Introduction to Astronomy (Astronomy 101), Survey of Geology (Geology 101), and Basic Science
(INTER 115) Item 0610, 12 credits
Bellevue Community College

Explore the frontier of science with a journey through the solar system - from the birth and death of the sun, to active volcanoes on Io and the icy comets of the Kuiper belt. We'll examine the prospect for life outside of the Earth and the evidence for other solar systems. This class will include new information from the active spacecraft exploring Mars, Saturn and Comet Wild.

Winter Quarter 2007 - MWF 9:30-12:20; TTh 9:30-11:20
Room B244 and B262

A Typical Week: Each class session is 2 to 3 hours long, and it is unlikely we will cover just one concept or use just one approach for the entire session.  However, in general, Mondays through Thursdays will primarily be lecture days interspersed with discussions and exercises. Labs and any field trip work will be schedule for the 3-hour days, if at all possible.  Thursdays will be set aside for exams. And Friday’s will be generally be a more informal day for videos, research, etc.

Schedule: A detailed schedule of topics, readings, and due dates can be found on the class web site (see calendar and readings).  This site will be updated frequently, so be sure to check it regularly. Each student should keep his or her own planning calendar and keep track of assignment deadlines and other important dates on that calendar. Below is a basic outline off the major topics covered in this course.

Other dates to remember:  January 16^th is the 10^th day of the quarter.  February 16^th (by 5 PM) is the last day to withdraw.
January 15, February 19, and March 2 are holiday's - no classes scheduled.

Required Texts:

• The Solar System 5 ^th edition (2006) by Michael A. Seeds
• Geology: A Self-Teaching Guide (2001) by Barbara Murck
• (Additional online reading assignments will be linked to the class web page.)

This class is not intended to be simply a review of the above books.  We will use the books as a basis for our investigation into the basic concepts of the geology of the solar system.  As well as the material from the texts, we will draw the instructors’ experiences, current examples integrated in case studies, handouts, web sites, guest lectures, and information provided by students.

Reading assignments will be posted on the class web site, and announced in class. 

Grades:  The grade you receive for the course will be based on an assessment of your performance during this quarter on required assessments. You should be assessing your own performance throughout the quarter and determining the “best” allocation of your time and effort.   Your grade will be determined by your performance on the following: 

• Labs                                        30%
• 4 Exams                                   40%
• Exercises and Discussions      10%
• Final Project                            20%

Exams:  There will be 4 exams during the quarter worth 10% each. Exams will be on the material covered in class and the readings since the previous exam (i.e., they are not cumulative). There are no makeup quizzes so please note the dates.  Calculators are allowed for all homework assignments and quizzes (not required).  Dictionaries are allowed for non-native English speakers for quizzes.

Exercises and Discussions There will be several short take-home and in-class exercises and discussions due during the quarter, for a total of 10% of your grade.  Exercises will be explained during the quarter (more information will be provided).

Final Project: The final project gives you the chance to further explore the solar system.  The project will involve a research paper and presentation  (Details will be distributed separately.)

Late Assignments:  All assignments are due in class on the specified date.  We will not accept anything after that time unless specific arrangements are made before the class in which it is due. 

Attendance and Participation:  Students are reminded that this class is designed to assist them in learning but the primary responsibility depends on the student accessing and using the multitude of resources available.  Because we will be working in learning community and engaging each other in discussion, it is important to remember basic etiquette.  Etiquette is primarily to facilitate keeping our interactions with others harmonious.  In this class, it translates into basic respect for others who wish to learn. Cell phones, talking in class and recurring late arrivals are distracting to other students and the instructor and will not be tolerated during class time and can result in reduced credit.  This is a discussion-oriented class, therefore interaction, questions, and discussions are encouraged and expected.

Extra Credit, Make-ups, Incompletes: Because we would like to place current events in the context of the class, we will give an additional 1 exam point of extra credit for each "article" you bring in concerning geologic/astronomical events and news (no repeats from different sources). The maximum extra credit you may receive for articles is 10 points (maximum of 2 points per week). We may offer one or two other short extra credit options during the quarter, as circumstances allow. We do not allow any other type of extra credit, make-ups, or incompletes.

Science Division Policy on Cheating: You, the student, are expected to conduct yourself with integrity. If you cheat*, or aid someone else in cheating, you violate a trust.  If you cheat or aid someone in cheating, the following actions will be taken:

1. You will receive a grade of "0" on the work (exam, assignment, lab, quiz, etc.), where the cheating occurred.  This grade cannot be dropped.
2. A report of the incident will be sent to the Dean of Students.  He may file the report in your permanent record or take further disciplinary action such as suspension or expulsion from the college.

If you feel you have been unfairly accused of cheating, you may appeal.  (For a description of due process, see WAC 132H-120.)

*Cheating includes, but is not limited to, copying answers on tests or assignments, glancing at nearby test papers, swapping papers, stealing, plagiarizing, and illicitly giving or receiving help on exams or assignments.

Special Needs Students: Students with disabilities who have accommodation needs are required to meet with the Disability Support Services (DSS) office, room B233-G (telephone 425.564.2498 or TTY 425.564.4110), to establish their eligibility for accommodation.  The DSS office will provide each eligible student with an accommodation letter. Students who require accommodation in class must review the DSS accommodation letter with each instructor during the first week of the quarter. Students with mobility challenges who may need assistance in case of an emergency situation or evacuation should register with Disability Support Services, or review those needs with the instructor as well.

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Friday, December 29, 2006