CCBC Spring 2015

School of Mathematics and Science

Physical Science Department, Catonsville
Campus
Section(s) CCA, CNA

ASTM101: Astronomy
Course Description and Prerequisites*:
ASTM101 3 credits Astronomy presents observations and theories regarding the place of Earth in
the universe. Students investigate other planets, stars from their formation in nebulae to their deaths as
white dwarfs, neutron stars or black holes, galaxies and the expanding universe. For students needing
a lab, ASTM102 Astronomy Laboratory serves as the accompanying lab.
3 Credits: 3 hours of lecture per week
Prerequisites: (ENGL 052 and RDNG 052) or ACLT 052; and MATH 082

I. Basic Course Information

A. Instructor: David J. Ludwikoski, Associate Professor of Science
B. Office: CLLB 016D
Contact Information: (443) 840-4216 (please leave a message)
dludwikoski@ccbcmd.edu (USE ONLY THIS ADDRESS NOT
BLACKBOARD, NOT ANY OTHER EMAIL ADDRESS!!!)

C. Office Hours: M 10-11 AM, 1-2 PM, T 11-12 AM, W 3-4 PM, R 11-12 AM and by appt.
D. Department/School Phone Number: (443) 840-4560 ; Fax Number: (443) 840-5938.
E. Class Times, Days, and Locations: MWF 905-1000 AM in CLLB 001 (Planetarium)
TR 1245-210 PM in

F. Statement of Student Out-of-Class Work Expectations.

Face-to-Face Course
This is a 3 credit hour course. For each credit hour, the student is expected to complete at
least 6 hours of work per week outside of the class, including reading, class preparation,
homework, studying, etc. Students: please note that these are minimal requirements for any
course, and that many students require more time than this for science courses.
G. Materials:
Required:
1. Lecture Tutorials for Introductory Astronomy 3rd Edition, by Prather, Slater,
Adams, and Brissenden. Prentice Hall 2008 (ISBN 978-0-321-82046-0) on sale
in the bookstore (new editions only).
NOTE: BRING THIS TO CLASS EVERYDAY!!
2. Ranking Tasks for Introductory Astronomy .PDF files posted on Blackboard.
OPTIONAL Texts and resources:
Discovering the Essential Universe, 6th Edition, by Comins. W.H. Freeman Co.,
New York, NY. 2015 (ISBN: 978-1-4641-8170-2) on sale in the bookstore.
NOTE: BRING THIS TO CLASS EVERYDAY!!
II. Course Goals Overall
The overarching goals of this course are as follows:

1. To understand the nature of science through the eyes of astronomy;

2. To understand the big ideas in astronomy;
3. To develop a lifelong interest in astronomy and current events surrounding astronomy.
A. Course Objectives*:
Upon completion of this course the student will be able to:
1. choose appropriate astronomical terms to describe the features and natures of
astronomical objects;
2. manipulate and present data numerically and graphically;
3. present astronomical information using effective written and/or oral communications;
4. interpret astronomical data using mathematical methods;
5. use astronomical data and scientific methods, individually and collaboratively, to
solve problems involving astronomical topics;
6. use observational instrumentation and/or computational equipment to research an
astronomical topic;
7. explain how results from various observational technologies are used to develop
theoretical models of celestial objects;
8. find, evaluate, use, and document informational resources to research astronomical
topics;
9. discuss how processes within the solar system affect the conditions for biological and
social organization on Earth;
10. compare and contrast the astronomical contributions made by people from diverse
cultures over the course of prehistory and history;
11. discuss the place of human life within the physical extent of the universe and within
the sequence of cosmological processes;
12. distinguish between principles related to astronomy that are evidence-based versus
non-evidence based; and
13. evaluate professional behavior within the scientific community and explain the
ramifications of misconduct.
B. Major Topics*:
I.

II.

III.

Developments in Astronomy
A. Classical Astronomy
B. Scientific Revolution
C. Modern Technology
D. Current Global Topics
Solar System
A. Sun
B. Planets and Moons
C. Asteroids and Comets
Stars
A. Formation

IV.

V.

