Course Syllabus Tacoma Community College Astronomy 115 (Stars and Galaxies) Spring Quarter 2015 Instructor: Mr. Peter Baker Office: Phone: 566-5060 (messages) Mail Box: Building 15 E- mail: pbaker@tacomacc.edu Office: Bld. 15, Room 332 Office Hours: My office hours will be one and a quarter hours following the Wednesday class (12:30 to 1:45 pm) Classes Classes are held on the Tacoma Campus in building 10 room 1 and labs in building 15 room 107. First day of class: March 30 2015 Last day of class: June 3/2015 Final Exam: June 11/2015 Course prerequisite: Completion of ENGL-095 with a grade of "C" or higher; completion of MATH-090 with a "C" or higher; or equivalent assessment in these areas. Canvas In Canvas (Modules), you will first find an introductory video (How to Study efficiently) which is optional to be viewed outside of class periods. Under “Modules,” you will find sections labeled from Unit 1 to Unit 13 for the course of study. These 13 unit modules contain the information you will need to complete your lessons each week. Lectures for each unit will be uploaded right before each lecture for further reference and study. If you receive a message that the course content has been changed this is just the lecture for that day being uploaded into Canvas. Assignment Due Dates are in Canvas under: Assignments and Modules, Labs and Quizzes Labs are in Canvas under Modules —they are expected to be completed. Quizzes are in Canvas under Modules week (Units 1 -10) and they are expected to be completed. Homework is in Canvas under Modules (Units 1 -13) and they is expected to be completed. Lectures : for each unit (1-13) This syllabus and schedule are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances. If you are absent from class, it is your responsibility to check for announcements made while you were absent. Text: There is no required text There are two highly recommended Texts that are available: The first is “The Cosmic Perspective” by Bennett, Donahue, Schneider, and Voit; (Pearson/Addison-Wesley). The second is “The Essential Cosmic Perspective” by Bennett, Donahue, Schneider, and Voit; (Pearson/Addison-Wesley). Either of these texts cover the material presented in this class. Used copies are very inexpensive (check on line, e.g. Amazon) Course Description: Study of the structure and composition of the universe including stars and galaxies. Topics discussed include the theories of the formation of stars, galaxies, and the universe; the nature of light and telescopes; the characteristics of the Sun; the cycle of star formation, life and death; the types of stars and galaxies; and the application of physical principles to making astronomical measurements. Laboratory included. Degree Learning Outcomes Upon successful completion of the degree, the student will be able to: 1. Core of Knowledge (COK) Demonstrate a basic knowledge of each of the distribution areas (Written Communication, Humanities, Quantitative Skills, Natural Sciences and Socaial Sciences; or, as applicable, specific professional/technical programs), integrate knowledge across disciplines, and apply this knowledge to academic, occupational, civic and personal endeavors. 2. Communication (COM) Listen, speak, read, and write effectively and use nonverbal and technological means to make connections between self and others. 3. Critical Thinking and Problem Solving (CRT) Compare, analyze, and evaluate information and ideas, and use sound thinking skills to solve problems. 4. Information and Information Technology (IIT) Locate, evaluate, retrieve, and ethically use relevant and current information of appropriate authority for both academic and personal applications. 5. Living and Working Cooperatively / Respecting Differences (LWC) Respectfully acknowledge diverse points of view, and draw upon the knowledge and experience of others to collaborate in a multicultural and complex world. 6. Responsibility & Ethics (RES) Demonstrate and understanding of what constitutes responsible and ethical behavior toward individuals, the community, and the environment. Program Learning Outcomes Upon successful completion of the program, the student will be able to: 1. Evaluate information scientifically in the context of his/her own life (COK, COM, CRT, IIT, RES). 2. Explain the importance of observation and hypothesis testing in the scientific process, and distinguish between the scientific process and other human endeavors (COK, COM, CRT). 3. Communicate the primary principles and processes underlying at least one natural system (for example: atoms and molecules, cells and organisms, the oceans and atmosphere, the solid earth, or the cosmos) (COK, COM, CRT). 4. Perform and effectively communicate the results of scientific investigations, and explain how research is done in science (COK, COM, CRT, IIT, LWC). 