Teaching

Toshi Nishimura

Associate Professor

Department of Astronomy and Center for Space Physics

Boston University

Spring 2027   CAS AS 101   The Solar System  Section A1

Course objectives: AS101 is an introduction to the Solar System for non-major students. The course covers basic concepts in astronomy, the formation of the solar system, the Sun and its effects on the Earth, and the characteristics of planets and moons, asteroids, and exoplanets. The lab section enhances this understanding through regular lab exercises (day labs) and occasional night sky observations using the telescope (night labs). 

Prerequisites: It is expected that students taking this course are interested in Astronomy. But students are not expected to have prior knowledge about Astronomy. High school-level math and science knowledge for non-STEM concentration is required. The course typically has many students in non-STEM majors.

Registration: Students registering for A1 must also register for one of the lab sections. 

The instructor does not reserve seats, assign seats, or change your registration. If you encounter registration issues, contact CAS Academic Advising (https://www.bu.edu/cas/academics/undergraduate-education/academic-advising/advising/contact-and-staff/)

Grading: The grade is based on attendance, homework, lab reports, two midterms, and a final. Grading considers that this is a course for non-major freshman students. Feedback is provided after each exam, allowing students to track their progress.

Lectures: Attendance is required. There will not be any pre-lecture quizzes or reading assignments.

Labs: The lab section will have regular day labs at the scheduled time, two special night labs (schedule based on the weather), and an evening planetary visit. Some scheduling flexibility exists for the night labs. Lab attendance and lab reports are required.

Exams: The exams test conceptual understanding of the subject at the lecture and homework levels. Practice exams and study guides will be provided. The exams are closed-book and closed-internet. Handwritten notes are allowed, and an equation sheet is provided, ensuring that the exams are not about memorization. Scores will be curved if needed. Those who have a legitimate conflict will be allowed to take a makeup exam after the regular exam. An early departure for a vacation is not allowed for a makeup. 

Textbook: The Cosmic Perspective, 10th edition, Pearson, by Jeffrey Bennett et al.,. Recommended but not required. An earlier edition of the book is also accepted.

Fall 2026   CAS AS 202   Principles of Astronomy 1  Section A1

Course objectives: AS 202 provides an introduction to the Solar System for Astronomy-major&minor students. The course covers basic concepts in astronomy, the formation of the solar system, the Sun and its effects on the Earth, and the characteristics of planets and moons, asteroids, and exoplanets. The lab section enhances this understanding through regular lab exercises night sky observations. 

Prerequisites: High school-level physics and math knowledge for STEM concentration is required. Students outside the Astronomy department may enroll the course if they meet this requirement, subject to seat availability. Strong interests in astronomy is also required, but prior knowledge of astronomy is not required.

Registration: Students registering for the course must also register for both the lecture and lab sections. 

The instructor does not reserve seats, assign seats, or change your registration. If you encounter registration issues, contact CAS Academic Advising (https://www.bu.edu/cas/academics/undergraduate-education/academic-advising/advising/contact-and-staff/).

Seats are researved for Astronomy major&minor students until the designated date. Typically some seats are available for non-Astronomy students when the restriction is lifted.

Grading: The grade is based on attendance, weekly homework, lab reports, and three exams. Grading considers that this is an introductory course for freshman students. Feedback is provided after each exam, allowing students to track their progress.

Lectures: Lecture slides will be posted online. Reading assignments pre-lecture quizzes will not be issued.

Labs: Lab attendance and lab reports are required.

Exams: The exams test conceptual understanding of the subject at the lecture and homework levels. Practice exams and study guides will be provided. The exams are closed-book and closed-internet. Scores will be curved if needed. Those who have a legitimate conflict will be allowed to take a makeup exam after the regular exam. An early departure for a vacation is not allowed for a makeup. 

Textbook: The Cosmic Perspective, 10th edition, Pearson, by Jeffrey Bennett et al.,. Recommended but not required. An earlier edition of the book is also accepted.

Spring 2026   CAS AS 101   The Solar System   Section G1

Syllabus

Spring 2023   ENG EK 103   Computational Linear Algebra   Section A5

Spring 2022   ENG EK 103   Computational Linear Algebra   Section A5

Spring 2019   ENG EK 103   Computational Linear Algebra   Section A4