AST 103 - Introductory Astronomy: The Solar System

(Spring 2022)

---

Index

1. Course Information
2. Meeting Times
3. Instructor Information
4. Course Objectives
5. Required Textbooks
6. Late-Assignment Policy
7. Evaluation Methods
8. Grading Policies
9. Attendance Policy
10. Academic Integrity Policy
11. Americans with Disabilities Act Statement
12. Student Rights and Responsibilities
13. Library Workshops
14. References
15. Required Extra- or Co-Curricular Activities
16. Statement of Safety and Risk Assumption
17. Fees
18. Student Conduct Policy
19. Title IX Statement
20. Other Policies
21. Useful Resources
22. Disclaimer
23. Tentative Schedule and Important Dates

---

1. Course Information

• Course
  • Astronomy (AST) 103 - Introductory Astronomy: The Solar System
• Sections
• 1006 (Catalog #: 29099)
• 1007 (Catalog #: 29102)
• Course Description
• A survey course at the beginning level which discusses the nearby objects of our solar system, the formation and evolution of planetary bodies and the exploration of space. A minimum of mathematics is required, in the tradition of the amateur astronomer. Recommended for non-science majors.
• Course Web Page
• Course lectures, grades, homework assignments, and the official syllabus will be posted on the course shell at the CSN Online Campus (https://csn.instructure.com/). For more help using Canvas, look at the Canvas Guides.
• Prerequisites
• None

---

2. Meeting Times

• Lecture Times (optional): Mondays, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
  • Lecture attendance is optional.
  • Lectures will be online through links provided in Canvas.
  • Lectures will be recorded.
  • If you log on, please turn off your microphone and webcam to help with bandwidth issues.
• Lecture Location: Online
  • Look for an invitation in your Canvas mail or CSN email.
  • The Canvas Student Quick start Guide be found at http://guides.instructure.com/m/8470.  

---

3. Instructor Information

• Instructor: Dr. Peter Lanagan
• Phone: 702-651-3635
  • If you phone me and I do not pick up, please leave a voicemail. In your voicemail, leave your name, number, and course even if it's just to say that you'd like to speak with me.
• Email: Peter.Lanagan@csn.edu
• Office Location
  • HN C-100-E (Henderson Campus)

• Office Hours
  • Mondays
    • 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm: HN C-100E (Henderson Campus)
  • Tuesdays and Thursdays
    • 11:00 am - 12:00 pm: WC C-222 (Science Resource Center, Charleston Campus)
    • 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm: HN C-100E (Henderson Campus)
  • It is *not* necessary to make an appointment to meet with me during the times listed above.
  • If these times do not work, feel free to make an appointment to speak or chat with me in person, online, or by phone. Please let me know your availability by providing me with 2 or 3 suggested times when you can meet.

---

4. Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:

1. Evaluate ideas using the scientific method.
2. Analyze graphs of scientific data quantitatively and employ unit conversions as appropriate.
3. Interpret the apparent motions of the Sun, Moon, planets, and stars in terms of their actual motions and of the motions of the Earth.
4. Compare and contrast terrestrial and jovian worlds, and interpret their differences in terms of their formation histories.
5. Apply comparative planetology to compare the evolution and functioning of different planets.
6. Illustrate the benefits to society of the exploration of the Solar System and beyond.

---

5. Required Textbook

Required: Openstax Astronomy; Freeman et al. 2019. (Openstax)

• Paper copies are available in the CSN bookstore
• You may download a legal, free copy of the text in pdf format from https://openstax.org/details/books/astronomy?Book%20details.
• A Web copy is available: https://cnx.org/contents/2e737be8-ea65-48c3-aa0a-9f35b4c6a966
• ISBN
  • Print: ISBN-13: 978-1-938168-28-4
  • Digital: ISBN-13: 978-1-947172-24-1

---

6. Late-Assignment Policy

All work is due by the stated due date. There are no make-ups for missed homework assignments, reading assignments, or extra credit activities.

If you need a reasonable extension of a due date, you must send a request to the instructor a minimum of three (3) days before the assignment's due date. All extensions are up to the discretion of the instructor.