5. Demonstrate the safe and proper use of scientific instrumentation, measuring devices, chemical reagents, media, and/or other tools of science in a laboratory or field setting relevant to specific disciplines of science (COK, COM, CRT, IIT, LWC). Course Learning Outcomes Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to: 1. Explain the composition, structure, behavior, and the theories of the origins of the universe. PLO: 3, 4 2. Explain the nature of light, light spectra, and the Doppler effect, and how light is measured to enable us to understand the universe. PLO: 1, 3 3. Apply basic physical concepts including motion, energy, and gravity to astronomy. PLO: 1, 3 4. Describe the different types of telescopes used for different regions of the electromagnetic spectrum and the limitations of using telescopes for astronomical observations. PLO: 3 5. Describe the characteristics of the Sun including its theory of formation, structure, composition, activity, temperature, magnetic field, and the process of light production. PLO: 1, 3 6. Explain the current theories of star formation and the life cycle of a star. PLO: 3 7. Classify the properties of stars including star types and the HertzprungRussell Diagram. PLO: 3 8. Classify the different types and outcomes of star death including the mass dependence. PLO: 3 9. Describe the structure and composition of galaxies including the current theories of galaxy formation and types of galaxies. PLO: 3 10. Summarize the process of science as it is applied to astronomy. PLO: 1, 2 11. Analyze astronomical data and use it to draw scientific conclusions. PLO: 3, 4, 5 12. Gather and critically evaluate experimental evidence and draw appropriate conclusions from observations and empirical data. PLO: 1, 2, 4, 5 Assignment Dates Assignment due dates, along with their grade point value, are given in the Modules and Assignment tab in which they appear in Canvas. Homework The homework is done in Canvas and automatically scored when you finish. The points for homework are added into the total points a student has accumulated from labs, field trips and quizzes. In this system, homework that is assigned points does count in a student’s grade. Homework for a particular week must be submitted one week after released (see due dates). Home work will not be counted after due date. The homework scores are automatically added into the total grade. Quizzes: A quiz will be given for each Unit, and consist of 25 questions each worth five points per question for a total of 125 points per quiz. The quizzes will be held at the beginning of the Tuesday’s lab period using the lab computers to access Canvas where the quiz will reside. Since these are "closed book" quizzes it is highly recommended that you review the lecture material and notes prior to taking the quiz. No books, electronic devices or web access is permitted to be used. The lowest two quiz scores (excluding the final) is thrown out at the end of the term. Any missed quiz may be counted as a “throw out.” “Throw out” means that the points for that quiz will not be added into the total possible nor added to the student’s total. The final exam will be an on-campus on June 11th 11:30 to 1:30 in building 15 room 107, (Computer lab) and is a proctored comprehensive closed book test with no make-up. No electronic devices or web access are permitted to be used. Field Trip A field trip is required for the course. The Tacoma Astronomical Society (TAS) conducts free public lecture/viewings on selected Saturday evenings at the Steilacoom campus of Pierce College. Signs are posted as you enter the college from Farwest Drive to direct you to the Rainer Building off the North Parking Lot. The evening usually consists of a presentation/lecture followed by a time where they set up telescopes in the parking lot, and you are welcome to come and view. If the weather is too cloudy a presentation is given in the Science Dome Planetarium. Students are required to attend one of these sessions and view at least four space objects or the Planetarium Presentation. Failure to attend will result in the deduction of 100 points. A schedule of viewing nights and times is on the Tacoma Astronomical Society web site: www.tas-online.org (Links to an external site.) and a form to have the TAS members sign are at the end of this syllabus. The completed form must be handed into me in person before finals week. (see below) Grading A point system is used for grading: quiz questions have a possible 5 points per problem; homework and labs assignments are labeled giving you the points for each part. Your grade is determined by dividing your points by the total possible points. Typically, a quiz will be worth 125 points; and the final about 400 points. The student’s total points are divided by the “standard” (the number of possible points) which determines the student’s percentage. The letter grade is determined from the following chart: 94% - 100%A 90% - 93% A87% - 89% B+ 83% - 86% B 80% - 82% B 77% - 79% C+ 73% - 76% C 70% - 72% C67% - 69% D+ 60% - 66% D Below 60% E Withdrawals: While faculty permission is not required, a completed add/drop form must be submitted to Registration and Records to complete drops from the 11th instructional day through the 55th calendar day of the quarter" "The instructor must sign the form or [send] an e-mail [to Registration] acknowledging the withdrawal. If the instructor is not available, a signature from a full-time advisor in the Advising Center is an acceptable substitute. Withdrawal dates are available at http://www.tacomacc.edu/areasofstudy/academiccalendar/ While faculty permission is not required, a completed add/drop form must be submitted to Registration and Records to complete drops from the 11th instructional day through the 55th calendar day of the quarter” “The instructor must sign the form or [send] an e-mail [to Registration] acknowledging the withdrawal. If the instructor is not available, a signature from a full-time advisor in the Advising Center is an acceptable substitute. Incomplete: This will only be assigned under extreme circumstances. In addition, the student must have completed a sufficient amount of the course and have a passing grade. An agreement will be written up which contains the specific requirements to be completed and the time allowed for completion. Academic Dishonesty: TCC Students are expected to be honest and forthright in their academic endeavors. Academic dishonesty is inconsistent with the values and mission of Tacoma Community College. Cheating, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty are violations of the Code of Student Conduct. Sanctions for acts of academic dishonesty committed in this course are as follows: As stated in the TCC Catalog, ‘Students are expected to be honest and forthright in their academic endeavors. Cheating, plagiarism, fabrication or other forms of academic dishonesty corrupt the learning process and threaten the educational environment for all students.