Course Syllabus

El CAMINO COLLEGE

Spring 2020

ASTR20-4850 (The Solar System)

Dr. Asma Said

Email: asaid@elcamino.edu

Voice: 424-255 -9026

Greetings, Earthlings! You are about to embark on a journey to our neighbor worlds in the cosmos! Astronomy 20 is an introductory-level course; which concentrates on the foundation of modern astronomy and the study of the major worlds of the Universe.

UNITS: 3

PREREQUISITE: None

The course has no astronomy, physics, or math prerequisites; however, knowledge of basic high school algebra is sometimes helpful.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course has a lecture component only. This course is an introduction to the major planets and the smaller members of the Solar System such as moons, asteroids, Kuiper Belt objects, and comets. Theories of the origin and histories of the planets are presented. The early history of astronomy and the Copernican Revolution are discussed. Sky phenomena such as constellations, the seasons, eclipses, and planetary motions are discussed. The possibility of life elsewhere in the solar system is examined.

Let's have some fun with ASTRONOMY!

COURSE CONTENT

• Naked eye astronomy: the motion of the Sun, Moon, and stars as seen from the Earth; seasonal changes; phases of the Moon
• Scientific method and history of astronomy: geocentric and heliocentric models, Copernican Revolution, and Kepler's laws.
• Physics: gravity, temperature, pressure, energy, and conservation
• Light: the nature of light, the electromagnetic spectrum, the atom and spectroscopy, telescopes on Earth and in space, and the Doppler
• Formation and evolution of the solar
• The role plate tectonics, volcanism, and magnetic fields play in shaping the surfaces, habitability, and other properties of different planetary
• Earth: internal structure, surface and atmosphere, magnetosphere, and ability to support life.
• Terrestrial planets: characteristics of the Moon, Mercury, Venus, and Mars, in comparison to
• Jovian planets: characteristics and properties of Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and
• Comets, asteroids, and meteorites.
• The discovery of new Kuiper belt objects and how their existence changed our definition of what a planet From Pluto to Eris and other dwarf planets. The Oort cloud.
• Extrasolar planets: how to detect Abundance of Hot Jupiter’s and the habitable zone. Comparison with the solar system.
• Einstein's relativity and particle physics fundamentals: speed of light, time dilation, quarks, and leptons. Fundamental forces
• Sun: internal structure, nuclear fusion, solar activity, heliosphere, and the limits of the solar

TEXTBOOKS INFORMATION

The reading assignments are based on OpenStack Astronomy ISBN 1-947172-01-8

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

1. Students will be able to recognize the elements of the Scientific Method in the discussion of a scientific problem.
2. Students will be able to explain the causes of seasonal variations in the length of the day, direction of sunrise and sunset, and the amount of solar heating on the Earth.
3. Students will be able to describe the modern theory of the origin of the planets and discuss the evidence that supports the theory.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. Judge whether a particular study is science or a "pseudo-science" using the scientific method.
2. Predict the phase of the Moon and/or type of eclipse that would be seen in the sky, given the positions of the Earth, the Sun, the Moon, and the observer.
3. Explain the causes of seasonal variations in the length of the day, the direction of sunrise and sunset, and the amount of solar heating.
4. Discuss the Copernican Revolution and the contributions of Galileo, Kepler, and Newton, including the Law of Gravity. Compare the characteristics of the major planets and major moons of the Solar System.
5. Estimate the age of the solar system, given data on the isotopic composition of meteorites.
6. Construct a history of a planet in terms of the processes of impact, volcanism, tectonics, and erosion.
7. Describe the composition and properties of planetary atmospheres. Contrast the conditions on planets with atmospheres with the conditions on airless worlds. Compare the climatic conditions on the inner planets.
8. Compare and contrast the terrestrial, gas giant, and ice giant planets.
9. Evaluate the possibilities for life on a given planet.
10. Diagram how the planets were formed.
11. Describe how the greenhouse effect warms the surface of a planet.

 

OVERREACHING GOALS

• Witness, appreciate, and employ the nature and process that is science through the eyes of astronomy.
• Appreciate the practicality and relevance of astronomy to your everyday life.
• Comprehend the main ideas and develop the “big picture”.
• Develop critical reading, thinking, and problem –solving skills useful in a variety of situations.
• Foster a lifelong interest in astronomy and relevant current topics of Astronomy.
• Look up once in a while and watch the sky.

