Solar Systems Laboratory 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-1104-001 Solar Systems Laboratory

Prerequisites

Corequisite: PHYS 1304

Course Description

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

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(1 sem hr; 3 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Exploring the Universe: A Laboratory Guide for Astronomy. Reynolds and Bakich. Morton Publishing; 2015.

ISBN: 978-1-61731-212-0

Supplies

Calculator, and internet access to print out lab assignments.

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.                   Explain and apply the concepts of image formation and telescope operation.

2.                   Explain and apply the concepts of the celestial sphere, coordinates, and planetary positions.

3.                   Become familiar with the use and application of the Baader planetarium and celestial spheres.

4.                   Utilize computers to simulate and study the night sky.

5.                   Explain and apply the concepts of computing astronomical distances.

6.                   Apply the concept of coordinates to locate constellations and be able to identify bright stars.

7.                   Become familiar with the lunar surface and be able to explain the current ideas for its formation.

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 average of the lab assignments. The lowest lab grade will be automatically dropped.

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. 

Calendar

Additional Information

Email: Every student should check your class email daily. Handouts, assignments, grades, and contact will all be made through email on AC Online.