Valencia College Syllabus Astronomy Course Description

Valencia College Syllabus
Astronomy
AST 1002-12229
Fall 2014
Tuesday & Thursday 10:00 – 11:15 am
Instructor: Dr. Ivan Padron
Email: ipadron1@valenciacollege.edu
Course Description
Welcome to Astronomy. This course is designed to learn the basic concepts of Astronomy and assumes no prior
knowledge of astronomy or physics, and it is especially suited to students who do not intend to major in
mathematics or science. The course offers a broad survey of modern understanding of the cosmos and of how
we have gained that understanding, topics include a general overview of our cosmic address and origins, the
scale of space and time, the motion in the universe, and an introduction of the major phenomena of the sky.
Please feel free to make comments, criticisms, or suggestions at any time. I will make any adjustments that are
necessary to ensure that you find the course both challenging and rewarding.
Course Materials
The textbook for this course is Essential Cosmic Perspective by Bennett 6th edition.
“Mastering Astronomy”, Pearson/Addison-Wesley. If your text does not include “Mastering Astronomy”
access code, you can purchase it separately at http://www.masteringAstronomy.com. This site contains
additional examples, exercises, simulations, and other materials that can be useful.
MAPADRON77457
Instructor’s Teaching Philosophy
The education is one of the most fascinating experiences which provides the satisfaction of enjoy the result of
your efforts. Education is the foundation for growth, appreciation and respect.
As a professor, my priority is to teach, educate and direct my students to be prepared for the future. I am
committed to providing the students the fundamental concepts to increase their knowledge, and help them to
develop the necessary skills to apply this knowledge to their future career. I always maintain a positive attitude
and a strong sense of integrity. I pledge my respect to each and every person who will be relating to my
profession. I sincerely believe that if I remain true to my values, I will have a positive impact on all those whose
lives I touch.
Learning about the universe helps us understand what has made our existence possible. Studying the intimate
connections between human life and the cosmos gives students a reason to care about astronomy. The long
history of astronomy is a proof that science is a process through which we learn about our universe, a process
that is not always a straight line to the “truth.” By remembering a few key physical principles and understanding
the nature of science, students can follow astronomical developments for the rest of their lives. Astronomy
affects each of us personally with the new perspectives it offers. Although astronomy should not be construed to
support any particular worldview, it certainly provides the foundations from which worldviews are built.
I encourage students to keep focus on the big picture and think about general concepts and ideas, but at the
same time, I help them to complete the course requirements, providing lecture notes and other support
materials, Also, I exhort students to find personalized methods to understand and retain concepts, and I will
assist them by providing my own personalized examples. Students learn best when they are actively involved in
the process.
The main challenge that a professor faces up is to keep the students motivated. The accomplishment wills
depend of the professor’s own attitude. Professors that are truly motivated by the subject can easily transmit this
to their students. Staying active in research is an excellent way to convey this motivation to the students.
Another way to keep the students motivated is using new approaches to teaching and the introduction of news
curses in correspondence of the new technologies and challenges. I will be always encouraged to bring the more
advantage knowledge to my students, and to work close to my colleagues in the effort to provide the more
actualized and useful teaching techniques. Also, with enthusiasm I will endow my students with training,
confidence and the right attitude to the scientific research.
I will always look ahead to the future as a professor with great excitement and strong commitment.
Attendance
I expect you to attend class unless serious circumstances prevent that, in which case, I would appreciate you
speaking with me about your absence. Also, punctuality is essential because I will dedicate the first few minutes
in each class to provide you any modification or important information about the course. Attendance and
punctuality is vital to academic success.
Policies and Procedures
This course is design to be according to Valencia College policies and Procedures. For more information please
refer to http://valenciacollege.edu/generalcounsel/policydetail.cfm?RecordID=75.
Withdrawal Policy:
Per Valencia Policy 4-07 (Academic Progress, Course Attendance and Grades, and Withdrawals), a student who
withdraws from class before the withdrawal deadline (November 7th, 2014) will receive a grade of “W”. A
student is not permitted to withdraw after the withdrawal deadline. A faculty member MAY withdraw a student
up to the beginning of the final exam period for violation of class attendance policy. A student who is
withdrawn by faculty for violation of the class attendance policy will receive a grade of “W”. Any student who
withdraws or is withdrawn from a class during a third or subsequent attempt is the same course will be assigned
a grade of “F”. For complete policy and procedure overview on Valencia Policy 4-07 please refer to
http://valenciacollege.edu/generalcounsel/policydetail.cfm?RecordID=75.
Homework, Quizzes, Tests and Final Exam
Homework assignments will be given regularly during the semester. Every chapter will have homework, which
will be available the corresponding lecture day for each chapter.
Every chapter will have a Quiz, which will be assigned the corresponding homework due day for each chapter.
There are three tests scheduled during the semester: September 23rd, October 1st, and November 18th The
final exam is scheduled for December 9th from 10:00 – 12:30 a.m.
Accessibility and support to Students
I have prepared this course with numerous resources to be able to help to learn and understand the basics of
astronomy and to pass the minimum requirement for the course, I will provide you:
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PowerPoint presentation notes for each chapter.
Homework, quizzes and test solutions
Videos related to the course material.
I will be available during the week in the Physics lab and officially I have reserved some office hours to assist
you with any kind of help.
Do not hesitate to ask for my assistance I enjoy teaching and I enjoy talking with you. If you have questions or
just want to explore an idea, come by.
Grading Policy
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
Homework - 15% of your class grade.
Quizzes - 15% of your class grade.
Tests - 30% of your class grade (10% each)
Projects 10% of your class grade.
Final Exam – 30% of your class grade.
