Course Overview

 


COURSE DESCRIPTION

A beginning Astronomy laboratory course for non-science majors.  In this course the scientific method is applied to the analysis of experimental astronomical data.  Astronomy 100 or the equivalent is a required prerequisite or corequisite.  Elementary Algebra recommended.

EXERCISE TITLES

Math Review
Distance to the Pleiades
Age and Distance of Open Clusters The Sidereal Day
Star Charts and Catalogs
Spectral Analysis
Kepler's Laws and the Mass of the Moon
Arcturus and Earth's Revolution
Hubble's  Law and the Age of the Universe
The Absolute Magnitude of a Quasar
 

COURSE OBJECTIVES
 

  1. Obtain and record astronomical data through direct observation and measurement.
  2. Identify and quantify, where possible, sources of experimental error.
  3. Interpret data provided in the course laboratory workbook in the form of photographs, graphs, tables, spectrograms, and star charts.  In addition, students will be able to analyze and interpret data from handouts of current planetary and lunar information.
  4. Utilize the data in computations involving simple theoretical equations in order to comprehend important and fundamental astronomical principles.
  5. Compare and contrast experimental results among the various given objects analyzed and studied.
  6. Compose laboratory reports in which the goals, procedures, theory, data sources, computations, results, and conclusions are clearly and concisely expressed.  Particular emphasis is placed on correct mathematical syntax.
  7. Participate in independent-study real museum field trips and/or independent-study virtual field trips.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

All of the course components have been carefully designed to help you achieve the course objectives.

  1. Purchase the course manual from the bookstore.
  2. Read the exercise in the manual prior to performing it on-line.
  3. Read the Assignment Sheet to be sure that you understand all course objectives, requirements, as dates and procedures.  Complete and return the Letter of Agreement.

Mail to:

Coastline Community College - Distance Learning Department
11460 Warner Avenue
Fountain Valley  CA  92708-2597

  1. The Distance Learning Department has a FAX machine.  The number is (714) 241-6287.  You may use the FAX to submit Letter of Agreement.
  2. Attend the final review session.  Students who attend the review session, generally more successful in the course.
  3. Take the final exam.

COURSE MATERIALS

Laboratory Manual: Astronomy Online Laboratory (3rd ed/2003), by Gordon


REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
 

Computer, Pentium PC with Windows 95,98,Me, NT, 2000, or XP or equivalent
Mac (can present problems with the Java applets employed in the exercises)
Internet access with 28.8 k bps or faster
Java-enabled browser, e.g., Netscape 3.0+ or IE. 3.0+
Pencil and eraser
One page of notes
One page of scratch paper
Scientific calculator (or use the one in Windows)
Laboratory Manual:  Astronomy Online Astronomy Online Laboratory (3rd ed/2003), by Gordon
Scientific calculator (or use the calculator built into Windows)

FINAL EXAMINATION

You are required to take a final exam to complete the course successfully.
The final exam consists mainly of partial versions of the previously assigned exercises, but it will also contain some quest underlying theory, as explicitly discussed in each exercise.  The exam will present no surprises for the student who has been work throughout the course.  In addition, you may bring along on piece of 8.5" X 11" paper containing an note you wish.

The final exam will count at least 1/3 of your grade.
What to Bring:

The exam will be given at a designated location, and it will be proctored.  You will need to show picture identification for admission to the exam.

Things to Remember:

  1. Have your Coastline student ID card and driver's license or photographic identification ready to show the proctor at the exam site.  You will be unable to take your exam without proper identification.  If you have them ready then you come to the table to get you exam, you will save time for all of us.
  2. Please note if you come with a friend or a family member, you will be asked to site as separate tables.
  3. Please make arrangements for the care of your children.  DO NOT BRING CHILDREN OR SPOUSES TO THE REVIEWS/EXAMS.
  4. Eating, Drinking, and smoking are not allowed in the testing room.

GRADE SCALE

The final grade of INTRODUCTION TO ASTRONOMY will be based upon the number of points you earn on
the reports and final exam.

The (TENTATIVE) grade scale for the course is as follows:
 
 

LETTER GRADE
324 - 360 points
288 - 323 points
252 - 287 points
216 - 251 points
215 and below points
  A
  B
  C
  D
  F
CREDIT
NO CREDIT
252 and above points
251 and below points		 Credit Only (CR)
No Credit (NC)

The Family Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 restricts release of certain student information, such as grades.
Therefore, please do not call the Distance Learning Department for you final scores/grades.  Grades can be
obtained by phoning (714) 438-8249 approximately three weeks after the conclusion of the semester.

GRADE POINT SYSTEM BREAKDOWN

Total points possible in this course are as follows:

                                                             Total Possible          Your Score
Lab Exercises
12 reports (20 points each) -                    240 points

Final Examination   -                                 120 points
  30 questions (4 points each)
 

  Total Possible   -                                    360 points
 

WITHDRAWALS FROM THE COURSE

Please call your instructor if you encounter problems - academic or personal - that make you consider withdrawing from this course.  Your instructor is here to help you succeed.  If you must withdrawal, however, be aware that it is your responsibility to officially withdraw.  You must call (714) 438-8250 to withdraw.