AS101A - Syllabus-Fall2023

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Wilfrid Laurier University *

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Course

101

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Astronomy

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Oct 30, 2023

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1 Course Syllabus AS-101-A - Astronomy I:Our Place in the cosmos Physics and Computer Science /Physics, Science, Waterloo Fall | 2023 I acknowledge that in Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge and Brantford we are on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishnawbe, and Haudenosaunee peoples. Instructor Information Dr. T. Stephen Sathiaraj | Science Building, N 2084A Contact Information | 519-884 0710 #3867 /tsathiaraj@wlu.ca Weekly Office Hours |3:30 pm to 4:30 pm Monday and Wednesday (by appointment only) Lecture Times and Location: Room: Arts Building 1E1 Lectures: 4:00 pm - 5:20 pm (TR) Tuesdays/Thursdays Teaching Philosophy/Approach Teaching is a challenging and rewarding experience. My philosophy of teaching is a reference point from which I can gauge my teaching performance on a personal level, helping me to identify my strengths and weaknesses as a teacher. I believe a good teacher should have the caring for the students, in depth knowledge of the subject, good preparation before the lessons, enthusiasm for teaching and most importantly a good motivator. Tutorial Leader, Lab Instructor or Teaching Assistant Information N/A Course Information Calendar Description No prior knowledge of astronomy Is necessary . Prerequisites : Basic algebra Course Overview and Approach An introduction to the science of astronomy, the process by which we develop astronomical principles and the application of these techniques to gain a modern understanding of our solar system. Topics covered include the historical development of astronomy, understanding the night sky, Newton's law of gravitation, light and telescopes, and a detailed study of the Solar System. New data from recent explorations of Mars, Saturn and other celestial objects will be discussed. AS101A, we will examine our night sky, the Sun, the Moon, the Earth, and the other planets. Our goal is to examine the origins of the Solar System, life on Earth, our neighbours, and the future evolution of our

2 neighbourhood. We will explore the possibility of life on other planets and ask whether our place in the Cosmos is unique or not. We will talk about the SETI program and the use of various astronomical instruments. Along the way, not only will you learn about the amazing structure of the Universe, but also about how science works, and how we have gradually developed our modern perspective of the Universe. Course Goals and Learning Outcomes This is a first-year introductory course in astronomy where non-prior knowledge of astronomy its required. The course is structured in terms of thematic units, which will help the students study in a fair detail and understand the most important mechanisms of the natural phenomena that take place in the universe. During each class I would ensure that the students will find the topics interesting and ask questions if they need more clarification. For their own benefit I would like students to participate in any lecture since each lecture constitutes a different topic. After the lecture I would expect students to have at least basic understanding of the most important parts of the topics discussed. Furthermore, I would like to provide the students with the opportunity to develop an interest in this very important subject area. Next, I want to help students with helpful responses and guidance during the teaching of the course. As an instructor I will try to provide students with the opportunity to engage in this exiting learning process and provide them with constructive feedback which can help them improve their understanding of the subject. There are no labs in this course and the tutorials will be done by me as it's already mentioned above. During this course we will study the following thematic units: • T he scale of the universe • The story of astronomy and the scientific method • Observing the night sky • Constellations and astronomical coordinate systems • The seasons, lunar phases, and eclipses • Newton’s law and the theory of gravitation • The sun • Observing the universe: matter, light and telescopes • Stars and star types • Stellar evolution • White dwarfs, neutron stars • Black holes, white holes and worm holes and Big bang theory • The Milky Way • Exoplanetary systems • Meteors and asteroids Learning Outcomes By the end of this course students should be able to: 1) To learn about the constellations in the sky and use them to navigate. 2) To know and be able to describe most of the important astronomical phenomena in simple terms. 3) To have a basic knowledge about the sun 4) To have a good knowledge about how the lives of various types of stars evolve 5) To know what white dwarfs, neutron stars and black holes are 6) To have a basic knowledge about the Milky Way

3 Course Tools and Learning Materials • Lecture notes in power point form will be available in MyLS to the class after each second class. • ASTRO 2 nd or 3 rd Canadian Edition, Authors: Seeds, Backman, Ghose, Milosevic-Zdjelar, Read, Publisher: Nelson • Paperback - Ghose/Milosevic-Zdjelar/Read/Reid – ASTRO ISBN: 9780176857059 • e-Book - Ghose/Milosevic-Zdjelar/Read/Reid – ASTRO ISBN: 9781774747117 • If you decide to use a previous version of the textbook, keep in mind that you are responsible for ensuring that you learn the same material. • The Essential Cosmic Perspective by: Bennett, Donahue, Schneider and Voit, Pearson, 8 th Edition 2018 • The Astronomy of Today by: Chaisson and McMillan, Pearson 9 th edition, 2017 • 21 st Century Astronomy by: Kay, Palen and Blumenthal 5 th edition, 2013 • And a more summarized type of book: ASTRONOMY: The universe at a glance , by Chaisson and McMillan. • Companion websites or online homework/lab programs (e.g., MyEconLab) N/A • Library e-reserve website and access information (TBA) • Course Supplies – non-media (calculator, lab coat) (N/A) • Course Media and Technology • Laurier Library (N/A) • Brightspace – Laurier’s MyLearningSpace course login page ( YES ) • Centre for Student Success (writing center, math center, academic advising, study skills/supplemental instruction, accessible learning (YES) • Strategies for studying your discipline or how to be a successful student in your course ( YES ) • Links to learning and study materials and supports Student Evaluation Marks will be assigned for answering quiz questions during class (10 quizzes 0.5% per quiz a total of 5%). Since the questions are meant to be instructive, marks are awarded regardless of the answer. Please note: • To get full participation marks for a class, you must vote in every poll during that class. Repeating the quiz out of the class hours it will be just to your benefit for just learning the material of the course. • If you will be absent (for valid acceptable reasons), you may contact the instructor to request a make-up a quiz. • Assignments will open after the second half of any lecture unit is completed (after 5:20 pm Thursdays) and remain open for you to try until 4 pm Tuesday, that the next second half class lecture starts Assessment Weighting Quizzes 5% Assignments 30% Midterm 25% Final Exam 40% Total 100%

