HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE SOUTHWEST
COURSE OUTLINE FOR ASTR 1304 – The Solar System
Fall, 2007
Class Number 20619
TIME and LOCATION
5:30 – 8:30 PM Tues, room W165, West Loop Campus
INSTRUCTOR
David Cantu
Office Hours: Only by arrangement (before and after class)
Phone: 713-666-8228
E-mail: dczed@comcast.net or david.cantu@hccs.edu
Web site: http://learning.swc.hccs.edu/members/david.cantu/
REQUIRED TEXTBOOK
The Solar System, Michael A Seeds, 5th Ed.
PREREQUISITES:
Placed in College Algebra (Math 1314) and GUST 0341(Or Higher) in Reading
Any student without the required prerequisites should consider withdrawing from the course,
otherwise such student will have serious problems in the course and may not pass it.
COURSE CONTENT
An introduction to the present cosmological
theories about the structure and evolution
of the universe. A comparison with previous
models since antiquity. A study of the celestial
sphere and the constellations, the motions
in the sky. A study of gravity, light, radiation,
optics, telescopes and spacecraft. A survey of
the stars, clusters, galaxies, superclusters, their
properties, structure and evolution. Laboratory
includes an introduction to observational
techniques using telescopes, in-class projects/
exercises on spectroscopy, stellar positions,
solar heating, planetary motions, solar and
astrophotography, star clusters, galaxies, and
cosmology
COURSE INTENT
Core Curriculum Course
ATTENDANCE POLICY
HCCS Attendance Policy is stated in the Fall 2007 schedule on page 13: “ Students are
expected to attend classes regularly. Students are responsible for materials covered during
their absences, and it is the student’s responsibility to consult with instructors for make-up
assignments. Class attendance is checked daily by instructors. Although it is the
responsibility of the student to drop a course, the instructor has full authority to drop a
student for excessive absences. A student may be dropped from a course for excessive
absences after the student has accumulated absences in excess of 12.5% of the hours of
instruction (including lecture and laboratory time).” Note that 12.5% is approximately
2 classes or labs for a 4 semester hour course, such as this one, which meets for 4 hours
four times weekly. If circumstances significantly prevent you from attending classes, please
inform me and I will try to be as accommodating as possible, but please be aware of the
attendance policy.
WITHDRAWAL POLICY
It is the responsibility of the student to officially drop or withdraw from the course for
non-attendance by the date listed in the schedule ( Nov 8, 2007). Failure to do that may
result in the student receiving a grade of “F” .
"NOTICE: Students who repeat a course three or more times may soon face significant
tuition/fee increases at HCC and other Texas public colleges and universities. If you are
considering course withdrawal because you are not earning passing grades, confer with
your instructor/counselor as early as possible about your study habits, reading and writing
homework, test-taking skills, attendance, course participation, and opportunities for
tutoring or other assistance that might be available."
DISABILITY SUPPORT SERVICES (DSS)
Any student with a documented disability( e.g. physical, learning, psychiatric, vision,
hearing, etc) who needs to arrange reasonable accommodations must contact the Disability
Services Office at the respective college at the beginning of each semester.(At Southwest
College, contact Dr. Becky Hauri, 713-718-7909; also see page 5 of the Fall 2007 class
schedule for additional DSS numbers). Once this is established and documented,
reasonable accommodations will be provided.
SCHOLASTIC DISHONESTY
Students are responsible for conducting themselves with honor and integrity in fulfilling
course requirements. Disciplinary proceedings may be initiated by the college system
against a student accused of scholastic dishonesty. Penalties can include a grade of “0”
or “F” on the particular assignment, failure un the course, academic probation, or
even dismissal from the college. Scholastic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to,
cheating on a test, plagiarism, and collusion.
EXAMS
Exams will consist of three non-cumulative regular exams plus a comprehensive
final exam ( meaning that it will cover all of the material from the whole semester).
The FINAL EXAM is mandatory and departmental.
Extra Credit: Projects and research reports can add up to 5 points to the final grade
calculated above.
FINAL GRADE
The overall score is based on the following:
Three regular exams
Final exam
75%
25%
The Final Grade is calculated as follows:
Final Grade = (T1 + T2 + T3 + Final)/4 + Extra Credit
Grading Scale
A = 90-100
B = 80-89
C = 70-79
D = 60-69
F < 60
NO MAKE-UP EXAMS will be given. However, the grade of the final exam will be
substituted for only one missed exam.
Other Information
Free physics tutoring is available. A tutoring schedule will be posted in the classroom
and lab room and on the departmental website.
General suggestion
It is very easy to fall behind and, as a result, to not be ready for the exams. The following
tips might be helpful:
a) Learning physics takes time. A reasonable guide is to allow yourself two hours of
study for each hour of lecture. Heavy work and/or class loads are not compatible
with learning physics.
Attend class regularly and take notes during class. Ask questions.
b) When beginning a new chapter, I recommend that you read through it quickly
for the first time, just to give yourself a good feel for it. You will understand
much better if you do this.
c) Next, start tackling the end of chapter problems. Working problems facilitates
understanding and is essential. However, do not spend an inordinate amount of time
on a single problem-skip for the time being and go on to another. Try working the
sample exercises in the chapter. They are already worked out for you and are
very helpful.
I look forward to working with you this semester.
IMPORTANT DATES
Sept
3
Labor Day Holiday (Mon)
Nov
8
Last Day to Drop with a grade of "W"
Nov 22 - 25
Dec
6
Dec
11
Thanksgiving Holidays
Last Class Day, Extra Credit Due
Final Exam
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
WEEK 5
Sept 25th
FIRST EXAM
WEEK 10
Oct 30st
SECOND EXAM
________________________________________________________________________________
WEEK 15
Dec 4 th
THIRD EXAM
________________________________________________________________________________
WEEK 16
Dec 11th
FINAL EXAM