(pg. 33) In this course, sanctions for academic dishonesty will be as follows: Etiquette for Classroom Dispute Resolution/Student Conduct: Admission to Tacoma Community College carries with it the expectation that the student will conduct himself/herself as a responsible member of the academic community and observe the principles of mutual respect, personal and academic integrity and civility. The Code of Student Conduct establishes rules governing academic and social conduct of students, including due process rights. Violations of the Code may result in dismissal from class for the day and/or referral to the Student Conduct Administrator for sanctions. In class protocol: The classes are held in building 10 room 1. No behavior that disrupts the ability of the teacher to present the lecture or other students to participate in the learning process will be allowed. There will be a brief break (10 min) at the end of the first hour of the lecture classes with prompt return to the class room at the end of the break required. Accommodations: Students with Disabilities: If you need auxiliary aids or services due to a disability, please contact the Access Services office in Building 7 (253-5665328). Accommodations are not retroactive; please act promptly to make sure your letter of accommodation is in place. Students with Special Needs: All students are responsible for all requirements of the class, but the way they meet these requirements may vary. If you need specific auxiliary aids or services due to a disability, please contact the Access Services office in Building 7 (253-566-5328). They will require you to present formal, written documentation of your disability from an appropriate professional. When this step has been completed, arrangements will be made for you to receive reasonable auxiliary aids or services. The disability accommodation documentation prepared by Access Services must be given to me before the accommodation is needed so that appropriate arrangements can be made. Concerns and complaints: If you have questions or concerns about this class or me, please come to talk with me about your concerns during my office hours. If we are unable to resolve your concerns, you may talk next with the Chair of the Department, Katie Gulliford in 15335. The Chair can assist with information about additional steps, if needed. Final Grade Grievance: Students who believe they have received a final course grade that has been awarded improperly or in an arbitrary or capricious manner may grieve or appeal the grade. Details of the process are located on the TCC Portal at :https://my.tacomacc.edu/uPortal/p/StudentForms.ctf9/max/render.uP?pCm=view&pP _NSHistoryParam=21426%2C21435%2C21435%2C26224&pP_struts.portlet.action= %2Fview%2Findex&pP_ticket=ST-215398-bcm1AKn0zYfxmqTwgrVmportalsvr2.tccnet.edu Labs for Astro 115 Spring 2015 Following is a list of labs that you will be doing this term. These labs are computer simulations that help your understand what astronomers actually do. There is a lecture with each lab that explains the lab and will be given the first part (~15 min.) of each lab session. The labs are available through Canvas and are done on computers in the computer lab in building 15 room 107 during the scheduled lab period. Visual instructions for each lab are furnished, and the data sheets (if needed) do the calculations for you. Note that some of the Labs only run on Windows (not Mac) computers. The labs have several parts: a lecture giving background for the lab, the lab S/W program to download (the link in the weekly Lab modules), visual instructions, and the data sheet (which are to be turned into the drop box for credit) and/ or Quizzes for that lab. Lab 1 Image Processing Purpose: This NASA exercise is designed to give students experience in image processing. The images are taken with three filters and are combined to make a color image. Lab 2 Basic Coordinates Systems Purpose: This NASA exercise is designed to learn how the terrestrial coordinates and the celestial equatorial coordinate system are similar and how they are used in astronomy. Lab 3 NAAP: Hydrogen Energy Levels Purpose: The NAAP Hydrogen Energy Levels Lab introduces the concept of how quantum mechanics and light relate with respect to the Hydrogen atom. The Energy Levels simulator allows dynamic interaction with a Bohr model version of a single Hydrogen atom. The Thermal Distribution histogram gives a temperature dependent plot of occupied states for many, many atoms. Lab 4: The HR Diagram Purpose: The NAAP HR Diagram Lab explores the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram and those areas necessary to understand the diagram such as (but not limited to) the different kinds of spectrum, spectral classification, and luminosity class. In short, this module provides a fairly in-depth