If a student misses one of Exam 1, Exam 2, or Exam 3, there is no make-up allowed for any reason as the lowest single exam grade is dropped. If a student misses a second exam, a make-up is only allowed in the most extreme, documented circumstances.

If a student misses Exam 4, a make-up is only allowed in the most extreme, documented circumstances.

The instructor will be the final judge in what counts as an extreme circumstance that allows for making up a missed exam. Generally, these are life-and-death situations out of the student's direct control.

The instructor will also be the final judge in what supporting documentation needs to be provided. At a minimum, the documentation must be dated and preferably provided by a third party.

---

7. Evaluation Methods

7.1. Overview

There are three components to your course grade: homework assignments, discussion forums, and exams. Most students can expect to spend 7-9 hours per week on course activities. However, some students may need less time, and some students may need more time. Plan your schedule according to your academic needs, especially if you have other obligations on your time!

7.2. Reading Assignments

There will be a number of homework assignments based on the textbook readings assigned on a weekly basis. These will generally be composed of multiple choice questions, although there are some exceptions. You may take the homework assignments based on chapter readings twice. Questions and order of answer options will change between the two attempts.

All reading assignments will be administered by the College's online course management system.

The higher of the two grades for each attempt will be the grade you receive for that reading assignment.

7.3 Homework Assignments

Homework assignments are meant to get you to interact with course materials in different ways. The formats of homework assignments will vary. Homework assignments will include surveys, discussions, plot-reading, news article summaries, and astronomy-related math work.

Read all instructions for each homework assignment. Some homework assignments may be repeated before the due date. Others will only allow one attempt.

All homework assignments will be administered by the College's online course management system.

7.4. Exams

7.4.1. Overview

This course will require four exams, but there are five exam grades in this course. Exam 1, Exam 2, and Exam 3 each count as a single exam grade each. Exam 4 (the final exam) will count as two separate identical exam grades. These are entered in the grade book as Exam 4A and Exam 4B.

The average of the four highest exams count towards 50% of the final course grade. In other words, the lowest single exam grade is dropped.

Each exam will consist of 50 multiple-choice questions that must be answered in 75 minutes. 

The exam rules are as follows:

• The exams are available for a period from Monday to Friday. Exam dates are noted below.
• All exams must be taken in a proctored environment. Two options are:
  • CSN Testing Centers: https://www.csn.edu/testing
    • This is a free service for students registered in online classes.
  • ProctorU: https://www.proctoru.com
    • This is a service that allows students to take exams at home with a webcam.
  • I strongly recommend using the CSN Testing Centers instead of ProctorU. This is because Testing Center staff can help the student document exam issues in-person.
  • DRC students who are authorized for accommodations through CSN's Disability Resource Center must submit their DRC paperwork at least one week before the due date of the exam. Otherwise, the DRC student must take the exam through the CSN Testing Center or ProctorU and will not be eligible for special accommodations.
  • If you are unable to use these services, contact the instructor no later than seven days before the start date of the exam to make alternative arrangements. Note that you must have a documented justification to take the exam using a different method than the rest of the class. The student who uses a different proctoring service will be responsible for all charges and may be responsible for identifying an acceptable service, although the instructor may make suggestions.
• Regardless of which proctoring service you use, exams will be password-protected. The password will be provided to the proctor, not the student.
• Make sure to use an approved web browser on a computer to take the exam. Do NOT attempt to take an exam on a smartphone or tablet! If the system glitches during an exam because you are using a non-approved browser or device, you will not be allowed to retake or reopen the exam.
• You may NOT save the exam to continue it at a later time. If you finish early, you may submit the exam early. However, once you submit the exam, you will not be able to change answers even if you have time left.
• While taking the exam, using the exam computer (or any other device) for purposes other than taking the exam. Do not look up information from outside sources.
• Students must work on exams individually. No collaboration with other people is allowed.
• Be aware that there are times Canvas will be down so that OTS can perform upgrades. OTS will notify you when these times will occur. Avoid taking the exam at these planned maintenance times. If you take an exam during these planned maintenance times and the exam crashes, you will not be allowed to make up the exam.

