AST 101 – Solar System Astronomy I (Internet)
Science Department
Catalog Course Description: This course is a descriptive survey of the universe with emphasis on basic
physical concepts and the objects in the solar system. Related topics of current interest are included in
the course. Lecture (3.0), Laboratory (6.0).
Prerequisite(s):
Credit Hours:
None
4
Departmental Website:
D2L Brightspace Login Page:
http://www.midlandstech.edu/science
https://elearn.midlandstech.edu
Departmental Assistant:
Department Chair:
Ms. Pam McPherson, CPS ([email protected])
Dr. Geralyne Lopez-de-Victoria ([email protected])
Textbook(s):
Lecture: Foundations of Astronomy, Michael A. Seeds, 11th or
most recent edition Lab: AST 101 Bundle, LSW
Additional Course Materials:
1. Scientific calculator
2. Metric/standard ruler
3. Protractor
4. Personal e-mail address and computer access
Course Objectives: Upon completion of this course the student will be able to: have a working
knowledge of solar system astronomy.
Course Outcomes and Competencies:
Intended Course Outcome: Students will understand and be able to use scientific reasoning and
principles through the study of basic astronomy. To promote an interest in astronomy and
physics. To enable the student to more thoroughly understand the concepts of astronomy in
general. To enable the student to apply knowledge to a specific problem in a systematic
manner. To enable the student to develop skill in handling apparatus and to practice the
procedures of making accurate measurements and presenting results in a scientific manner.
Course Competency: Students will demonstrate their understanding and ability to use scientific
reasoning and principles by answering examination questions based on the learning objectives:
Solve problems using pre-college level math or answer conceptual questions by
1. Identifying a component of the celestial sphere and/or a celestial phenomenon, such as
eclipses
2. Describing a characteristic of terrestrial planets
3. Describing a characteristic of Jovian planets
4. Describing a characteristic of small Solar System objects
Performance Measurement Instrument: Students will complete a set embedded examination
questions prepared by faculty based on the course learning objectives.
On Campus Course Attendance:
Absences are determined by not submitting assignments within the period of their due dates. Maximum
allowed absences are 2 classes (determined by the number of missed tests), and 2 labs (determined by
the number of missed lab reports).
A missed lab or test results in a grade of zero on those assignments and an absence for each.
There are no make-up labs or make-up tests. You may keep up with your attendance by
observing the number of zeros you have listed under Labs or Tests on the Grade page or on the
Attendance page in D2L. Once a student has exceeded the maximum allowed absences, they will
be withdrawn from the course.
Absences, regardless of the reason, are cuts. Notes from doctors, employers, courts, etc. do not
excuse an absence; they merely explain to the instructor why you missed class. On the first cut
exceeding the limit, the instructor will officially drop you from the class. Students should note
that withdrawal by the instructor may not be within refund dates. Students who wish to receive
a tuition refund upon discontinued enrollment in a class should initiate the course withdrawal
process themselves. Additionally, changes in course load, including course withdrawal, can
impact financial aid, veterans' benefits, and other enrollment-related assistance. Students
should investigate the consequences of a course withdrawal prior to taking any action. There
are just too many students for me to respond throughout the term with their individual
attendance. You need to keep up with your own attendance in class - who is to know better
than you! If you want to drop from the course, don't expect someone to do if for you. Do it
yourself. Missed tests, labs, and other assignments will count as zeroes - which may result in an
"F" unless you officially drop the course yourself.
Withdrawal: Should the maximum allowable absences be exceeded prior to midterm, a "W"
will be submitted to the registrar to be recorded on the student's transcript. Should the
maximum allowable absences be exceeded after midterm, a "W" will be submitted to the
registrar if the student was passing the course at the time of withdrawal OR a "WF" will be
submitted if the student was failing the course at the time of withdrawal.
No Shows: If you register for a course and decide not to attend for any reason, you must
complete a drop form and process it through the student Records Office. You will not be
automatically purged for non-attendance. If you do not submit a drop form, you will be
responsible for course tuition and fees. By not officially dropping the course, you will incur a bill
with the college that can only be addressed through the College’s Finance Office. The college’s
refund policy and dates are posted each semester.
Effective Spring 2015, the Student Ombudsman’s office will no longer be the initial point of contact
for requesting No Shows to be processed. Students who incur a bill must contact the Finance Office.
Administrative Drop Requests: A student requesting an Administrative Drop resulting from medical
event, death of family member, and other extenuating circumstances experienced while enrolled at
Midlands Technical College should be directed to the Student Ombudsman’s office. Our policy dictates a
request must be made no later than 30 days after the affected term. Supporting documentation is
required and must be received before the request can be processed. Once the request form is received
along with supporting documentation, it takes approximately three weeks for processing. As a result of
an approved Administrative Drop Request, the student may be granted a refund of tuition and fees.
Military Withdrawal: According to College Procedure 3.10.1, students having to withdraw from
college because of Military Deployment (active duty personnel) while enrolled must complete a
withdrawal form and submit to the Records Office along with a copy of military orders.