tutorial in reading HR diagrams. Lab 5 NAAP: Eclipsing Binary Stars Purpose: The NAAP Eclipsing Binary Stars Lab demonstrates how information about stars which cannot be directly observed can be inferred from a special class of binary stars – eclipsing binaries. Lab 6: The Hubble Red Shift Distance Relation (CLEA) Purpose: Purpose: To illustrate how the velocities of galaxies are measured using a photon-counting spectrograph. To show how this information, along with estimates of galaxy distances (from their integrated apparent magnitudes) yields the classic Hubble redshift- distance relation. To determine the value of the Hubble parameter and the expansion age of the universe. Lab 7: The Large Scale Structure of the Universe (CLEA) Purpose: To understand how astronomers use the redshift-distance relation to map out the cosmic structure of the galaxies. To discover how the galaxies in the vicinity of the Milky Way are distributed in space and to understand how astronomers work together to collect data on many objects. Astronomy Web Sites of Interest http://www.spaceweather.com (Links to an external site.) This NASA site gives information about the Sun and the effect it has on Earth. It predicts aurora, gives data on near-Earth Asteroids and gives Sun Spot counts and links to many other sites. http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/astropix.html (Links to an external site.) This is the NASA’s Astronomy Picture of the Daysite. Every day there is a new picture, and all the previous pictures are listed. Many use this site as their default site. http://www.nasa.gov/news/highlights/index.html (Links to an external site.) The official NASA site for news and information. http://home-1.worldonline.nl/~veenen/terragen/mars/mars.html (Links to an external site.) This contains some of the best Mars pictures. Kees Veenenbos is a Dutch graphic artist who has taken NASA data and added perspective to make great pictures of Mars. He has added water to some of the pictures to show how Mars would look with water. http://www.lpl.arizona.edu/impacteffects/ (Links to an external site.) The Earth Impact Effects Program. This is a fun site that gives you the results when Earth is impacted with different-sized objects traveling at various speeds. You choose the size, speed and your location and then check to see if you lived. http://www.stsci.edu/hst/ (Links to an external site.) This is the Hubble telescope site. You can look at Hubble pictures and find out the status of the telescope. http://www.ras.org.uk/ The site for the Royal Astronomical Society (one of the oldest astronomical society in the world) located in London England. Astronomy Field Trip to Tacoma Astronomical Society Below are some guide lines for you when you go to the TAS Public Nights Double check the times! The times and calendar are printed at the top of the schedule. We have frequently had folk show up as we are packing up to leave and we don't wish to disappoint anyone. Dress for cold weather. Even in the summer the evenings can get cold. Make sure they bring extra coats, hats and gloves for a better experience. You will be able to stay out longer, your eyes will adapt better and you will see more objects! Remember you are mixing with the public and younger viewers. Barging in late, playing games on your phones during the presentation, jumping in line to see one object then turning on a white light to get your signature before jumping in your car (to also blind everyone with your headlights) degrades the experience for others. All the TAS members are there as volunteers please treat them and your fellow event fellows with respect. Feel free to ask questions around the telescopes. All the volunteers are there because they love astronomy and are happy to share their passion. Feel free to ask questions about their scopes, what is available to see that evening, ask for details about the object your are looking at or any astronomy questions you have itching in your brain. We will find someone who can answer them! Don't give up just because there are a few clouds! We can often still find a few objects in the sucker-holes and if the Moon is out we can often observe her through thin clouds. We can also move back inside and talk about astronomy or gear. Talk to your faculty member about alternatives to objects for cloudy nights. Astronomy Field Trip Sign-off Sheet Each student is required to go to at least one Saturday evening “public night” at Pierce College sponsored by the Tacoma Astronomical Society (TAS). The dates and times for the public nights are given on the student assignment calendar. Telescopes are set up by the TAS in the parking lot. Park in the Pierce College parking lot by the Olympic Building (North side of the campus). In addition to the telescope viewing, TAS members give presentations in the Olympic Building. You should view at least four different objects and have the person running the telescope initial this sheet to show what you viewed and that you were truly amazed at what you saw. Tacoma Astronomical Society P.O. Box 8881 Tacoma, WA 98419 www.tas-online.org Astronomy Field trip Sign-off Sheet Student Name __________________________________ Date _________________________ Telescope 1 Object ______________________________ Signed ___________ Telescope 2 Object ______________________________ Signed ___________ Telescope 3 Object ______________________________ Signed ___________ Telescope 4 Object ______________________________ Signed ___________ Lecture ______________________________ Signed ___________