Week of
Content
Sept 1
Introduction/ Scale of the Univere
1,3.1, and Appendix C
Sept. 8
Properties of the Night Sky
2
Sept. 15
Comments
Our place in the Universe
3.2-3.4, 4
Sept. 22
Sept. 29
Chapter
5
Solar System
6, Exam
Oct. 6
6
Oct. 13
7, 8
9, Exam
Oct. 20
Exam 1 on Oct.1
Chapters 1-5
Exam 2 on Oct. 22
Chapters 6-9
Oct. 27
Sun and Stars
10
Nov 3
11,12
Nov. 10
13
Nov. 17
Galaxies and Cosmology
14,15
Nov. 24
Exam
Dec. 1
16
Dec. 8
17
Dec. 17th
Final
Dec. 17 @1:15pm
Exam 3 on Nov. 24
Chapters 10-14
Nov. 26-No Class
ASTRONOMY 001
Course Description:
This course covers the entire panorama of the universe including early human
observations, the solar system, stars, galaxies and cosmology.
Instructor Information
Instructor: Alice Pevyhouse
Office: SCI-130
Email: apevyhouse@ccsf.edu
Office Hour: 2:40pm-3:10pm
Education works best as an active process, not a passive one, so please feel free
to ask questions as we go along.
Course Text
Bennett, Donahue, & Schneider, and Vote:
‘The Essential Cosmic Perspective 7th ed’ ISBN 978-0-321-68767-8
We will be using Mastering Astronomy:
You can purchase the book and mastering physics seperatly. You can also purchsae
mastering astronomy and an etext copy for a total of $92.
Mastering Astronomy: http://www.pearsonmylabandmastering.com/northamerica/masteringastronomy/
Course ID: MAPEVYHOUSE95478
purchased alone: $60
purchased with etext: $92
Grading
The weight of assignments (both in class and out of class) and exams is as follows:
Assignments
20%
Exams (4)
15% (each exam)
Quizzes
10%
Final Term Paper/Project
10%
This class will emphasize a critical thinking and problem-solving approach to
astrobiology. There will be both in-class and homework assignments and a final term
paper/project for this course. The exams are a combination of multiple choice and short
answer/essay questions.
If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a disability, if you have
emergency medical information to share with me, or if you need special arrangements in
case the building must be evacuated, please make an appointment with me as soon as
possible.
Assignments
Here are some guidelines on what is appropriate for submitted work:
1. Use staples to hold together multiple page assignments( I do not have a
stapler on me )
2. Your work must be reasonably neat and readable. If I can’t read it, I can’t
grade it. If you know your handwriting is hard to read, please consider using a
word processor.
3. I expect complete answers. When answering a question, do so in full
sentences and with enough detail to completely answer the question.
4. I encourage working together. However, direct copying of another person’s
work is not permitted. It is considered plagiarism, and a violation of scholastic
standards. Plagiarism is considered grounds for receiving a failing grade
in the class.
5. Cheating will not be tolerated. If you are caught cheating on an exam or
quiz, your exam will be taken away and you will be asked to withdraw from
the class.
Here is my policy on late work:
a. First Class late: 20%
b. Second Class late: half credit
c. Third Class late: No credit
Tests
We will have four tests throughout the semester which includes the final exam. There will
be NO make up exams for the three midterms.
If you miss a midterm:
I will use the average of your other tests and final in place of the test you missed. If you
haven’t missed a test, I will drop your lowest test score and us the average of your other
two tests for that score. This only refers to the first missed test. A second missed test
will result in a zero for that test.
The assignment of grades is as follows:
A
90% or higher
B
80%-89%
C
70%-79%
D
60%-69%
F
lower than 60%
The Honor System:
We function on the honor system. This means that you are on your honor to hand
in work that is your own. This does not mean that we discourage studying and
learning with fellow students- quite the contrary! What we do frown upon is such
things as copying your friend’s homework just before class
Course Conduct
I encourage class debate on topics appropriate for the class. However,
distracting behavior by individuals and/or group will not be tolerated.
I try to create a class environment that is enjoyable, safe, and conducive to
learning. Towards this end, it is essential that all of us show respect for another. This
respect needs to be demonstrated during lectures, discussions, and tests. Specifically, I
will ask you to do the following:
1. Be on time. If late to lecture, please enter the room quietly so as not to
distract others.
2. Turn off Cell Phones. Please be sure your phone is off before coming to
class. If your phone repeatedly goes off, you will be asked to leave.
3. Don’t anticipate the end of class. Class ends when I am done with
lecture, despite what the clock says.
If you become disruptive to the class, you will be asked to leave for the session. If
the disruptive behavior continues, you will be asked to withdraw from the class.