Course Information:

Fall 2014
Credits: 4
Clock hours - (lecture-lab): (3-2)
CRN: lecture 20833; labs 20834, 20835
Lecture Room: Chemistry 020***
Lecture Times: MWF 2:30-3:25
Lab Room: Berndt Hall 610
Lab Times: Th 4:40-6:40; 6:50-8:50 and other times as necessary depending on weather, etc.

Instructor Information:

Charles L. Hakes
Office : Berndt 630
Office phone: (This is NOT the best way to contact me.  For this class, email is the way to go.  Do not contact me to tell me that you won't be in class or to ask what the next assignment is.  Homework assignments are through MasteringAstronomy.)
Probable office hours: Office Hours.  Any time my door is open I am available.  I will also often be around on some Tuesdays and in lab most Thursdays.
e-mail: hakes_c@fortlewis.edu (This is the best way to contact me)  If you have questions, be sure to look through these web pages.  If you ask a question that is answered there, the email response may be "See web site."

Web Site: http://faculty.fortlewis.edu/hakes_c

Catalog Description:

A course for students interested in elementary astronomy. A survey of modern astronomy including the moon, planets, stars, galaxies, and the universe as a whole. The history and social implications of astronomy are also addressed.  Includes a weekly lab.

Course Learning Objectives:

• Students will understand the basic levels of structure in the universe and the relationship and relative motions of the Earth to the sun, moon, solar system, galaxy, and universe.
  
• Students will be able to use geometric relationships to measure the distances and sizes to otherwise inaccesible objects.
• Students will be able to describe the nature of electromagnetic radiation and explain how it can be used to determine physical characteristics, such as temperature and composition, of remote objects.
  
• Students will understand the operation of and be able to use a telescope to find objects in the night sky.
• Students will be able to describe the formation and structure of the solar system, and how the size and distance to the sun influence the physical properties of the planets, asteroids, and comets.
  
• Students will understand the evolution, energy production, and expected end-of-life properties of various sized stars.
• Students will be able to summarize the properties of interstellar matter, as well as recognize different types of star clusters and nebulae.
• Students will understand the measurments used to determine greater and greater distances, and how those measurements are used to determine the large scale structure of the universe and be able to discuss the role of dark matter and dark energy.
  

Course Requirements and Grading Policies

Class Required Resources:

Texts: Astronomy, A Beginner's Guide to the Universe, Seventh Edition by Chaisson and McMillan; Edmund Scientific Star and Planet Locator.  These two items should be bundled by the bookstore.

Required Web Access:  MasteringAstronomy for homework!

Required Supplies:

• i>clicker transmitter - These are the "clickers" for remotely answering questions in class.  A smartphone app is available for a nominal fee so your phone could be used as a clicker.  You must have one to receive credit for answering any of the in-class questions.  It is up to you to keep a spare set of batteries.  During the first week of class, you must provide me with your transmitter number.  Some of the questions to be answered using the iclicker are for discussion (you can't get them wrong), but we might also have "graded" questions over the reading or homework problems materials at the beginning of class.
• Scantron forms (red) - The tests will be machine graded.  You must buy at least four of these scantron multiple-choice grading forms.  We will use them on the tests and final exam.  It is a good idea to get a couple extra.  I won't have any.  Don't forget a sharp pencil. (or two or three!)
• Calculator - get a simple calculator that understands scientific notation.  Phone calculators are not allowed.  If you are using a cell phone during a test, your grade will be zero for the test.
• Solar Viewer - available at book store front desk
• Manila folder with tab
• Stapler
• Pencils
• Watch (phone?) with a second hand.
  

Math/Calculator Requirement:  Although this class only has minimal math prerequisites, you will be required to do some calculations involving simple algebra and trigonometry.  We will cover what you need to know, but my plan is not to need to re-teach algebra.  You will need a scientific calculator for your homework and tests.  It is a good idea to get a simple calculator that understands scientific notation.  You need to know how to enter and read numbers in scientific notation on whatever calculator you have.  Most "math" issues students have with this course are really "calculator use" issues.  You will need to bring your calculator during tests.  There are some Math Tutorial videos available to help you with many of these topics.

Homework Requirement:  There will be homework problems most weeks.  The homework doesn't count as much as the tests, but you will find the tests rather difficult if you have not done the homework.  Homework problems will be assigned and turned in via the MasteringAstronomy website.

Academic (dis)honesty:  Any incidents of cheating on quizzes or exams will result in being reported to the office of academic affairs, and an F for the course.  (I may soften that penalty only if circumstances warrant it, at my discretion.)  I do encourage you to work together to discuss the homework, but your written answer must be in your own words.  Don't Copy!  Unacceptable collaboration on a homework assignment will result in a score of zero for the entire assignment.  Copying or directly paraphrasing answers from the textbook on a homework assignment will result in a zero for that question.  Answer in your own words in order to actually learn something!

Accessibility: Students with disabilities who require reasonable accommodations to fully participate in course activities or meet course requirements must register with  Disability Services, 280 Noble Hall, 247-7459.  If you qualify for services, bring your letter of accommodations to me during office hours as soon as possible.

Additional information