ADA STATEMENT

El Camino College is committed to providing educational accommodations for students with disabilities upon the timely request by the student to the instructor. A student with a disability, who would like to request an academic accommodation, is responsible for identifying herself/himself to the instructor and to the Special Resources Center. To make arrangements for academic accommodations, contact the Special Resources center

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY/PLAGIARISM/CHEATING

El Camino College places a high value on the integrity of its student scholars. When an instructor determines that there is evidence of dishonesty in any academic work (including, but not limited to cheating, plagiarism, or theft of exam materials), disciplinary actions appropriate to the misconduct as defined in BP 5500 . may be taken. A failing grade on an assignment in which academic dishonesty has occurred and suspension from class are among the disciplinary actions for academic dishonesty (AP 5520). Students with any questions about the Academic Honesty or discipline policies are encouraged to speak with their instructor in advance.

INSTRUCTOR COMMUNICATION POLICY

I will communicate with you via the following listed methods. Expect return emails and conversations within 48 hours, excluding weekends and holiday. Therefore, it is not a good idea to leave all your assignments till the last-minute during weekend when you will not be able to find help.

Conversations (Inbox)

If you have a personal question, please contact me using the Conversations tool within Canvas. You can access conversations via the Inbox link.

Skype

Skype ID: asmas2016

Please make an appointment to skype

Canvas Chat:

Please post general questions in the Q&A forum that can be accessed from the link at the top of our course homepage, or from the discussions page. Please keep in mind that posts & replies in this forum are visible to the entire class.

You may also call me, but my preferred method for communication, as mentioned previously, is the Conversations (Inbox) tool in Canvas.

TIME COMMITMENT & RECOMMENDED SKILLS

1. This class will take 3 hours during each of the 16 weeks; for a total of 48 hours. Your time commitment will vary based upon your own level of experience with web technologies.
2. You should have the following:
3. Basic computer skills (word processing, using PDFs, e-mail, file management)
4. Basic internet skills (use of browser, searches, uploading/downloading files)
5. Familiarity with discussion
6. An open mind and willingness to try new things
7. If you require any special accommodations for this class, please contact me as soon as possible to ensure a quality learning

TECHICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Recent Mac or PC (not more than three years old) with a current operating
• Current browser (Firefox or Chrome are preferable).
• Internet connection, preferably broadband -- for viewing online

SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS

1. Microsoft
2. Acrobat Reader

WEEKLY OVERVIEW

The course is divided into 16 weekly units. Each week unit will appear in the Modules section of the course. To get started each week, closely review the Overview page, which lists the learning objectives and required assignments of the unit. Assignments and discussions will be usually due by Wednesday and/or Friday of that week. No late work will be accepted, since you have almost a week to complete your assignments. All assignments and graded work should be submitted via CANVAS. No credit will be given to work submitted as an attachment to an email.

Announcements

I will post frequent text announcements as reminders and information. I recommend including Announcements in your notifications preferences to ensure you receive all the important course information each week.

Discussions & Collaborations

Each of the 16 units will provide you with opportunities to interact with your peers, in addition to create content for your own online class. Each discussion includes clear criteria for your required post and replies, including due dates and a grading rubric.

Each discussion will be completed through your designated group. More details are available to direct you on completing these discussions.

Reading Quizzes

These assignments are multiple choice questions related to tutorials completed each week. You’ll complete a  quiz each week

 

Group work

Groups will be assigned randomly for discussions. You have to communicate with groupmates using google docs or google slides to finalize your assignments.. Each student should submit the assignments through his/her CANVAS account. Failing to submit an assignment individually could lead to a zero credit for that work.

Ranking Tasks

These assignments should be completed using PDF “filling” forms (Links to an external site.) .You should have the most recent native Acrobat Reader to work on these form In addition, please pay extra attention when working with these types of file, uploading documents for submission , and reviewing these assignments once submitted.