7.4.2. Exam Issues

If you run into problems while taking the exams, follow the procedure listed below:

1. As soon as possible, contact me by email and/or phone to let me know the nature of the problem. If you try calling and only get my voicemail, leave a message describing the problem. (My voicemail is forwarded to my email.)
2. Next, call the CSN Help Desk (702-651-HELP or 800-630-7563), which should be available at all times. Describe the problem to the Help Desk tech and ask for a ticket number. Report the CSN Help Desk ticket number in a follow-up email and/or voicemail to me. 

7.5. Extra Credit Assignments

You may complete up to two extra credit assignments. Activities may vary. These will be due at different times of the semester. Be sure to read all instructions. 

---

8. Grading Policies

8.1. Computing the Final Grade

This course will be graded on a 100-point scale. Grades will not be curved, and final course grades will be rounded to the nearest whole point. Final grades will be computed from exams, homework assignments, and activities as follows:

Table 1:  Assignment category weights. 

The following table lists the guaranteed letter grades for given numeric final grade. Note that the instructor reserves the right to adjust grade boundaries downward at the end of the semester.

Table 2:  Grade boundaries

8.2. Grade Appeal Policy

Students may appeal a grade on an assignment within 7 days after the grade is reported for that assignment. After that period, no grade changes will be made for any reason other than a clerical mistake in entering an official grade. Any other grade appeals must follow the procedures outlined in the CSN catalog.

---

9. Attendance Policy

---

10. Academic Integrity Policy

---

11. Americans with Disabilities Act Statement

---

12. Student Rights and Responsibilities

When you choose to become a student at CSN, you accept the rights and responsibilities of membership in CSN’s academic and social community. You can find a full description of these rights and responsibilities in the CSN Catalog.

Specific to this class, you are expected to check for Canvas messages and your student.csn.edu account at least once each weekday with the exception of Spring Break and official College holidays. If you own a smartphone, I recommend linking your CSN email account to your phone email app.

• CSN College Catalog: http://catalog.csn.edu/
  • See the Policies and Procedures section.
• CSN Web Site: https://www.csn.edu/policies-procedures
  • See the policy documents under Student Policies.

---

13. CSN Libraries

CSN Libraries provides support for students completing assignments that require research and the use of information. Librarians are available to students for one-on-one assistance locating and citing quality information either online or at one of our campus libraries. See the links below.

• CSN Library Phone: 702-651-5729
• CSN Library Web Site: https://library.csn.edu/
• Ask a CSN Librarian: https://library.csn.edu/ask/

---

14. References

Copies of the textbook are on reserve in the CSN libraries. Some extra notes will be provided online.

---

15. Required Extra- or Co-Curricular Activities

There are no required extra- or co-curricular activities. However, some optional extra credit assignments may require off-site travel.

---

16. Statement of Safety and Risk Assumption

General Statement

Students are responsible for their own safety during regular class activities at all times. Students must follow safety instructions specified by the instructor. It is the student’s responsibility to notify the instructor of any safety concerns.

Fire Emergencies

Approved classroom safety procedures are posted in each classroom and are to be followed.  Students are to familiarize themselves with the nearest exit to use during fire alarm exercises and emergencies.

Public Health Directives (COVID-19)

Students must follow all active CSN public health directives while enrolled in this class, such as properly worn face coverings when required in classrooms as well as inside campus buildings. CSN public health directives are found at https://at.csn.edu/covid-19. Students who do not comply with these directives will be asked to leave the classroom.

Refusal to follow the guidelines may result in further disciplinary action according to CSN's Disruptive and Abusive Student Policy and Title 2, Chapter 10 of the Nevada System of Higher Education Code.

---

17. Fees

No special fees beyond those required by the College are required for this class. 

Some optional extra credit assignments or proctored online tests may require a modest fee, although free options are available for these.

---

18. Student Conduct Policy and Possible Objectionable Materials

All students are expected to behave in a professional and courteous fashion towards the instructor and towards each other in the classroom, on the phone, in email, and in online discussion forums. Any student who misbehaves or brings possibly objectionable material to class activities will be considered to be engaging in disruptive behavior. The instructor will be the final judge of whether behavior or material is possibly objectionable. In such cases, the instructor will act according to the College’s Disruptive and Abusive Student Policy.