B. Types
C. Evolution
Galaxies
A. Milky Way
B. Types
C. Evolution
Universe
A. Origin
B. Evolution

C. Rationale:
Astronomical concepts are most effectively learned through active engagement with group
activities occurring daily. You can only learn a limited amount of information from lecture
alone, no matter how clear or entertaining. Therefore, this course is composed of a series of
mini-lectures that will be augmented by collaborative (group) classroom activities called
Lecture Tutorials (LT) and homework (individual) activities called Ranking Tasks (RT). The
LT activities target specific ideas presented in lecture and are designed to be completed in pairs
during class by talking through the questions and writing a detailed, consensus response
(several sentences). You will not submit the LT activities that are done in class for grading.
However, the questions are VERY similar to the questions you will find on the course quizzes
and exams and you are therefore strongly encouraged to consider these activities as a critical
component to your success in the course. The LTs are available at the bookstore and they must
be brought to class each day. The RTs will be provided as electronic folders on Blackboard that
will be available throughout the course and can be brought to class, be should be completed
INDIVIDUALLY as part of a homework portfolio and common grade assignment (see later
section).
III. Evaluation
A. Requirements: A minimum of 4 exams (one of which will be the final exam) will be given
as well as a minimum of 22 short quizzes. Since this course is offered in a variety of formats,
these activities may be assessed in a number of ways, depending on the mode of delivery. The
ranking tasks (RTs) will be assigned as homework assignments to reinforce classroom learning.
The specific nature of the writing assignments is explained below.
1. Exams
You will take several examinations throughout the term on the dates scheduled on the syllabus.
Please do not make any plans that interfere with scheduled exams as there are no late or
make-up exams given. If you need to miss an exam for any reason, you will not be allowed to
make up this exam; rather, it will be the exam that you drop as your lowest score. You cannot
miss the final exam (which is comprehensive) and there are no opportunities to take it at a
different time. The College has scheduled the time for the class final exam and this is the only time
it is to be offered. If you have an irresolvable conflict with another courses final exam, you must
see the instructor well in advance to make other arrangements. During these closed-book, closednote exams, you are not allowed to communicate with anyone in the classroom except for the
course instructor. All electronic devices, including IPODs and cell phones, must remain off
and put away at all times during exams and quizzes. If a students cell phone rings during an
exam, that student will receive a zero for the exam without exception. No lecture will be
given during exam periods.

2. Quizzes
I will give a 10 point quiz almost every class. Quizzes will be given at the beginning of class
and you must be present when the quizzes are handed out to be eligible to take them: if you are
not in your seat when I hand out the quiz you will not be able to take it and will receive a
0". You will not be allowed to make up any missed quizzes. Therefore, to allow for the
unavoidable periodic absences which naturally arise during the semester, and without heavily
penalizing your overall course grade, I will drop your two lowest quiz grades.
During a quiz or exam, students will not talk to one another or communicate by any means
(written, electronic, gestures, eye contact) while other students are completing the quiz or exam.
Students engaging in any of these behaviors will be considered cheating and will be given a zero
for that quiz or exam.
3. Homework Portfolio & Common Graded Assignment
During the semester you will be provided (on Blackboard) several different homework
assignments that are designed to help you assess your understanding of the material covered in
the course. The homework will consist of completing a Ranking Task on your own outside of
class. Do not submit the RT copies given on Blackboard for grading - TYPE up your
answers on separate sheets of paper. Completing the Ranking Tasks and making sure that
your answers are correct will be your responsibility. Making use of office hours and email to
get help is strongly encouraged. You will be responsible for providing a Homework Portfolio
(2 copies) at the end of the semester that includes the three sets of Ranking Task exercises of
your choosing that you feel best represent the depth of understanding that you have gained
throughout the semester. A set consists of all of the exercises assigned for that topic (Ex. Size
and Scale, Motion, Luminosity, etc. are all SETS). Lecture Tutorials completed in class
will not count as part of the Homework Portfolio. I will only grade the three Ranking Task
exercise sets that you choose to include in your Portfolio. Any additional sets will not be
considered and will NOT count for Extra Credit! Please choose any three (3) of the following
SETS of exercises for your Portfolio, which also counts as the Common Assignment.
Size and Scale
Motion of the Sky
The Seasons
The Phases of the Moon

Doppler Shift
Apparent and Absolute Magnitude
Stellar Evolution
Luminosity of Stars