Grading Scale
90 – 100% = A
80 – 89% = B
70 – 79% = C
60 – 69% = D
Below 60% = F
Students have an option to substitute the tests grade (30%) with final exam grade. This option will be
available only for students who will take the three tests.
For quizzes and homework, the grade average will exclude the lower grade.
Make-Up Policy for Examinations and All Other Assignments
Students, who missed a test or have not submitted a homework or other assignment on time, due to an excused
reason (sickness, death in family and others serious reasons), and have a perfect attendance record (otherwise at
the discretion of the instructor) may be allowed to make-up this test and to submit the assignment after the
deadline. The instructor may request a doctor’s note or other documentation to decide whether to allow a
makeup. No make-ups or late submissions without excused reasons or if a student missed more than 3
classes before the day of the test. Also, there are not make-ups for final exam.
BlackBoard site
I will use the BlackBoard class site to provide information about the course such as syllabus, PowerPoint notes,
grades, …
Student Conduct and Academic Honesty

Exams and homework are considered individual effort; any submissions that are too similar for coincidence
will receive no credit.
• Students are responsible for preparing for class and complete homework and others assignments.
• Students who are absent are fully responsible for all material covered in class.
• Cell phones, personal computers, and other electronic devices must be turned off during the class time.
Expected Student Conduct:
Valencia Community College is dedicated not only to the advancement of knowledge and learning but is
concerned with the development of responsible personal and social conduct. By enrolling at Valencia College, a
student assumes the responsibility for becoming familiar with and abiding by the general rules of conduct. The
primary responsibility for managing the classroom environment rests with the faculty. Students who engage in
any prohibited or unlawful acts that result in disruption of a class may be directed by the faculty to leave the
class. Violation of any classroom or Valencia’s rules may lead to disciplinary action up to and including
expulsion from Valencia. Disciplinary action could include being withdrawn from class, disciplinary warning,
probation, suspension, expulsion, or other appropriate and authorized actions. You will find the Student Code of
Conduct in the current Valencia Student Handbook.
Students with Disabilities
Students with disabilities who qualify for academic accommodations must provide a notification from the
Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) and discuss specific needs with the instructor, preferably during the
first two weeks of class. The Office for Students with Disabilities determines accommodations based on
appropriate documentation of disabilities. The West Campus Office is in the SSB Building, Room 102. (Phone)
407-582-1523 (Fax) 407-582-1326 (TTY) 407-582-1222
BayCare Behavioral Health Student Assistance Program
Valencia College is interested in making sure all our students have a rewarding and successful college
experience. To that purpose, Valencia students can get immediate help with issues dealing with stress, anxiety,
depression, adjustment difficulties, substance abuse, time management as well as relationship problems dealing
with school, home or work. BayCare Behavioral Health Student Assistance Program (SAP) services are free to
all Valencia students and available 24 hours a day by calling (800) 878-5470. Free face-to-face counseling is
also available.
Expectations
I hope this will be a positive learning experience for you. Your success in this course will depend on your effort
and dedication. I expect you to attend and be on time to each class and follow my recommendations:
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Read the Power Point notes.
Homework need to be completed on time. In order to provide you the solutions.
Don’t miss class, and make sure you come to class prepared for the corresponding Quiz
If you find yourself confused or falling behind for any reason at any time, let me know. immediately! No
matter what is causing your difficulty, I am quite willing to work with you to find a way for you to
succeed.
Course Lectures Schedule
Date
August 26
August 28
September 02
September 04
September 09
September 11
September 16
September 18
September 23
September 25
September 30
October 02
October 07
October 09
October 14
October 16
October 21
October 23
October 28
October 30
November 4
November 6
November 11
November 13
November 18
November 20
November 25
November 27
December 02
December 02
Topic
Introduction
Lecture 1: Basic Astronomical Definitions
Lecture 2: Earth’s Motions and Moon Cycles
Lecture 3: The Origin of Modern Astronomy
Lecture 4: Gravitation and the Motion of Planets
Lecture 5: Light and Telescopes
Lecture 6: Atomic Physics and Spectra
Lecture 7: Formation of Solar System and other Planetary Systems
Test I Lectures 1-6
Lecture 8: Earth and our Moon
Lecture 9: The Terrestrial Planes (Inner planets)
Lecture 10: The Jovian Planets (Outer Planets)
Lecture 11: Asteroids and Comets
No Classes
Lecture 12: The Sun, Our Star
Lecture 13: Understanding the Stars.
Test II Lectures 7-12
Lecture 14: The Lives of the Stars
Lecture 15: The Death of the Stars
Lecture 16: The Milky Way Galaxy
Lecture 17: Galaxies
Lecture 18: Black Holes, Dark Matter and Dark Energy
Lecture 19: Cosmology: From The Big Bang to The Fate of the Universe
Lecture 20: Life in the Universe
Test III Lectures 13-20
Project 2 Group Discussions
Project 3 Group Discussions
No Classes
Cosmos Video
Project 4 Cosmos Video Short Answer Questions
Final Exam – Thursday, December 9th , 10:00 – 12:30 a.m.
Homework Due Days and Quizzes Schedule
Homework
&
Quiz
Homework due day and Quiz Schedule
1
09/04/2014
2
09/9/2014
3
09/11/2014
4
09/16/2014
5
09/18/2014
6
09/20/2014
7
09/25/2014
8
10/02/2014
9
10/07/2014
10 & 11
10/14/2014
12
10/16/2014
13
10/23/2014
14
10/30/2014
15
11/04/2014
16
11/06/2014
17
11/11/2014
18
11/13/2014
19& 20
11/22/2014
Disclaimer Statement
As many factors may affect the development and progress of a class, exceptions to the above stated policies or
schedule may be made at the discretion of the instructor.