Disabilities Statement: The staff of Counseling and Career Services works to ensure that all educational
programming and services are accessible to otherwise qualified students with disabilities. If you have a
concern regarding the accessibility of websites, instructional materials, online courses and other
electronic or information technology please contact Counseling and Career Services. It is the student's
responsibility to self-disclose as a student with a disability and to request accommodations prior to
beginning a program or course. Please contact the staff of Counseling and Career Services at 803-8223505 (AC) or 803-738-7636 (BC) or via email at [email protected] if you have any questions or
concerns.
D2L Brightspace Help:
Online Learning Support Help Desk: Technical questions related to the operation and use of D2L
Brightspace can be answered from our Support Help Desk. A response will be provided within
one business day.
To login: use your MTC e-mail account username and password.
(Student Username Example: georgeasmith)
(Faculty Username Example: smithg)
D2L Brightspace Assistance: Technical questions related to the operation and use of D2L
Brightspace can also be answered by leaving a voicemail at (803) 822-3561, or emailing
[email protected]. A response will be provided within one business day.
MyMTC Help: For MyMTC log-in issues please call 803-738-7888.
Academic Dishonesty: For more information about academic dishonesty, see the Academic Affairs
Student Guidelines and Expectations.
If you are suspected of cheating, your instructor will inform you. You may explain or refute the
allegation. If your instructor still thinks the charges are founded, you will be referred to the Office of the
Associate Vice President of Student Development Services. Documentation is submitted to the Office of
the AVP, SDS, by your instructor. You will then meet with either Dr. Holloway or Mr. Hayden. After the
meeting, you will receive a letter with the sanction grade of zero (0) and any other sanctions deemed
appropriate. You will have the right to file an appeal. Once the hearing and the notice of the right to
appeal have been completed, instructor will be notified to apply the sanction grade of zero (0).
Course Requirements:
Please Note: Should change become necessary, the instructor reserves the right to adjust the
requirements, pace, or scheduling of this course. Any change will be announced in class before it
becomes effective. The Science Department Chair, Coordinators, and faculty are here to help you. If you
are having any problems in your classes, please contact the person who can help you. If we don’t know
you are having problems, we can’t help you. Call Science Departmental Assistant Pam McPherson at
822-3548 and ask to talk to the Science Coordinator for your campus; or call Department Chair Gerry
Lopez at 822-3443.
Laboratory Policies: The labs for this course are designed to be done at home without the need for
specialized equipment. Each lab is a module and will be submitted approximately once a week using
online forms. Changes and exact dates will be listed on the Contents section of the course in D2L. No
late work accepted.
Tests and Final Exam: Tests may be multiple choice, identification, definitions, short answers, essay
and/or a mixture of these formats. I will not be any more precise at this time, because the emphasis will
be on learning the concepts and nature of astronomy - not on the nature of testing.
There will be four on-line tests and a final exam. Changes and exact dates will be listed on the Contents
section of the course in D2L. The dates and times are fixed and will not be moved or altered unless there
is some natural disaster or similar event. Please do not plan on asking later to change dates or times
because of a personal conflict - because these dates are fixed, and there are no make-up tests.
Course Grading: The final grade for this course will be determined by 75% test and final exam grades
and 25% labs.
Grading Scale:
90-100
80-89
70-79
60-69
0-59
A
B
C
D
F
Superior Work
Good Work
Average Work
Below Average Work
Unsatisfactory Work
A grade of zero will be recorded for any announced test (or other assignment), which is missed. There
are no make-up tests for any reason.
Course Topic Outline/Course Calendar with Assignments:
AST 101 Lecture Information:
Ch. 2 The Sky
Ch. 3 Cycles of the Moon
Ch. 4 The Origin of Modern Astronomy
Ch. 5 Gravity
Ch. 19 The Origin of the Solar System
Ch. 20 Earth: The Standard of Comparative Planetology
Ch. 21 The Moon and Mercury
Ch. 22 Comparative Planetology of Venus and Mars
Ch. 23 Comparative Planetology of Jupiter and Saturn
Ch. 24 Uranus, Neptune, and the Dwarf Planets
Ch. 25 Meteorites, Asteroids, and Comets
Changes and exact dates will be listed on the Contents section of the course in D2L.
AST 101 Lab Information:
A Survey of Mathematics for Introductory Astronomy I & II (No. 21)
A Survey of Mathematics for Introductory Astronomy III & IV (No. 21)
Phases of the Moon (No. 9)
Planetary Properties (No. 16) - first half
Planetary Properties (No. 16) - second half
Terrestrial Planets: Mercury (No. 17M)
Terrestrial Planets: Venus (No. 17V)
Terrestrial Planets: Mars (No. 18)
Jovian Planets (No. 19)
Asteroids (No. 3)
Comets (No. 4)
Changes and exact dates will be listed on the Contents section of the course in D2L.