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Toshi Nishimura
Research Associate Professor
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Center for Space Physics
Boston University
Spring 2026 CAS AS 101 The Solar System Section G1
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). This course is taught at an introductory level and is intended for all students at the university. There are no prerequisites beyond high school-level math and science.
Registration: Students registering for G1 must also register for the lab section H1 or H2. A1 and G1 provide similar content but are graded independently.
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/)
(Class full) Consider another section, or contact the college. Check the system periodically since seats may open up occasionally without notice. Astronomy does not utilize waitlists.
(Seats reserved, Class closed) Contact the college office and request a seat assignment.
(Locked) The college has set priority for some student groups. Wait until it is unlocked.
Grading: The grade is based on attendance, weekly homework, eight 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: Lecture slides will be posted online. A quiz is issued at every lecture for attendance. Reading assignments pre-lecture quizzes will not be issued.
Labs: The lab section will have regular day labs at the scheduled time and two special night labs (schedule TBD). 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. A handwritten cheat sheet is 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, 9th edition, Pearson, by Jeffrey Bennett et al.,. Recommended but not required. An earlier edition of the book is also accepted.
https://www.pearson.com/en-us/subject-catalog/p/cosmic-perspective-the/P200000006931
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