Syllabus - Fall 2015

BBLACK HOLES and the ORIGIN of the UNIVERSE (ERTH-106)

Fall 2015, MW 8:00 - 9:20 am, PS-128 (Official class syllabus posted online -- always check for updates)

INSTRUCTOR: Sean Kelly Office: EBS-116 e-mail: spkelly@pipeline.sbcc.edu

Phone: 805 897-3480 Office Hours: MTWR 11-12 web: https://goo.gl/zor3AA, Moodle page

ERTH 106 - BLACK HOLES and the UNIVERSE (3.0 UNITS): An introduction to the great theories to explain the universe, black holes, quasars, and the fourth dimension. Lectures, guest speakers, field trips, scientific papers, and other original sources of current information are included. It is strongly suggested, though not required, that students take ERTH-101 (Intro to Astronomy) first.

TRANSFERABILITY: CSU/UC Transferrable.

ADVISORIES: English 103, Math 1, Earth 101 (Intro to Astronomy)

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:

· SLO1 - collaborate with fellow students to explore the latest theories in physics and astronomy.

· SLO2 - compare and contrast credible and non-credible sources, and discern between science and pseudoscience.

· SLO3 - make use of electronic research techniques to investigate recent developments and discoveries in the field.

TEXT: A Brief History of Time, by Stephen Hawking is our first book and Supplemental Readings will be made available during the semester.

GRADING: The following is the weighting for each of the categories that you will be graded on.

ASTRONOMY LECTURE: The astronomy lecture course (ERTH-101) is not required as a prerequisite, however is highly recommended for those genuinely interested in astronomy and/or for those planning to continue a formal course of study in astronomy. The ERTH-101 Astronomy course may be taken concurrently and/or at a future date, but is best taken as a pre-curser to this course to enhance your comprehension and understanding of the topics covered in this class.

PIPELINE: All students are required to make use of PIPELINE and MOODLE for participation in classroom activities and assignments and so that the instructor (and other students in your class) may contact you. It is required that you check your PIPELINE email account at least once per week. Please use your Pipeline account to email me.

ATTENDANCE: It is my experience that students who do not attend -- do not succeed. This is because the nature of the discipline is such that the lecture presentations, physical demonstrations, and laboratory experience (for those enrolled in ERTH-102) are all vital and integral components of a solid foundation in this discipline. I look forward to seeing all of you in class regularly. Attendance will be taken and quizzes may be given daily.

DSPS for Eligible Students

“SBCC students with verified disabilities who are requesting academic accommodations should use the following procedure:

Step 1: Obtain documentation of your disability from a licensed professional. You may contact DSPS to request a Disability Verification Form.

Step 2: Make an appointment to meet with a DSPS Specialist to review your documentation and discuss reasonable accommodations. To schedule a meeting, please call DSPS at (805) 730-4164.

Step 3: Bring your disability documentation to your DSPS appointment. The DSPS office is located in room 160 of the Student Services building.

Step 4: Each semester, reach written accommodation agreement with the DSPS Specialist and your instructor.

Please complete this process in a timely manner to allow adequate time to provide accommodation.”

DROP POLICY: Adding and dropping courses is a student responsibility, do not expect the instructor to do it for you. In general though, students may be dropped after missing 2 classes in a row, or 3 classes total. If there are extenuating circumstances, be sure to let the instructor know. Students who do not show for the first day of class will be dropped to allow those on the waiting list to add.

TURNING IN PAPERS: All papers are to be turned in at the front of the room before or after class, but not during class. For all papers submitted, in the upper right corner, give your name, the date, the class, and the assignment. Keep a copy. Many assignments will be kept by your instructor until the end of the semester and may be picked up after the class is over.

HONOR: I would like to encourage a healthy educational environment of trust and academic responsibility. I will trust you to pursue academic success with honor and integrity. I do not anticipate any problems, but any indication of cheating (no matter how minor the infraction) will result in an F in the course with your name being turned in to the administration. This can result in a permanent blemish on your transcript as well as expulsion. If it is apparent that you have copied, or falsely represented your work, or you have made the same errors as the solution manual, solution key, or others in your class, you will be removed from the course. The person being copied from will be considered an accomplice. If a homework or test problem is in question, you may be asked to solve it for your instructor or explain each and every step of your solution. Conduct yourselves with honor and integrity.

GET AHEAD: If you consistently keep up with the material you will do well. It is easy to get ahead but difficult to catch up should you fall behind! Material at the end of the course can be challenging. Do not let this catch you by surprise. For those who keep up, the class will be fun and rewarding!

NO LAPTOPS WITHOUT DSPS/INSTRUCTOR AUTHORIZATION: You may not use a laptop during class. Laptop screens (and the light they emit during slide presentations) can be very distractive to other students. Also, it is my experience that many students often work on non-class related projects with their laptops. Please copy your notes to your laptop outside of class time.