METOD OF EVALUATION

Assignments	Weight
Lecture Tutorial Discussion Boards	16%
Reading Quizzes	16%
Power Point Project	10%
Essays	8%
Observation Sheets	10%
Ranking Tasks	10%
Midterm Exam	10%
Final Exam	20%
TOTAL	100%

GRADING SCALE

Grade	% of Possible Points
A	90 - 100%
B	80 – 89.9%
C	65 – 79.9%
D	60 – 64.9%
F	Less than 60%

 

GROUND RULES AND TIPS FOR SUCCESS

• Each of our sixteen weeks officially begins each Monday @ 12:00 am and ends at 11:59 pm the following Friday
• You will regularly have assignments to turn in Wednesdays and Fridays. Pay close attention to your due dates at the start of each content week and mark them somewhere on your own calendar so you don’t lose track of
• If this is your first online learning experience, expect to invest extra time to orient yourself to the course design and
• Block out time in your schedule to do the assignments.
• Consider yourself a member of a community.
• Treat contributions made by other members of the class with respect and an open minded.
• Contribute regularly to group dialogue, including discussions. The contributions of each individual play a role in the collective strength and diversity of our course.
• Check in on class discussions regularly, if not Have patience and a sense of humor with your classmates.
• Keep an open mind for other’s ideas and respect.
• Ask for help when you need it, and assist others when they need your help.
• Read this guide, and any other course material, carefully and ask for clarification when needed

If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to contact me along the way. I am here to be your guide as we together explore the ways this technology can be used to support your success

COURSE POLICIES

Late Work Policy:

• All of the assignments for this course will be submitted using CANVAS , posting in the "discussion forums" ,or on "Assignments, tests and Surveys" .It is strongly recommended that you draft (and save) all assignments in Microsoft Word (or other word processing program) and then copy and paste the information into discussion forum postings. That way you will have a copy saved on your computer should anything go wrong. Keep a copy of all of your 

Due dates for each module are published on the course calendar. Work turned in by 11:59 PM Pacific Time on the due date, as evidenced by the date stamp given on the discussion board or the assignment submission page, will be considered on time and will receive full credit. Prompt submission of assignments for assessment allows the instructor to provide guidance and timely feedback.

• Assignments and discussion forum postings and replies submitted after the due date will not receive any credit. NO LATE WORK.
• Assignment grades will be posted in the grade book within 4 business days after the assignment due If a grade is not posted, then the assignment was missing in the appropriate drobox
• Please check the grade book throughout the course to review assignment If you have questions or concerns about a grade, please contact the instructor ASAP. Do not wait until final grades have been posted to discuss missing assignments or missing grades in the

 

Course Attendance & Drop Policy

For specific course information, please visit the Distance Education website and also read the Student Handbook for Online Courses available in the Distance Education Office or on the website at El Camino College webpage.

In addition, you are required to COMPLETE the syllabus quiz and the five-pictures discussion by Wednesday 02/19/2019 . If you did not complete the required quiz and the five-pictures discussion, you will be dropped from the course as a "No Show."

Attendance will be taken based on your submitting assignments weekly.

 

Discussion topics will be posted in the discussion forum once a week. Attendance will be taken based on your participation in the discussion forum. These discussions are based on topics from the tutorial book. You should post the answer of your first question, and then come back later in a day or so and answer another question. In addition, you should respond to at least two of your groupmates. You will receive 5 points for responding to the weekly topic, and you will receive

• points a week for responding to a classmate. If you failed to post a response in the discussion forum for that week, you will be marked absent for that week. To get a credit for the discussion you should post your initial discussion by Wednesday. If you posted your initial reply and classmates’ responses later than Wednesday, you will receive a zero on that discussion board.

 

A student who misses 15% or more of a course may be dropped from the course or receive some penalty. Therefore, if more than one-week assignments are not submitted on time the student will either be dropped from the course or given a one-grade penalty from the final grade for the course. Which of these will occur will be decided during a telephone conversation between the student and the Instructor. The final choice will be the Instructor's. If the student is allowed to continue after this discussion, but continues to submit assignments late, the student will be

dropped from the course.

Please do the following three things at least twice per week:

• Check the class website for updates, announcements, the due assignments.
• Check the class discussion forum for new material and new replies from students in your group
• Check your e-mail for any communications from classmates and your instructor.

DISCLAIMERS

• Some elements of the syllabus may be changed at the instructor’s The changes will be communicated via Canvas announcement and official email. Students will be given at least 48 hours notice of changes whenever possible.
• Instructor errors: Please let me know, promptly and courteously, if I have made a mistake in class, or if I have made a mistake in grading or in posting your grade to Canvas. I appreciate the feedback, because I want to correct errors as soon as 
• If there is any aspect of this syllabus which you do not understand, or to which you take exception, please let me know within the first week of 
• Your continued attendance in this course constitutes an acknowledgement and acceptance of the requirements delineated in this syllabus
• Detailed assignments schedule and due dates is available on CANVAS.

