Ph104    Descriptive Astronomy

Course Description

This course provides a descriptive (non-mathematical) introduction to basic astronomy. Topics include the Earth and other planets and objects (comets and asteroids) in our solar system, the Sun and other stars, the lifecycle (birth, life and death) of stars, galaxies and constellations, pulsars and black holes, and some cosmology including an introduction to dark matter and dark energy. Some history is included and the historical and cultural context of astronomical discoveries is briefly covered. Importantly, we will discuss the nature of science and some basic physics as needed to understand how we know what we know of this amazing universe.

One goal is that students develop some understanding of and appreciation for basic modern astronomy concepts and principles and to get acquainted with the current frontiers in astronomy.

An accompanying laboratory is used for demonstrations, experiments, and activities. There will be opportunities during the term for some outdoor observation using department telescopes mounted on the roof of beautiful Weniger Hall.

The course satisfies a Bacc Core requirement for physical science.

In-class Participation

In-class interaction will be augmented via the the Turning Technologies ResponseCard NXT system. These are available new and used from the OSU bookstore. Students who want this in-class credit are responsible to obtain and bring a unit to every class starting Wednesday of the first week. Participation will include answering questions or problems, making predictions, giving an opinion, or choosing courses of action. While some part of your total grade is based on these points, there is an alternative for those who do not wish to attend class regularly.

Lab Section

Descriptive Astronomy is a lab course; participation and completion of the lab section is required to pass the course (no matter what other scores the student may have.) There are 8 in-class laboratory exercises beginning week 2 and continuing through week 9. Students are expected to attend all of their scheduled lab classes. To allow for possible unavoidable conflicts, one lab score will be dropped. Seven labs must be completed successfully in order to pass the course.

Students may not attend any lab section other than the section in which they are enrolled without permission from the instuctor and the involved TA's.

PreLab Exercises

Prelab exercises are required for each lab activity. These are to be done by the student before their scheduled lab time and turned in at the beginning of their lab section (as they come into class.) The Lab activities are completed and turned in during the lab time. 7 of 8 Prelab exercises are required in order to pass the course.

Lab Grading

In order to successfully complete a lab activity, the student must score a 70% (7/10 points) or better on the Prelab and a score of 70% or better on the Lab. Students must successfully complete 7 of the 8 lab activities.

Any student not fulfilling the minimum lab requirement will receive an F in the course.

There are no provisions for making up missed labs after a given week is over. Do not miss lab.

Examinations

There will be two midterm exams (weeks 4 and 8) and a final exam. Exams are a combination of multiple choice, true/false, and/or short answer. The final exam is comprehensive, i.e., it covers the entire term. The final will be given at the date and time as determined by the University and is shown in the University's Schedule of Classes for this term. Exams are closed book and closed notes.

Grading

Final grades are based on individual student's points and are not curved. The course components described above combine for the final grade as follows: In-Class Participation - 5%; Labs - 20%; Midterm #1 - 25%; Midterm #2 - 25%; Final - 25%. The instructor reserves the right to make changes to the grading scheme if the need arises. (Grade cutoffs may go down but they will not go up.)

The grade breakdown is:

90-92% = A-	93-100% = A	(No A+)
80-82% = B-	83-86% = B	87-89% = B+
70-72% = C-	73-76% = C	77-79% = C+
60-62% = D-	63-66% = D	67-69% = D+
below 60% = F

Please note    It is the responsibility of the student to withdraw from the course if they do not wish to receive a letter grade. The last day to withdraw is listed in the current schedule of classes. An incomplete grade will not be assigned unless a student has discussed it with me in advance and a signed agreement between the student and instructor has been created. The incomplete grade requires the student has a good reason for making the request, has a passing (C) grade on submitted work, and there is only a small amount of coursework that remains to be completed. An incomplete grade will not be given just because a student is not satisfied with their performance in the course.

Night and Solar Viewing Sessions and Extra Credit

There will be (weather permitting) opportunities for night viewing through the telescopes atop beautiful Weniger Hall. There will also be (weather permitting) opportunities to observe the Sun through telescopes. While you are welcome and encouraged to attend any or all of these, only one may be used to count for extra credit points. The points are equivalent to those of a passed lab but do not replace a lab credit.

Students with Special Needs

Students who have any emergency medical information of which I should be aware, or who need special arrangements in the event of evacuation, or who have documented disabilities which may need particular accommodation, should speak with me as early as possible, certainly no later than the second week of the term.

Accommodations are collaborative efforts between students, faculty and Disability Access Services (DAS). Students with accommodations approved through DAS are responsible for contacting the faculty member in charge of the course prior to or during the first week of the term to discuss accommodations. Students who believe they are eligible for accommodations but who have not yet obtained approval through DAS should contact DAS immediately at 541-737-4098.

Academic Integrity

All students are expected to uphold the highest standards of honesty and integrity in their academic work. All graded work is to be done on an individual basis. Academic dishonesty such as plagiarism and cheating will not be tolerated. Academic dishonesty is defined as an intentional act of deception including any of the following:
* cheating: use or attempted use of unauthorized materials, information, or study aids,
* fabrication: falsification or invention of any information,
* assisting: helping another commit an act of academic dishonesty,
* tampering: altering or interfering with evaluation instruments and documents,
* plagiarism: representing the words or ideas of another person as one's own, or
* using multiple clicker units during a single lecture period.

For more information about academic integrity and the University's policies and procedures in this area, please refer to the Student Conduct web site at: http://www.orst.edu/admin/stucon/achon.htm and the section on Academic Regulations in the OSU Schedule of Classes. Any incidence of academic dishonesty will be dealt with in accordance with OSU policies.