Astronomy A20 Syllabus
Irvine Valley College

Dr. Jennifer Tan
JTan@IVC.Edu

COURSE DESCRIPTION

An introductory course to astronomy, including developments from ancient times to the present. The fundamental theoretical background necessary to understanding the tools of astronomy, such as spectroscopy is covered at a conceptual level. The current state of astronomy including latest advances as well as surveys of cosmic events and ideas such as the Big Bang Theory is discussed. Our solar system, extending out to our galaxy, other galaxies and beyond are studied in increasing widening of perspective of our universe's grand scale.

Course OUTLINE

1. Early and modern history of astronomy

2. The solar system

3. Stars

4. Stellar evolution

5. Milky Way Galaxy

6. Galaxies beyond - galaxies, quasars & cosmology

METHODS OF EVALUATION

Tests and quizzes

Final exam

Field trip

Solar system project

Term Paper

Attendance and participation

REQUIRED MATERIAL

  1. Text book "Astronomy: The Cosmic Journey" by William K. Hartmann & Chris Impey
  2. Starfinder, i.e. Astrorama

COURSE SCHEDULE

From January 15,1999 to May 14,1999.

Location Room B316

Fridays 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

Final exam May 14, 1999 , 8:15 AM.

Field Trip April , 1999 Saturday (tentative date)
Orange County Astronomy Club Observatory at Ansa.
Attendance is required.

ABSENCES

Please consult me if you know ahead of any absences.

For illness or unanticipated absence, please check with classmates for missed notes, assignments, announcements, etc.

Please consult me if you have extenuating circumstances to miss a Field Trip, test, or assignment.

OFFICE HOURS

Office for part-time staff is in room B262. Please arrange with me for time to meet there if there is a need.

If you need to contact me, you can leave a message on my Voice Mail Box : 451-5462 78013#. I will return your call if you leave your phone number. You can send me e-mail to jennifertan@Yahoo.Com as well.

GRADING

  • 3 tests & Field Trip 30 % (3 tests 27%, Field Trip 3%)
  • Final exam 25 %
  • Term Paper 25 %
  • Attendance & Project 20 %
  • (5% attendance, 15% Projects)
    •

    Grade Classification

  • A = 85.0 - 100.0 %
  • B = 70.0 - 84.9 %
  • C = 55.0 - 69.9 %
  • D = 40.0 - 54.9 %
  • F = 0.0 - 39.9 %
    •

    TERM PAPER

    Consists of viewing approved video tapes on reserve at IVC library, at the local library or at your local video rental stores and written reports of reviewed tapes. Term paper must be type written and conform to requested format.

    Due date: April 30, 1999

    20% will be deducted for late term papers.

    CHEATING IS ABSOLUTELY NOT TOLERATED. IDENTICAL OR NEAR IDENTICAL TERM PAPERS AND IDENTICAL SCRANTON RESULTS WILL AUTOMATICALLY QUALIFY FOR A GRADE OF ZERO FOR ALL PARTIES INVOLVED.

    Students are responsible for dropping the course before the final drop date. A grade of "F" will be given to students who fail to do so.

    Final drop date : April 20,1999