Astronomy 1: Astronomical Universe

Syllabus and Exam Policy

The latest version of this document can be found at http://phys23p.sl.psu.edu/syll/astrosyl.html

TEXT: Astronomy: Journey to the Cosmic Frontier , 5th edition by John D. Fix (ISBN 0073050024)

Course Objective:

The objective of this course is to familiarize the student with astronomical concepts and objects. The course will also provide the student with a historical perspective of the development of astronomy as a science, and an introduction to general scientific principles (such as the Scientific Method). Although observation is an integral part of Astronomy (and any other field of science), there is no formal laboratory associated with this course. The student is encouraged to participate (on a voluntary basis) in any or all of the Astronomy Nights which will be offered on campus at various times during the semester. Since this is a science course oriented for non-science majors, only a minimum of mathematics will be used in the lectures (limited to simple algebra and geometry). A tentative schedule of topics is given below. Some topics will be covered in more detail than others. The student should note that we will cover approximately one and one-half chapters a week, and that it is imperative that the student keep up with the reading.

Grading Policy:

The grade will be based on 3 midterm exams worth 100 points each, and a comprehensive final worth 200 points, and a 50 point quiz/class participation grade. The exams will be announced at least a week ahead of time, and the final will be held at the scheduled period during finals week. An estimate of the grade cutoffs to be used is: 85% for an A, 70% for a B, etc. with the cutoffs for plus and minus grades are generally determined by dividing the coarse ranges into thirds (i.e. 90% for A, 85% for A-, 80% B+ etc). Attendance to lectures is expected, and a 15 point "attendance bonus" to the 550 point semester total is offered to those students who miss three or fewer classes (no excuses). The instructor will take attendance at the beginning of the period for most lectures and will rely on his records to determine the award of this bonus.

Failure to take a scheduled exam will result in a grade of zero. Make-up exams will be given only in the event of illness (confirmed by a physician) or death in the immediate family.  Quizzes are not always announced and are at the begging of class.  No makeup quizzes will be given, and a missed quiz will be given the grade of 0.   When calculating the grade, each student's lowest quiz grade will be dropped before calculating their quiz average.

Students are expected to maintain the highest level of academic integrity, and maintain professional standards of conduct. The University's academic policy statement can be found at http://www.psu.edu/ufs/policies/47-00.html#49-20 and the University's Code of Conduct can be found at http://www.sa.psu.edu/ja/conduct.shtml.  Students are expected to abide by the Penn State Principles:

• I will respect the dignity of all individuals within the Penn State community.
• I will practice academic integrity.
• I will demonstrate social and personal responsibility.
• I will be responsible for my own academic progress and agree to comply with all University policies.

Classroom Policy:

Students are expected to uphold their share of responsibility for maintaining an appropriate learning environment.  Students are expected to attend and participate in every class.  Students are to arrive before the beginning of class so that class may begin at the scheduled time, and are not to disrupt the class by packing their books before the instructor has ended the class.  Cellphone are to be turned off during class.   Any cellphone that rings audibly or is used by a student (for calls or sending/receiving text messages) in class may be confiscated until the next class meeting.  Students should not be having side conversations with their neighbors during class.  Students who are persistently disruptive in class will be asked to leave the class, and may face disciplinary actions. 

Students with disabilities, whether physical, learning, or psychological, who believe that they may need accommodations in this class, are encouraged to contact Disability Services as soon as possible to ensure that such accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion. Please schedule an appointment to meet with the Disability Services Liaison (570-385-6127) to verify your eligibility for any classroom accommodations and for academic assistance related to your disability. The Office of Disability Services is located in the Counseling Office, Room 106, Student Services Building.

Astronomy 1: Astronomical Universe