Earth Science 106
Stars, Nebulae, and Cosmology
Spring 2008
Ivers 166, 2:40-3:50p, MWF
Welcome to Earth Science 106. As the name implies we will be studying the universe, from the very small (atoms), to the very large (the whole ball of wax). With that in mind, the course will be an introduction to observing and understanding the structure of the universe and most of the big things it contains. Topics include the history of astronomy, spectroscopy, the structure and life cycle of the sun and other stars, star clusters and galaxies, interstellar dust and gas, and the large-scale structure and life of the universe (cosmology).
You are expected to attend every class period. It is also a good idea to do the textbook reading before coming to class (there is always the possibility of short quizzes on it). This way, you have an introduction to the material to be covered in class, and have a chance to formulate questions based on it. Please show up to class on time. I may have important announcements for the class, and these will be done at the beginning of the period. If you miss a class, it will be your responsibility to get lecture notes or announcements from a classmate.
Turn your cell phones off, or have then on silent mode. There is nothing more distracting and rude than having your cell phone start singing during class. During regular class periods you may go into the hall and answer it. During tests, this is absolutely prohibited.
At least once during the semester, we will be meeting at the Minnesota State University Moorhead Planetarium. The purpose of this visit is to illustrate certain things that simply can not be shown in a normal classroom. Because of this, it is extremely important to attend this class. Once again, there is a possibility of a quiz based on the visit. More information about these trips can be found on the course schedule, and will be handed out in class.
The Laboratory and Observations
Laboratory exercises are conducted in Ivers 120,
and require a separate lab packet available at the bookstore. The lab has two components: (1) indoor
lab activities done during your scheduled lab time, and (2) observations
to be done on your own time at the Concordia College Observatory.
More details on both of these requirements will be discussed in your lab
period.
The activities and observations are very important to your understanding of the course material. As such, you can not pass the course unless you pass the lab component.
Homework and Tests
There will be regular homework assignments, due at the beginning of the
class period on the date specified. No late homework will be accepted.
The purpose of the homework is to enhance your learning of certain subjects,
and to give you practical experience in some of the same activities the
astronomers use. You are encouraged to work together on homework,
but each student must turn in their own work.
We will have three tests given during the regular class period. There will be a final test, which will be comprehensive, but will include bits from anything we may have covered since the last regular test. Each test will be closed-book. Only a scientific calculator and writing utensil are allowed. You will not be able to share a calculator with classmates during the test.
See the course schedule for the dates of these exams. Also, you will be required to take the final exam at the scheduled time for this period. The only exceptions to this will be for those people who might have three tests in one day, or with special permission from the Counseling Center.
Course Policies
As mentioned above, no late homework will be accepted. If you know
in advance you will be gone on a day when it is due, it must be turned
in before you go.
You may make up tests, but if you have a really good excuse. These include extended illness, family deaths, and school activities such as school-sanctioned sports or music activities. I may require documentation of any of this at my discretion. If you will be gone for an official school activity, you must inform me before the fact so that arrangements can be made as soon as possible, and tests must be taken before you leave. Make-ups will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
Cheating is bad, in a big way. The policies of the college regarding this are outlined in “Academic Integrity at Concordia College,” which you are expected to have read. Cheating and plagiarism (copying someone's work and handing it is as your own) are fairly easy to detect, and will be dealt with according to the policies set down by Concordia College. Once again, I encourage you to work together on homework, as long as each person turns in their own work, in their own words. I also encourage group studying, as more brains focused on a subject will do everyone in the group much more good. Tests and quizzes are individual efforts.
I encourage all of you to seek help if you need it. The earlier you do so, the better. My office hours are listed above, and my schedule is posted on my office door. I am generally there from 8:30-4:30 everyday, and my door is usually open (unless of course I’m in another class, meeting, or lab). The worst time to see me is the 15 minutes before class or around lunchtime, especially if it’s about homework due shortly.
Your final grade will be determined as follows: Homework (and quizzes) – 15%; Tests – 15% each; Final Test – 25%; Lab – 15%.
The final letter grade will be loosely based on the following scale:
93 – 100% A
90 – 92% A-
87 – 89% B+
83 – 86% B
80 – 82% B-
77 – 79% C+
73 – 76% C
70 – 72% C-
67 – 69% D+
63 – 66% D
60 – 62% D-
Under 60% F
Go back to Physics Course Page.
Up to the Concordia College Physics
homepage.
Return to the Concordia College
WWW Server.