Solar Systems Syllabus for 2016-2017
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Administrative Drop Policy

Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016

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Course

PHYS-1304-001 Solar Systems

Prerequisites

Course Description

Study of the sun and its solar system, including its origin.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

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Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

The Cosmic Perspective, The Solar System: 8th ed, Bennett, Donahue, Schneider, Voit: Pearson, 2017

Supplies

No supplies available

Student Performance

Purpose and Goals of the Course: By the end of the semester the student should be able to complete the listed objectives with a minimum of 60% competency level based on the grading procedure for the course.

1. Understand and be able to summarize current theories of the formation of the solar system.
2. Explain and apply the concepts of the celestial sphere, coordinates, and planetary positions.
3. Explain the basic characteristics of the various planets as will as any differences and similarities between each planet.
4. Understand be able to summarize the basic laws of astronomy including Newton’s Laws of Motion and Kepler’s Laws of Planetary Motion.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

No behavior expectations available

Grading Criteria

The course grade will be determined by the following:

4 Semester Tests (drop lowest score)        60%
Homework (drop lowest 2 scores)              5%
Quizzes                                                       5%
Presentation                                                5%
Final Exam                                                  25%

The overall course grade will be according to the following percentages:

A    - 90 - 100 %
B    - 80 - 89.99 %
C   - 70 - 79.99 %
D   - 60 - 69.99 %
F    - Below 60 %

There will be no extra credit assignments. If you have a question about a grade, you have two weeks from the date that the grade is posted to ask for a review. After that two weeks the grade will be permanent.

Attendance

Class attendance is mandatory with attendance monitored using the automated scanner. You are required to scan in to the class using your AC ID or the Ellucian Go app on your phone. There will be no makeups for missed homework, quizzes, labs, or tests unless prior arrangements have been made at least 24 hours in advance.

If you have not attended the class or contacted the instructor by the 12^th class day of the semester (Sept. 7), you will automatically be dropped from the course and will not be able to re-enroll. 

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Additional Information

Facebook: AC Geoscience