Astronomy 131 ONLINE

Course Description

3 Credit Hour; Prerequisite: None

Designed for general education, consists of a non-mathematical introduction to elements of the astronomical universe by means of lecture and planetarium demonstrations. Organized to interest the individual who is without scientific background but who desires to understand the major units of the universe and their interrelation. Three hours of lecture per week.

Course Objectives-

To provide an exposure to the scientific process through presentation of astronomical concepts; To introduce astronomical concepts; To provide an interesting and enjoyable introduction to astronomy and science.

Greetings!-Your first task is to procure a copy ASTRONOMY ONLINE by Tim Slater. You can go to the HFCC Collge Store; or order it from them online-you will find a link to doing that at www.hfcc.net.

Once you have ASTRONOMY ONLINE you have your access codes to begin using the site; www.whfreeman.com/aol. You will need to follow the directions to register yourself for use AND to register with me lopresto@hfcc.edu as your instructor since all your graded materials will be sent to me.

BE SURE TO EMAIL ME AT THE BEGINNING OF THE SEMESTER SO I HAVE YOUR ADDRESS FOR CORRESPONDENCES THROUGHOUT THE COURSE!

ASTRONOMY ONLINE consists of 30 interactive modules of which15 (according to the author-my friend Tim Slater) make up a good one-semester introductory astronomy course.

THEREFORE, your assignment is to log-on to ASTRONOMY ONLINE regularly and complete fifteen (15) modules. THIS INCLUDES ALL OBSERVATIONS, TUTORIALS AND ACTIVITIESWITHIN THE MODULE AND THE EXAM AT THE END OF THE MODULE. YOU MUST COMPLETE AND SUBMIT ALL OBSERVATIONS, TUTORIALS AND ACTIVITIES TO RECEIVE CREDIT FOR THE MODULE EXAM.

 MODLUES ARE NOT DUE ANY SPECIFIC TIME, BUT EVERYONE MUST DO MODULE 1-Astronomy and the Universe, the other 14 are YOUR CHOICE (one of the most common complaints in intro-astronomy is that something that someone wanted to learn got left out-this way, YOU get to choose what you study).

The semester begins as soon as you wish and ends at MIDNIGHT-MAY 5, 2005-That is the last day I can accept any modules, please DO NOT ask to submit anything late!

Grading Scale-(20 points possible in each module exam): A 270-300, B 240-269, C 210-239, D 180-209, E <180..

****You may attempt up to THREE (3) extra modules to bring your grade up if you wish. They can be done at anytime during the term. The points you get for any modules above 15 (up to 18) will be ADDED to your total.****

Since everyone is choosing their own modules, there should be no need for a billboard or chat-room. Contact me at lopresto@hfcc.edu if you have any questions-HAVE FUN!

Make-ups- Any work submitted prior to the end of the semester (date indicated above) will be accepted.

Drop-policy-Any student may drop a course for any reason on or before the college drop deadline. Generally, the instructor will follow the college drop deadline. After the deadline the instructor may, at his discretion, record a DR grade on a student's grade report. A student who wishes to explore this option must discuss their situation with the instructor.

Academic Dishonesty- This will absolutely not be tolerated under any circumstances. The definitions of and penalties for academic dishonesty taken from the College Organization Handbook (see below).

POLICY ON ACADEMIC DISHONESTY (CHEATING)

Henry Ford Community College considers academic dishonesty to be a serious offense.

It shall be the policy of the College that determination of the fact of academic dishonesty and appropriate action with respect to academic dishonesty by a student shall be a matter of individual judgement by the instructor. The instructor may administer a penaltyup to and including failure in the particular course. It is the professional obligation of thefaculty to enforce academic integrity in their courses.

Academic dishonesty is any activity intended to improve a student's grade fraudently.* Itincludes, but is not limited to, the following:

A. Unauthorized acquisition of tests or alteration of grades;

B. Unauthorized use of notes, books, or other prohibited materials during anexamination;

C. Open cheating during an examination;

D. Permitting another person to take a test in the student's place or receivingunauthorized assistance with any work for which academic credit isreceived;

E. Providing unauthorized assistance with any work for which academic credit is received;

F. Revision of graded work in an attempt to receive additional credit fraudulently;

G. Plagiarism or using another person's work without acknowledgment;

H. Any other conduct intended to obtain academic credit fraudulently or

dishonestly.

If an instructor fails a student in a course for academic dishonesty, the instructor will immediately notify, in writing, the division/department head, the student, and theRegistrar of the infraction, retaining copies of all notifications. The Registrar will maintain a record of all such violations. If a student fails two classes as a result of academic dishonesty, he or she will be dismissed from the College for two academic years. In addition, a notation of the reason for academic dismissal will be placed on the student's transcript. The notation may be expunged at the discretion of the appropriate Vice President/Dean if a student petitions for its removal after at least a two-year period has elapsed since the disciplinary action.

If a student believes that the accusation of academic dishonesty is false, he or she may appeal through the Student Complaint Policies and Procedures. If the appeal reaches the Student Complaint Board, the Board will only consider whether the charge of academic dishonesty is justified and will not set aside or change the penalty given by the instructor unless the charge of academic dishonesty is set aside.

* Any action that violates the Student Conduct Policy: Due Process Procedure will also be subject to review under that

policy.