 

 

 

Course Description:

This course covers topics in modern planetary and stellar astronomy, such as dwarf, jovian, terrestrial, and extrasolar planets and the life cycle of stars, black holes, and supernovae. It also includes topics on cosmology and galactic astronomy, such as dark matter, dark energy, the Big Bang, and the expansion of the Universe.

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Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

• evaluate early models of the solar system using the scientific method and outline the historical events that led to our current model.
• apply theories and models from classical physics and modern physics to explain astronomical observations, such as the motion of objects in the sky, the formation of planets, and the life cycle of stars.
• classify the planets as terrestrial or jovian and list the characteristics of each category.
• discuss the discovery of new Kuiper belt objects and how their existence changed our definition of what a planet is.
• describe how extrasolar planets are detected and discuss their properties.
• describe the structure of the Sun and its source of energy.
• explain how astronomers collect light from distant stars and discuss what can be learned from analyzing that light.
• classify different types of stars and galaxies, and discuss the stellar life cycle in the context of stellar evolution.
• describe the astronomical evidence for dark matter and dark energy, and discuss their implications.
• describe the scientific evidence and models regarding the nature and origin of the Universe, including its evolution from the Big Bang up to today.

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Course Content:

• Naked eye astronomy: the motion of the Sun, Moon, and stars as seen from the Earth; seasonal changes; phases of the Moon and eclipses.
• Scientific method and history of astronomy: geocentric and heliocentric models, Copernican Revolution, and Kepler's laws.
• Physics: gravity, temperature, pressure, energy, and conservation laws.
• Light: the nature of light, the electromagnetic spectrum, the atom and spectroscopy, telescopes on Earth and in space, and the Doppler effect.
• Formation and evolution of the solar system.
• The role plate tectonics, volcanism, and magnetic fields play in shaping the surfaces, habitability, and other properties of different planetary bodies.
• Earth: internal structure, surface and atmosphere, magnetosphere, and ability to support life.
• Terrestrial planets: characteristics of the Moon, Mercury, Venus, and Mars, in comparison to Earth.
• Jovian planets: characteristics and properties of Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.
• Comets, asteroids, and meteorites.
• The discovery of new Kuiper belt objects and how their existence changed our definition of what a planet is. From Pluto to Eris and other dwarf planets. The Oort cloud.
• Extrasolar planets: how to detect them. Abundance of Hot Jupiters and the habitable zone. Comparison with the solar system.
• Einstein's relativity and particle physics fundamentals: speed of light, time dilation, quarks, and leptons. Fundamental forces of nature.
• Sun: internal structure, nuclear fusion, solar activity, heliosphere, and the limits of the solar system.
• Stars: classification of stars, Hertzsprung-Russell (HR) diagrams, main sequence, luminosity, and apparent and absolute brightness.
• Stellar evolution: birth, life and death of stars. Stellar death: white dwarfs, neutron stars, supernovae, and black holes.
• The Milky Way and large scale structure of our galaxy. Evolution of galaxies: galaxy formation and galaxy collisions. Spirals, Elliptical, and Irregular galaxies.
• Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs), quasars and other active galactic nuclei, and supermassive black holes - the most energetic and farthest away objects in the Universe.
• The astronomical evidence for dark matter and dark energy, including their implications.
• Cosmology: large-scale structure, Cosmic Background Microwave Radiation (CMBR), cosmic evolution, the expanding Universe, the geometry of the Universe, and the fate of the Universe.
• Astrobiology - life in the Universe, where to look, life requirements, extremophiles, and SETI.

 

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Textbook:

Great news: your textbook for this class is available for free online!
Astronomy from OpenStax, ISBN 1-947172-01-8

You have several options to obtain this book:

• View online (Links to an external site.) (Links to an external site.)
• Download a PDF (Links to an external site.) (Links to an external site.)
• Order a print copy (Links to an external site.) (Links to an external site.) 
• Download on iBooks (Links to an external site.) (Links to an external site.) 

You can use whichever formats you want. Web view is recommended -- the responsive design works seamlessly on any device.