• CSN Disruptive and Abusive Student Policy: https://archive.csn.edu/sites/default/files/documents/disruptive_and_abusive_students_policy_7.22.16_2_chk.pdf

---

19. Title IX Statement

• The Office of Institutional Equity & Title IX is responsible for investigating complaints of unlawful discrimination and sexual harassment in admission, employment, and access to college services; investigating complaints regarding treatment in college-sponsored programs and activities; investigating Title IX concerns and assuring the college is in compliance with Title IX of the Education Act of 1972; collaborating with campus units in the development of the college's affirmative action plan; assisting units in the recruitment and retention of women, men, persons with disabilities and other under-represented groups; providing training in equal opportunity, sexual harassment, diversity, and other related topics as needed or by request; and advising faculty, staff, and students who believe they may have been subjected to sexual harassment or discrimination.
• Please see the OIE web site for contact information. OIE personnel, emails, and phone numbers are listed on the bottom of the web page: https://www.csn.edu/institutional-equity

---

20. Other Information

• Checking Online Messages
  • You are expected to log in and check your course-related messages on the Canvas Learning Management server (at the same location as the course web page listed above) for messages and announcements at least once each weekday with the exception of College holidays.
  • I strongly recommend setting up Canvas to automatically send Canvas messages and announcements to your student.csn.edu email inbox at least once a day. There are also options to have messages forwarded instantly and to have messages sent to your phone.
• Students Must Use Canvas or CSN Student Email to Communicate with Instructors
  
  • Please only use Canvas messaging to discuss course-related materials with me. You may email or phone me if Canvas is down and there is a time-sensitive component to your request, but it helps everyone to have course-related items in one location.
  • Please activate and check the official, CSN-issued email address that you were assigned when you created your account. If you have to email me, use this email as non-CSN emails are passed through a spam filter.
• Instructor Message Policy
  • The instructor will respond to emails no later than the next weekday (with the exception of weekends and official college holidays) during the duration of the course.
• Time Zone Policy
  • For purposes of this course, all listed deadlines are listed as Las Vegas NV time, which is in the Pacific Time Zone (the same as Los Angeles). Pay attention to changes to and from Daylight Saving time in the spring and fall semesters. If you are in a different time zone, it is your responsibility to take the time differences between your time zone and Las Vegas into account. You may use this World Clock page (http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/) to compare the current time in different cities.
• Recording Policy
  • You must get the permission of the instructor to make audio or visual recordings of materials shared in class meetings (whether online or in-person). This includes audio recording, video recording, and still digital photography. You are allowed to share materials that are marked as originating from open sources, and you are allowed to share links to off-site materials that do not require a login such as YouTube videos.
• Withdrawing from Class
  • If you formally drop the class during the semester, College regulations will not allow for you to participate in class activities. Barring extreme, documented circumstances (i.e. medical emergencies or other life-or-death issues), a student who does not formally drop the course by the session's withdraw deadline will be considered to be enrolled and will receive a non-“W” grade for the course. Note that it is your responsibility to officially withdraw from this course by this deadline. Note that College policy prohibits your instructors from granting W grades.
  • It is the student's responsibility to withdraw from a course. Students enrolled in this course after the withdraw deadline will not be eligible for a W grade except for extreme, documented circumstances.
  • Instead of withdrawing, consider switching to audit. This allows you to participate in a class, but the grade is recorded as an "AU" grade on your transcript, which does not impact your GPA.
• Student Academic Warning/Probation/Suspension Policy
  • If students’ cumulative GPA falls to 2.0 or lower after attempting at least 12 credits, they will receive an academic warning, so that they have time to seek help. Continued performance at 2.0 or lower in future semester course work can lead to academic probation or academic suspension. Students on academic suspension will not be able to enroll in classes for a semester.
• No Late Registration for Short-Term Courses
  • Students who register late are not allowed to submit material after the due date, even if the due date predates the student's enrollment in the course. This is true even for those students who were waitlisted.
• Active-Duty Military Personnel and Veterans
  • Students facing military deployment during the class session should contact their instructor immediately to discuss options. A copy of your orders will be needed.
  • We cannot give special treatment to military personnel who have drill requirements or face deployment.  However, we can help them minimize the effects of such occurrences and continue the pursuit of their academic goals once their service obligations have ended.
  • Veterans Education and Transition Services: https://www.csn.edu/vets-center
• Mistaken Course Shell Access
  • If you have access to the course shell but you do not see this class on your MyCSN schedule, please do NOT access the course shell anymore. If you are not officially enrolled in this course (or have officially dropped this course), any work you have submitted in no way constitutes acceptance into the course, regardless of the mistaken access you may have had.
• A Comment Regarding Math
  • As indicated by the course description, math will be required. Some homework problems will incorporate high-school-level algebra. If you have difficulty with math, I will be happy to discuss these problems with you in advance of the due date.
• A Comment Regarding Grammar
  • Although this is a science course, you will be required to use proper grammar for your responses to assignments that require a written response.
  • Up to 10 percent of a grade may be deducted from an assignment for poor spelling or poor grammar.
  • I expect students to use correct spelling, to write in complete sentences, and to submit work worthy of a professional (of any sort).
  • Please leave the slang and text-speak for the appropriate audiences and media.