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4 Assignments Start Date Due Date -2023 1 Sep 14 Sep 21 2 Sep 21 Sep 28 3 Sep 28 Oct 5 4 Oct 5 Oct 19 5 Oct 10-13 reading week 6 Oct 19 Oct 26 7 Oct 26 Nov 2 8 Nov 2 Nov 9 9 Nov 9 Nov 16 10 Nov 16 Nov 23 Midterm: Tuesday, October 17, 4 pm FINAL EXAMS: Dec 9-21 – To be announced. Instructor and Course Evaluation: There will be opportunities to provide feedback about the classes and the course throughout the term, including a formal evaluation near the end of the term. These will be used to improve the course and the instructor's teaching during the semester and beyond. University and Course Policies 1. Academic Calendars: “Students are encouraged to review the Academic Calendar for information regarding all important dates, deadlines, and services available on campus.” 2. Accessibility: “ Students requiring accommodation are advised to contact Laurier’s Accessible Learning Centre for information regarding its services and resources.” 3. Plagiarism : The University has approved the following wording for inclusion on all course syllabi about the use of the institutionally supported plagiarism software tool: “Wilfrid Laurier University uses software that can check for plagiarism. If requested to do so by course instructors, students are required to submit their written work in electronic form and have it checked for plagiarism.” (Approved by Senate May 14, 200 2). 4. Academic Integrity : “Laurier is committed to a culture of integrity within and beyond the classroom. This culture values trustworthiness (e.g., honesty, integrity, reliability), fairness, caring, respect, responsibility and citizenship. Together, we have a shared responsibility to uphold this culture in our academic and non-academic behaviour. The University has a defined policy with respect to academic misconduct. As a Laurier student you are responsible for familiarizing yourself with this policy and the accompanying penalty guidelines, some of which may appear on your transcript if there is a finding of misconduct. The relevant policy can be found at Laurier's academic integrity website along with resources to educate and support you in upholding a culture of integrity. Ignorance is not a defense.”

5 5. Late Assignment Policy : Specify any penalties that will be assessed when deadlines for the completion of course components are not met (Approved by Senate May 23, 2012). Refer to the Handbook on Undergraduate Course Management for more information. 6. Final Examinations : “Students are strongly urged not to make any commitments (e.g., vacation) during the examination period. Students are required to be available for examinations during the examination periods of all terms in which they register. Refer to the Handbook on Undergraduate Course Management for more information.” 7. Religious and Spiritual Accommodation : The University welcomes students, staff and faculty from a wide range of backgrounds, beliefs and traditions and has a duty to provide accommodation based on creed (religion and spirituality) under the Ontario Human Rights Code. This obligation requires the University to work with students to provide reasonable accommodation when a student's religious observances or spiritual beliefs creates a conflict with their academic schedule. In order for instructors to provide proper accommodations, students have obligations to request accommodations in a timely manner. All policies, procedures, timelines, and request forms are found on Laurier’s Religious and Spiritual Accommodations and Supports webpage. 8. Gender Inclusivity : “ This course will be conducted in an affirming and mutually respectful atmosphere for people of all gender expressions and identities. I was provided with a class roster with your name as it appears on the official enrollment information. If you use a name different from the roster, please let me know at your earliest convenience. You can also share your gender pronouns with me if you like. Members of the class are expected to refer to one another by the name and pronouns identified by each student. If you are comfortable, you can also let your classmates know about your name and pronouns. The Centre for Student Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (CSEDI) has developed a website outlining how to request a different name to appear on some university records and systems such as Zoom, MyLS and email. The website also provides information about Laurier’s Inclusive Washroom Initiative, support resources at Laurier, and more.” 9. Use of Zoom for Instructional Purposes (If applicable) : If you make use of Zoom for instructional purposes, it is suggested you include the following information: “Wilfrid Laurier University uses a range of technologies to facilitate in -person and remote instruction. Zoom is currently used for remote course delivery, including lectures, seminars, and group office hours, which may be recorded, stored, and shared through MyLearningSpace for access by students in the course. For these course activities, students are permitted to turn off their cameras or use an alternative name to maintain their privacy after they have confirmed this with their course instructors. Student personal information is collected and used in the course in accordance with University policies and the Notice of Collection, Use or Disclosure of Personal Information . All exams and mid-terms in the course that are conducted online will be proctored using only technologies approved for assessment at Laurier as outlined on this page . ” 10. Classroom Use of Electronic Devices : State your classroom practice and any consequences for student failure to comply – see Policy 9.3 (Approved by Senate March 8, 2012).

