INTRODUCTORY ASTRONOMY LECTURE (ERTH-101)
Spring 2008, TuTh 8:00 - 9:20 am, PS-101
(Official class syllabus posted on-line -- always check for updates)

ERTH 101 - INTRODUCTORY ASTRONOMY (3.0 UNITS): Non-mathematical presentation of our knowledge of the universe. Includes birth and death of stars, formation of solar system, black holes, quasars and the fourth dimension.

TRANSFERABILITY:  CSU; UC TRANSFER LIMIT          SKILLS ADVISORY:  English 103, Math 1.

TEXT: Perspectives on Astronomy, Seeds & Backman (available in bookstore).  Will also need to purchase a supplemental Astro Lecture kit card (from cashier on top floor).  Do not get the Astro Lab kit card unless you are also enrolled in the ERTH 102 Astronomy Lab course.

GRADING: Grading is based on consistent performance. No single test will determine your grade. Please note that all assignments are required components of your grade. You must complete all assignments to pass this course regardless of your cumulative percentage. 

GRADING SCALE: The grading scale (subject to revision) will be as follows.  Scores may be curved slightly to help you, so always strive to do your best.

ASTRONOMY LAB:  The astronomy lab component of this course (ERTH-102) is not required, however is highly recommended (and may be important for transfer).  The one unit lab is held in the Planetarium and Observatory at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History (click here for directions).  In lab you will learn by watching and doing.  The planetarium allows us to show celestial motions as they are happening.  The telescopes allow us to look at the sun, moon, planets, and many deep space objects such as galaxies, planetary nebulas, supernova, and diffuse nebula.  I hope many of you will consider taking advantage of the lab component of this course.  The lab fills quickly.  If you are unable to get into the lab this semester, be sure to register early next semester.  You may take the lab any semester and it will still transfer with this lecture course as a science with a lab.

PIPELINE:  All students are required to make use of SBCC's PIPELINE service for participation in classroom activities and assignments and so that the instructor (and other students in your class) may contact you.  It is required that you check your PIPELINE account at least once per week.  To access PIPELINE, click the PIPELINE link at the bottom of my www.fieldstudy.com website, and/or on the www.sbcc.edu website.  If you have difficulty accessing your PIPELINE account, meet with me after class so that I can help you.  Always try to use your Pipeline account to email me so as to avoid spam filtering problems.  I always check my Pipeline account first.  If you do not receive a response from me within a few days, catch me before or after class or contact me by phone.

ATTENDANCE:  It is my experience that students who do not attend - do not succeed. This is because the nature of the discipline is such that the lecture presentations, physical demonstrations, and laboratory experience (for those enrolled in ERTH-102) are all vital and integral components of a solid foundation in this discipline. I look forward to seeing all of you in class regularly.  Attendance/participation quizzes will be given daily.

DROP POLICY:  Adding and dropping courses is a student responsibility, do not expect the instructor to do it for you.  In general though, students may be dropped after missing 2 classes in a row, or 3 classes total.  If there are extenuating circumstances, be sure to let me know (in advance if at all possible).  Students who do not show for the first few days of class will be dropped to make room for those on the waiting list trying to add.

TURNING IN PAPERS:  All papers are to be turned in at the front of the room before or after class, but not during class. For all papers submitted, in the upper right corner, give your name, the date, the class, and the assignment.  Keep a copy.  Many assignments will be kept by your instructor until the end of the semester and may be picked up after the class is over.

MISSING CLASS:  By registering for this class, you have contracted with the school and with the instructor for lecture class hours, lab hours, and 2-3 homework hours out of class for every hour in class. Sign the attendance sheet each time you come to class. If you miss 2-3 classes, you may be dropped without consultation. If you must miss a class, make arrangements with other students to have your work turned in on time and to have notes taken for you. It is your responsibility to check the "daily announcements" on-line.  You should also check with other students to see what material was covered and if any important announcements were made. No due date extensions are given for students who miss class. You do NOT need to call me to let me know that you will miss class.

MISSING TESTS:  If you miss a test, you must make it up the next day or as soon as possible before the next class meeting. There are no make-ups after the next class meeting since we may be going over test material at that time.  Logistically, it is difficult to administer makeup tests and it is not fair to other students that some individuals should get additional time to study. It is not necessary to call me if you will be missing a test or have missed a test and will be making it up in the allotted time. You may make up only ONE test during the semester.  To make up a test, see Jan or Naomi in the department office EBS 114 (click to view a map).  Click here for detailed instructions.  If you will be unable to make up the test by the next class meeting, contact me by email immediately.

REVIEWING your TESTS and QUIZZES:  Tests and quizzes will be kept by the instructor, though you are encouraged to come in to review your scores.  You may review tests with Jan or Naomi in the department office EBS 114 (click to view a map).  Click here for detailed instructions.  These materials will be available only during our department secretary's posted times, and only for the week after the test is given.  Clicker quizzes are not generally available for review, though you are encouraged to discuss the concepts with tutors.

DAILY CLICKER QUIZZES:  These clicker quiz questions may cover material discussed in class, homework, or from assigned reading. Quizzes may be similar to homework problems or class examples, or may cover material assigned for reading but not yet discussed in class. Be sure to bring writing materials and your textbook to class with you at all times. There are absolutely no make-up quizzes!  Quizzes can be given anytime without warning. Quizzes serve to help you with troublesome topics and reward you for your participation in class. Clicker quiz questions may be given at the beginning of class, during class, or at the end of class. Some quizzes may be collected and redistributed for grading by your classmates. If you would prefer not to have your classmates grade your work, please let the instructor know.

SCANTRONS:  Tests will require that you use 50 question scantron forms that are available at the bookstore. These are half a page in size (do not use the full page 8½ x 11 size) and have 50 questions on one side with another 50 questions on the other.

HONOR:  I would like to encourage a healthy educational environment of trust and academic responsibility. I will trust you the student to pursue academic success with honor and integrity. I do not anticipate any problems. however, for the record - any indication of cheating (no matter how minor the infraction) will result in an F in the course with your name being turned in to the administration. This can result in a permanent blemish on your transcript as well as expulsion. Do not let this happen to you. There are no second chances!  If it is apparent that you have copied, or falsely represented your work, or you have made the same errors as the solution manual, solution key, or others in your class, you will be removed from the course. If a homework or test problem is in question, you may be asked to solve it for your instructor or explain each and every step of your solution. Conduct yourselves with honor and integrity.

GET AHEAD:  If you consistently keep up with the material you will do well. It is easy to get ahead but difficult to catch up should you fall behind!  Material at the end of the course can be challenging. Do not let this catch you by surprise. For those who keep up, the class can be fun and rewarding!

TRY TO BE ON TIME:  Entering and leaving during class can be disruptive to students and staff.  Certainly if you are running late, do join us, but please make a considerate effort to be on time.

TURN CELL PHONES OFF:  It is distractive to have cell phones ring during lecture.  Please turn your cell phones off before coming to class.  No text messaging!

NO FOOD OR DRINK IN CLASS (Water Bottles OK):  Health and Safety Code Regulations dictate that there is to be no food or drink in the classroom.   Please no eating during class. 

IMPORTANT LINKS:

• GETTING HELP!
  • CORNELL NOTE TAKING METHOD
  • TIME MANAGEMENT / STUDY TIME
  • TEST PREPERATION
  • TEST TAKING
• TEXTBOOK COMPANION WEBSITE
  • Study aids to help you succeed.