ASTR 1010 - Solar System Astronomy
Course Syllabus - Fall 2009

| Course description | Outcomes | Term | Instructor information | Class meetings | Text |
| Evaluation | Grading | Mid-term progress report | Course schedule | Course policies | Important dates |

Individuals with disabilities who need to request accommodations should contact 
the Disability Services Coordinator, Student Center 255, 678-466-5445, disabilityservices@mail.clayton.edu.

Number and Title:

ASTR 1010 (CRN 88167)
Solar System Astronomy

Credit Hours:

3.0 semester credit hours (3-0-3)

Catalog Description:

Astronomy from early ideas of the cosmos to modern observational techniques. The solar system planets, satellites, and minor bodies. The origin and evolution of the solar system.

Course Prerequisites and Co-requisites:

· Prerequisite: Exit Learning Support mathematics.  This prerequisite can be met by successfully completing MATH 0099, by successfully completing any 1000-level mathematics course, or by math placement scores which support registration in any 1000-level mathematics course.

Content:

• Our place in the Universe
• The seasons and the Moon
• The science of astronomy
• Celestial coordinates and navigation
• Laws of motion, conservation laws, gravity
• Light and matter
• Telescopes
• The Solar System
• Formation of the Solar System
• Planetary geology
• Planetary atmospheres
• Jovian planet systems
• Asteroids, comets and dwarf planets

Computer Requirement:

Each CSU student is required to have ready access throughout the semester to a notebook computer that meets faculty-approved hardware and software requirements for the student's academic program. Students will sign a statement attesting to such access.  For further information on CSU's Official Notebook Computer Policy, please go to http://itpchoice.clayton.edu/policy.htm.

Computer Skill Prerequisites:

Able to use the Windows^TM operating system

Able to use Microsoft Word^TM word processing

Able to send and receive e-mail using Outlook^TM or Outlook Express^TM

Able to attach and retrieve attached files via email

Able to use a Web browser

In-class Use of Student Notebook Computers:

 Student notebook computers will be used in the classroom in this course. Computers will be required to access course materials and   to communicate with your instructor.

Major Student Activities:

• Assigned reading from text
• Assigned homework problems
• Taking notes during class
• Answering and asking questions during class
• Quizzes and examinations
• Demonstrations of physical principles

General education outcomes:

The following links provide tabular descriptions of the communications outcome and the critical thinking outcome components  (see ASTR 1010 in the tables):

• Communications outcomes components
   
• Critical thinking outcomes components

These grade definitions are University policy and will be strictly adhered to.  Exception:  A student who does not miss any scheduled quizzes or exams will have 1 point added to his/her final average.

Grades may be communicated through e-mail, but only to a proper CSU e-mail account.

General Policy:

Students must abide by policies in the Clayton State University Student Handbook, and the Basic Undergraduate Student Responsibilities.

University Attendance Policy

Students are expected to attend and participate in every class meeting. Instructors establish specific policies relating to absences in their courses and communicate these policies to the students through the course syllabi. Individual instructors, based upon the nature of the course, determine what effect excused and unexcused absences have in determining grades and upon students’ ability to remain enrolled in their courses. The university reserves the right to determine that excessive absences, whether justified or not, are sufficient cause for institutional withdrawals or failing grades.

Course Attendance Policy

Attendance is expected for all class periods (in the classroom and on-line).  Attendance in the classroom is required for examination periods.  Any absence must be accompanied by a written excuse from a doctor or other competent authority. 

Missed Work

Without a valid excuse, a grade of zero points will be assigned for the missed work.  If a valid excuse is provided:

Make-up quizzes will be given only if they are taken before the next class period.  If the make-up quiz cannot be taken before the next class period the missed quiz will be counted as a quiz which can be dropped.  The lowest quiz grade will be dropped for all students.
 

Make-up examinations will be given only if they are taken before graded examinations are returned (next class period).  In the event that a make-up examination cannot be taken before exams are returned to other students, the missed examination will not count in calculating the course grade.  The final exam grade will replace the missing grade.
 

The final examination must be taken.

Academic Dishonesty

Any type of activity that is considered dishonest by reasonable standards may constitute academic misconduct. The most common forms of academic misconduct are cheating and plagiarism. All instances of academic dishonesty will result in a grade of zero for the work involved. All instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Office of Student Life/Judicial Affairs. Judicial procedures are described at

http://adminservices.clayton.edu/judicial/.

Disruption of the Learning Environment

Behavior which disrupts the teaching–learning process during class activities will not be tolerated.  While a variety of behaviors can be disruptive in a classroom setting, more serious examples include belligerent, abusive, profane, and/or threatening behavior.  A student who fails to respond to reasonable faculty direction regarding classroom behavior and/or behavior while participating in classroom activities may be dismissed from class.  A student who is dismissed is entitled to due process and will be afforded such rights as soon as possible following dismissal.  If found in violation, a student may be administratively withdrawn and may receive a grade of WF.

A more detailed description of examples of disruptive behavior and appeal procedures is provided at: 

http://a-s.clayton.edu/DisruptiveClassroomBehavior.htm.

Other Policies

The use of simple calculators is allowed for all quizzes and examinations.

All examinations are closed book.

No student-produced "memory sheets" or note cards are allowed.