6 11. Syllabus Statement: Recording Synchronous Classes (If applicable): If you plan to record your synchronous (live) class sessions and want to make the recordings available to students in your course after the live class session, you should include the following statement on your syllabus: “Synchronous (live) class sessions will be delivered in this course through a video conferencing platform supported by the university [Zoom, Teams, Virtual Classroom]. Steps have been taken to protect the security of the information shared. For more information about Zoom and Office365 (including Teams), please visit ICT’s Tech Support and Services page. Class sessions will be recorded with the video and audio (and in some cases transcription) made available to students in the course in MyLearningSpace for the duration of the term. The recordings may capture your name, image or voice through the video and audio recordings. By attending in these live classes, you are consenting to the collection of this information for the purposes of administering the class and associated course work. If you are concerned about the use or collection of your name and other personal information in the class, please contact the course instructor to identify possible alternatives. To learn more about how your personal information is collected, used and disclosed by the University, please see Laurier’s Notice of Collection, Use and Disclosure of Personal Information.” 12. Syllabus Statement: Intellectual Property (Recommended) “The educational materials developed for this course, including, but not limited to, lecture notes and slides, handout materials, examinations and assignments, and any materials posted to MyLearningSpace, are the intellectual property of the course instructors. These materials have been developed for student use only and they are not intended for wider dissemination and/or communication outside of a given course. Posting or providing unauthorized audio, video, or textual material of course content to third- party websites violates instructors’ intellectual property rights, and the Canadian Copyright Act. Recording lectures in any way is prohibited in this course unless specific permission has been granted by instructors. Failure to follow these instructions may be in contravention of the university’s Student Non -Academic Code of Conduct and/or Code of Academic Conduct, and will result in appropriate penalties. Participation in this course constitutes an agreement by all parties to abide by the relevant University Policies, and to respect the intellectual property of others during and after their association with Wilfrid Laurier University.” 13. Foot Patrol, the Wellness Centre, and the Student Food Bank (Recommended): The University approved the inclusion of information about select wellness and safety services and supports on campus in the course information provided to students. (Approved by Senate November 28, 2011.) Specific language (by campus) is provided below. Multi-campus Resource: • Good2Talk is a postsecondary school helpline that provides free, professional and confidential counselling support for students in Ontario. Call 1-866-925-5454 or through 21- 1. Available 24-7.

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7 Kitchener/Waterloo Resources: • Waterloo Student Food Bank : All students are eligible to use this service to ensure they’re eating healthy when overwhelmed, stressed or financially strained. Anonymously request a package online 24-7. All dietary restrictions accommodated. • Waterloo Foot Patrol : 519.886.FOOT (3668). A volunteer operated safe-walk program, available Fall and Winter daily from 6:30 pm to 3 am. Teams of two are assigned to escort students to and from campus by foot or by van. • Waterloo Student Wellness Centre : 519-884-0710, x3146. The Centre supports the physical, emotional, and mental health needs of students. Located on the 2 nd floor of the Student Services Building, booked and same-day appointments are available Mondays and Wednesdays from 8:30 am to 7:30 pm, and Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 8:30 am to 4:15 pm. Contact the Centre at x3146, wellness@wlu.ca or @LaurierWellness. After hours crisis support available 24/7. Call 1-844-437-3247 (HERE247). Brantford Resources: • Brantford Student Food Bank : All students are eligible to use this service to ensure they’re eating healthy when overwhelmed, stressed or financially strained. Anonymously request a package online 24-7. All dietary restrictions accommodated. • Brantford Foot Patrol : 519-751-PTRL (7875). A volunteer operated safe-walk program, available Fall and Winter, Monday through Thursday from 6:30 pm to 1 am; Friday through Sunday 6:30 pm to 11 pm. Teams of two are assigned to escort students to and from campus by foot or by van. • Brantford Wellness Centre : 519-756-8228, x5803. Students have access to support for all their physical, emotional, and mental health needs at the Wellness Centre. Location: Student Centre, 2nd floor. Hours: 8:30 am to 4:15 pm Monday through Friday. After hours crisis support available 24/7. Call 1-884-437-3247 (HERE247). 14. Other potential course policies: Refer to the Academic Calendars or The Handbook on Undergraduate Course Management for more information, which may include: • Department-, program-, or Faculty specific policies • community service-learning • communication practices (e.g., when, mode, response time, other) • group work • extensions • grade reassessment codes of conduct (e.g., student behaviour) • exam policy • attendance (class/lab) – faculty have a right to require attendance, class and online participation Last updated: August 2023