1.  Understand the scientific method and scientific modeling, and how they have been applied to develop our understanding of astronomy, including use of information gathered by observation, experimentation, etc.

2.  Become able to identify objects in the sky and recognize their short- and long-term movements.

3.  Understand the basic structure, scale and history of the solar system.

4.  Understand the life history of stars and how their various properties affect their life history.

5.  Understand the basic structure, scale and history of the Galaxy.

6.  Understand the basic structure, scale and history of the universe.

A separate document contains detailed Learning Objectives to accompany these Course Outcomes.

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A.  GRADES:  The grades in ASTR 1030 will be as follows:

                    A          90 ‑ 100         Superior
                    B          80 ‑  89          Above Average
                    C          70 ‑  79          Average
                    D          60 ‑  69          Below Average
                    F             0 ‑  59          Failing

The grades in ASTR 1030 will be determined according to the following:

                    Tests                               50%
                    Laboratory                        20%
                    Final Exam                       20%
                    Homework, quizzes, etc.   10%

Failure to take the final exam will result in a grade of F for the course. In the case where the final exam is missed and the instructor has been notified in advance, at the discretion of the instructor, a grade of I may be given.  However, the make‑up final must be taken within two weeks after the regularly scheduled final and may be more difficult than the regular exam.

B.  ATTENDANCE:  Regular attendance is expected at all lecture and laboratory sessions and may be a factor in grade determination. This is justified by the fact that extensive use is made of audio‑visual material in the course presentation. A schedule of the course topics and test dates will provided during the first week of classes.

C.  TESTS:  You will have 3 tests throughout the semester, plus a comprehensive final exam. No test grade will be dropped. Make‑up tests are not given for any reason. If one test is missed with a valid excuse, the final exam grade will be the grade for the missed test. Any additional tests missed or any tests missed without a valid excuse will be given grades of zero (0). 

D.  HOMEWORK:  You will have regular homework consisting of questions from the book or other assignments. Homework (or lab reports) turned in late will be penalized. Vanderbilt’s Dyer Observatory holds regular public nights. For a current schedule and directions go to Dyer’s homepage at http://www.dyer.vanderbilt.edu/. If you attend one of these sessions and turn in a written description of your experience, you will receive up to a 20-point bonus homework grade. (While you are encouraged to attend as many sessions as you can, you will receive only one bonus grade.) When you go, make sure you sign the guest roll in case verification of your attendance is needed.

E.  LATE WORK:  Assignments are due at the start of class on the due date.  An assignment will be counted late if it is not turned in by the end of class on the due date.  A late penalty of 10% per calendar day will be given to any late work.  If you wish to turn in an assignment when your instructor is not in the office, you should give the assignment to the division secretary in Warf 100.

F.  LABORATORY:  There will be no make‑up labs except in extreme circumstances.  You will receive a zero for any lab you miss, and the lowest lab grade will be dropped.

G.  ACADEMIC DISHONESTY:  Cheating on any assignment will not be tolerated.  If you cheat on a test or the final you will earn an F for the course.  Other incidents of cheating will be dealt with severely.  Understand that cheating is receiving or giving unauthorized aid.  Students are expected to abide by the policies for academic integrity contained in the Student Handbook, see especially paragraph C(2) of the Conduct and Discipline section.

H.  INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY: If Volunteer State Community College is officially open, this class will meet as scheduled, all assignments will be due as scheduled, and any scheduled tests/quizzes/exams will be given.  If VSCC is officially closed, all assignments will be due at the next regular class meeting.  Likewise, any tests/quizzes/exams will be also be given at the next regular class meeting.

I.  FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES: It is the student’s responsibility to self-identify with the Office of Disability Services to receive accommodations and services in accordance with The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).  Only those students with appropriate documentation and who are registered with the Office of Disability Services will receive accommodations.  For further information, contact the Office of Disability Services at (615) 230-3472, TDD (615) 230-3488, or visit the office, which is located in Room 108, Wood Campus Center.

J.  EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT: Volunteer State Community College, a Tennessee Board of Regents Institution, is an equal opportunity institution and ensures equal opportunity for all persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, age, sexual orientation, or status as a qualified veteran with a disability or veteran of the Vietnam era.

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Discovering the Universe (w/CD), 8th Ed., by Comins & Kaufmann; Publisher: Freeman.

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The laboratory is an essential part of this course. In many cases the laboratory will be used to develop the concepts you will be expected to master.  At other times  it will supplement the lectures and provide hands‑on experiences in scientific investigations.

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES:  All policies and procedures not described below are contained in the Policies and Procedures for the lecture section and will apply to the laboratory.

The laboratory write-ups are found on the course website.  Students are responsible for accessing the write-ups and studying them before coming to lab.  You must print off the write-up prior to lab as there is no printer at the Field Station.  During lab you will need access to the lab write-up, a calculator and a pencil.  Your instructor reserves the right to give pre-lab quizzes to check your preparation for lab.

In most cases, students missing lab for any reason will not be allowed to make up the lab.  However, you should check with your instructor any time you are absent as a courtesy and on the chance you may be able to perform a make-up lab.

For each lab performed, each student will turn in a lab report.  The required format for writing lab reports is published on the course website.

Smoking is not allowed in the lab or around the telescopes (or during class, or in any building on campus).  Food and drink will not be allowed in lab if computers or other sensitive equipment is in use.

The laboratory grade will count 20% of the course grade.  This grade will be determined from the average of all lab reports submitted by the student.  Any lab reports not turned in or any absences from lab will receive a zero for that lab.  The lowest lab grade will be dropped.  In addition, a small percentage of test questions will come from the labs.
 

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The laboratory is dependent on the weather and will typically be adjusted throughout the semester.  A current, semester-long schedule can be found on the course website, and a specific short-term schedule will be maintained on the course homepage.

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