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NATS 1001 02
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Syllabus
Topic Outlines
Sample Test
 

Lecture: TTh  9:30-10:45   S245

Teaching Scientist: Ed Wehling        ‘Ed’ or ‘Professor Wehling’

Office: S208

Office phone: 763-433-1174

Email: ed.wehling@anokaramsey.edu

Office hours:  M:10:00-10:50    T: 2:00-2:50   
W:10:00-10:50         F:10:00-10:50     12:00-12:50

Textbook: The Cosmic Perspective, 5th edition by Bennett. 
Textbook is not required!!

All of the following editions will be OK. The 4th editions have just about the same information as the 5th editions; however, the page numbers won't match the information provided on the web site.

5th edition Media Update
5th edition
4th edition Media Update
4th edition

How are grades determined?

Your grade in the course is based on your performance on the exams.

Exam average              Course grade
          >76%                         A
       63-76%                         B
       50-63%                         C
          <50%                          F

What are classes like?

• During most of each class period I will be explaining the physical processes of Astronomy.
• I will be writing on the board.
• I will be showing several hundred images. These images are available on eReserve. You are responsible for the presented images that are identified with an *.
• I will be doing demonstrations and showing animations.
• The material covered in the course is outlined in the Topic Outlines.
• We will examine current events in Astronomy.
• Attendance is not required for lectures.
• There will be no class Thursday, February 11.

What are exams like?

• Exams are based entirely on material presented in lecture.
• Exams consist primarily of long answer questions. [For example: Why is Jupiter the largest outer planet? Where do long-period comets come from?.] Exams also include some short answer and multiple choice questions.
• The lowest score among the first 5 exams will not be included in your exam average. Everyone counts the 6th exam.
• There are no makeup exams.
• The exam dates for this semester are:
  --Exam 1 Thursday, January 28
  --Exam 2 Thursday, February 18
  --Exam 3 Tuesday, March 9    
  --Exam 4 Thursday, April 1      
  --Exam 5 Tuesday, April 20    
  --Exam 6 [final exam] Friday, May 14
     8:30-9:30 AM   S245  (same room)
     The final is not cumulative.

How to be successful in this course

• Read the advice from previous students.
• Attend class.
• Pay attention in class.
• Take good notes.
• Write down more than what I write on the board.
• Bring * images to class.
• Know the web site.
• Study more than just the day or two before the exam.
• Do more than go over your notes when you study.

• Be courteous
• Do not socialize in the classroom
  --That means no talking!
  --If this is a problem, you may be:
     --asked to be quiet
     --kicked out of the classroom
     --given an assigned seat to minimize class disruptions
     --and more
• Try not to be late to class.
  --Everyone is late once in a while. If you are late:
     --Enter the classroom through the back door.
     --Find a seat near the back of the classroom so that you minimize disruption of the class
     --Be courteous and quiet.
  --If you are often late, you may be:
     --invited to a private chat with the professor
     --given an assigned seat to minimize class disruptions
     --and more
• Don't pack up early.

Odds and ends

• No recording of class without the professor's permission.
• If you have alternative testing needs, you must discuss this with me by Wednesday, January 20. If you do not, you may not receive credit for the first exam.
• If you want to take the course pass/fail, you must notify me by Wednesday, January 20.
• All students are expected to adhere to standards of academic honesty as specified in the Student Conduct Code. Violations of the Student Conduct Code may result in penalties as severe as expulsion from the college.

Teaching Philosophy

• Students are adults
  --No games, no busy work
  --Students are responsible for their success
  --Students are expected to behave and not disrupt class
• Primary goals of the course
  --Learn skills you will need the rest of your life such as learning how to:
       --learn
       --listen
       --take notes
       --organize your thoughts
       --figure out what you know and don't know
       --seek help
       --communicate effectively
       --be successful
  --Science goals
       --understand, interpret, and describe to others
          physical processes of astronomy
       --get an idea of how scientists do their work
       --get an idea of the perspective of scientists
       --interpret and analyze charts, graphs, maps, tables
• Respect
  --I expect that we will all respect each other.
  --I will respect you by:
     --starting class on time
     --ending class on time
     --providing clear expectations about
        --grading policies
        --exam dates
        --topic outlines
        --expected behavior

Topics of the course