn.edu, 970-947-8351, or Angela Wurtsmith, Director of Human Resources, awurtsmith@coloradomtn.edu, 970-947-8311.

VIII. Tentative Course Schedule 

See Canvas for more information.

IX. CMC Libraries

Online library resources and services are available at http://library.coloradomtn.edu or from the Libraries link in Basecamp and Canvas.

 

You have 24/7 access to thousands of online journals, magazines, and newspapers, e-books and audiobooks, videos and images, career resources and practice tests.

 

Librarians are here to help you. You can use any or all of these ways to get help!

  •   Via email, 24/7 chat (AskAcademic), telephone, or video conferencing

http://library.coloradomtn.edu/home/help

  •   Video tutorials

http://library.coloradomtn.edu/home/modules

 

Consult your local campus for in-person services.




Course Summary:

Date Details Due