---

21. Useful Resources

21.1. Computer Resources

• CSN Computer Labs
  • CSN offers public computers for students for free.
  • Web: https://at.csn.edu/computerlabs
• Public Library Computers
  • Both the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District and the Henderson Libraries offer their patrons the use of public wifi outside of their buildings, although you may need to park close to their buildings. As of this date, the interior of libraries are closed.
  • Las Vegas-Clark County Library District Web Page:  http://www.lvccld.org/
  • Henderson Libraries Web Page: http://hendersonlibraries.com/  

21.2. Centers for Academic Success (CAS)

Centers for Academic Success (CAS) provides quality DROP-IN academic assistance to all students enrolled in for-credit courses at CSN. Tutors are available for most general education courses and some historically challenging courses. Academic learning support includes assistance with learning strategies, Canvas, Smarthinking online tutoring, Microsoft Office, reading, writing, oral presentations, math, and science. CAS tutors also provide support to study groups and assistance for placement test preparation. 

CAS is open Monday through Sunday to be more accessible to all students. Hours for all locations are Monday – Thursday 9:00 am to 6:00 pm and Friday – Sunday 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.

CAS contact information is as follows:

• Charleston: 702-651-5732
• North Las Vegas: 702-651-4232
• Henderson: 702-651-3125
• Web: http://www.csn.edu/centers-academic-success

21.3. Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)

The Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) offers short-term, problem-focused counseling to CSN students who may feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities of college, work, family, and relationships. Clinicians are available to help students cope with stresses and personal issues that may interfere with their ability to perform in school. The service is provided confidentially and free to currently enrolled students. To schedule an appointment, please call CAPS. CAPS contact information is as follows:

• Charleston: 702-651-5518
• North Las Vegas: 702-651-4099
• Henderson: 702-651-3099
• Web: https://www.csn.edu/caps

21.4. Early Alert Referral Program

Early Alert Referral Program (MyCoyotePLAN) – A referral program to connect students with college resources when assistance is needed to achieve success. Referrals may be initiated by faculty and staff as well by students through MyCoyotePLAN. After a referral is submitted, students will receive an email notification and will be contacted by the department to which they were referred to offer assistance.

21.5 TRIO Student Support Services

This is a one-stop shop for first-generation college, financial aid-eligible and disabled students offering tutoring, academic advising, career exploration, college-transfer assistance, and development of college success strategies on all three campuses. TRIO's contact information is as follows:

• NLV-E-109 (North Las Vegas Campus): 702-651-4441
• Web: https://www.csn.edu/trio

---

22. Disclaimer

Information and due dates contained in this syllabus may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor. Check announcements once each weekday (Monday through Friday) for notices about any syllabus changes.

---

23. Tentative Schedule

Below is a tentative schedule for the semester. Exam dates are fixed. Students who cannot take the exam at the proscribed times must email their instructor with their request and rationale no later than noon on the Monday before the exam. In approved cases, the student may elect to take the exam early.

• Course Start Date: January 18, 2022
• Last date to switch to audit: March 26, 2022
• Last date to withdraw: March 26, 2022
• Exam 1: February 14 - 19, 2022
• Exam 2: March 14 - 19, 2022
• Exam 3: April 18 - 23, 2022
• Exam 4: May 9 - 14, 2022