NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE

COURSE SYLLABUS 

 

ASTR 1404: SOLAR SYSTEM
(ONLINE) 

 

INSTRUCTOR

Andrew VandenHeuvel

616-724-7188
avandenheuvel@nctc.edu
Office hours: Wed & Fri from 9a - 10a EST

 

COURSE INFORMATION

 

Catalog Description

Study of the sun and its solar system, including its origin. Laboratory included.

 

Prerequisites

• None

Required Materials

• No textbook required (all readings are provided)

• You will need access to a printer for Lab 1

Scoring

Each assessment is worth a specific number of points. Below is a table which lists each type of assessment, how many are included in the course, the total number of points represented, and the percent of the final score that can be attributed to each assessment type. 

 

Practice (11)   55 points 13%

Discussions (3)   15 points   3%

Quizzes (8) 120 points 27%

Labs (8)   80 points 18%

Midterm   70 points 16%

Final Exam 100 points 23%

 

Grading Scale

A: 90 - 100%

B: 80 - 89% 

C: 70 - 79%

D: 60 - 69%

F: 0 - 59%

COURSE POLICIES

 

Communication

Correspondence between the instructor and student should generally be done via the Canvas Inbox. I will respond to all messages in less than 24 hours (Monday – Friday). 

 

Academic Integrity

In this online course, you should apply these standards to be sure that you maintain academic integrity:

This online course is considered entirely “open book.” You may use any resources from the course as you complete the practice quizzes, chapter quizzes, labs, tests, and final exam. You should not, however, consult any other person or website while completing an assessment in our course (i.e. “Googling” answers to quizzes, tests, or the final is considered cheating).

Late Work

Late work will be accepted with a 10% penalty for each week it is late. There are no extra credit opportunities in this course.

Grading and Feedback

Assignments will generally be graded within one week of the due date. Students are always welcome to ask the instructor for more detailed feedback on any graded assignment. 

 

Withdrawal Deadline

Last day to withdraw with a W is October 31, 2022

 

COLLEGE POLICIES

 

Attendance Policy

In an online class, attendance is measured by completing assigned activities, not merely logging into the course. Regular and punctual attendance is expected of all students in all classes for which they have registered. All absences are considered to be unauthorized unless the student is absent due to illness or emergencies as determined by the instructor. It is the student’s responsibility to provide documentation as to the emergency for approval and judgement by the faculty member. Approved college sponsored activities are the only absences for which a student should not be held liable and only when provided by a college official ahead of the absence. Valid reasons for absence, however, do not relieve the student of the responsibility for making up required work. Students will not be allowed to make up an examination missed due to absence unless they have reasons acceptable to the instructor. A student who is compelled to be absent when a test is given should petition the instructor, in advance if possible, for permission to postpone the exam. Student will be dropped from a class by the Registrar upon recommendation of the instructor who feels the student has been justifiably absent or tardy a sufficient number of times to preclude meeting the course’s objectives. Persistent, unjustified absences from classes or laboratories will be considered sufficient cause for College officials to drop a student from the rolls of the College. From Board Policy FC.

 

Disability Services

The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) provides support services for students with disabilities, students enrolled in technical areas of study, and students who are classified as special populations (i.e. single parents). Support services for students with disabilities might include appropriate and reasonable accommodations, or they may be in the form of personal counseling, academic counseling, career counseling, etc. Furthermore, OSD Counselors work with students to encourage self-advocacy and promote empowerment. The counselors also provide resource information, disability-related information, and adaptive technology for students who qualify. If you feel you have needs for services that the institution provides, please reach out to either Wayne Smith (940) 498-6207 or Yvonne Sandman (940) 668-3300. Alternative students may stop by Room 170 in Corinth or Room 111 in Gainesville.

 

Academic Dishonesty

Scholastic dishonesty shall include, but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, academic falsification, intellectual property dishonesty, academic dishonesty facilitation and collusion. Faculty members may document and bring charges against a student who is engaged in or is suspected to be engaged in academic dishonesty. See Student Handbook, “Student Rights & Responsibilities: Student Conduct.” Consequences for academic dishonesty may include:

1. Assigning a failing grade for the assignment.

2. Assigning a failing grade for the class. 

 

Student Handbook

Students are expected to follow all rules and regulations found in the student handbook and

published online. 

 

STUDENT SERVICES

For the most up-to-date information, download the Student Services Syllabus Addendum. 

 

QUESTIONS, CONCERNS, or COMPLAINTS

The student should contact the instructor to deal with any questions, concerns, or complaints specific to the class.  If the student and faculty are not able to resolve the issue, the student may contact the chair or coordinator of the division.  If the student remains unsatisfied, the student may proceed to contact the instructional dean.

 

Name of Chair/Coordinator: Jaime Noles

Office location: Gainesville Science Building 

Telephone number: (940)668-7731 ext. 4930

E-mail address: jnoles@nctc.edu

 

Name of Instructional Dean: Mary Martinson

Office location: Gainesville Student Success Department

Telephone number: (940) 668-7731, ext. 4377

E-mail address: mmartinson@nctc.edu

COURSE OUTCOMES

 

Upon completion, students will be able to:

1. Describe the main characteristics of the sun such as size, mass, density, luminosity, and spectrum.

2. Define and apply basic astronomical concepts.

3. Define and apply the basic concepts of light and spectra.

4. Demonstrate knowledge of the basic laws of physics including gravity and apply them to the bodies of the solar system.

5. Compare and contrast the characteristics and properties of the terrestrial and outer planets.

6. Demonstrate an understanding of the properties of the smaller bodies of the solar system.

7. Describe the current scientific explanation of the origin and evolution of the solar system.

8. Analyze and interpret data from laboratory observations to draw valid scientific conclusions and communicate these conclusions in a clear and articulate manner.