ALL of the exercises assigned for each set must be completed & submitted for full credit.
Neatness and organization count just as much as content. Carefully TYPE your responses on
separate sheets of paper, using several sentences for each, and assume the reader knows
nothing about what youre writing. Your responses must be in your own words and you must do
your own work. The Academic Integrity Policy will be enforced. All work must be TYPED on
computer. Please see the example posted on Blackboard. Please STAPLE each set of your
typed exercises separately when you turn them in (NO FOLDERS WILL BE ACCEPTED)
and keep them separate from other homework. The deadline for turning these in is at 1245
PM on Thursday, May 14th, 2015 for section CNA, and Friday, May 15th , 2015 at 900 AM
for section CCA. No late reports will be accepted for ANY reason. If its not with you when
you arrive at the beginning of class, I dont want it!! These reports will be worth a total of 75
points. I also strongly encourage you to submit one draft EARLY (email) so I can help you and
see that you are doing the exercises correctly. TWO COPIES MUST BE SUBMITTED!!!

General Education Common Graded Assignment: ASTM101: Astronomy 2014

Ranking Task Writing Project
Astronomy is a general education course designed to assist students in the development of critical life skills. One of the
goals of this assignment is to assess student competence for each of these objectives:
I. Written and Oral Communication present astronomical information using effective written and/or oral
communications.
II. Critical Analysis and Reasoning use astronomical data and scientific methods, individually and collaboratively, to
solve problems involving astronomical topics.
III. Technological Competence-- explain how results from various observational technologies are used to develop
theoretical models of celestial objects
IV. Information Literacy find, evaluate, use, and document informational resources to research astronomical topics
V. Scientific and Quantitative or Logical Reasoning manipulate and present data numerically and graphically
In addition to the above general education objectives, this assignment assesses students understanding and application of
the following skills and knowledge specific to astronomy:
choose appropriate astronomical terms to describe the features and natures of astronomical objects
ASSIGNMENT:
Purpose:

The Project is designed to verify your ability to:

Audience:
Directions:

Arrange astronomical concepts in a logical order

Defend answers with complete well reasoned explanations using proper vocabulary and
evidence
Apply the correct resources to solve assigned tasks
This assignment must be written so that a fellow astronomy student could understand the explanations.
Students will complete the assigned ranking tasks. Completion of the assignment

includes ranking the items as well providing an explanation to defend the order of the items. For each
subject area of the ranking tasks, the student will describe one piece of equipment used to gather the
data provided and the current limitations of that piece of equipment. The explanation must be in
complete sentences using astronomy vocabulary properly. Any resources used in the process of this
assignment must be cited properly.
ASSIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS:

Minimum 2 pages typed in Times New Roman 12-pt font, double-spaced with 1 margins. The Works Cited page
is not included in the assigned page length.
MLA or APA style format and documentation for parenthetical citations and a Works Cited page.
A minimum of 5 sources is required
GRADING:
This assignment will account for 10% of the total course grade.
See attached rubric for details about how your essay will be graded
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:

Due by the end of the current semester. Please see Syllabus for section specific due date.
Hard copy or electronic version may be handed in. Please see Syllabus for section specific instructions.
Please submit TWO copies. One copy should include your student ID, course number and section; it should omit
student and faculty names.

4. Outside Activities
Activities outside of class are REQUIRED. During the semester you are required to participate in
ONE event of observing the night sky at an observatory or planetarium. Observing times and
show times vary, depending upon the location. You are required to write a minimum of a full onepage summary (1 margin, including top, size 12 font) of the main ideas presented and a
description of the telescopes and objects viewed. Put your name and class section in the
HEADER! Please attach any handouts from the session. Note: To receive full-credit, I need a
signature of the person presenting the show or observing session (or some proof of attendance,
such as a ticket), and the location, date and time it occurred.
Please see the CCBC website under events. You can also Google Maryland Astronomy
Clubs.
Points will be deducted if the following criteria are not met:
Margins greater than 1 (name and class must be IN THE HEADER) - 5 pts
No signature or proof of attendance (attached to log)
- 2 pts
Missing activity title, date, location, time
- 2 pts each
All descriptions must be TYPED on computer. Please see the example furnished by the
instructor to use as a guide. Please have another person proofread your work for errors
before turning it in. (NO FOLDERS WILL BE ACCEPTED) Keep the report separate from
your Homework Portfolio. No assignments from other classes (labs) and only activities
completed during this semester will count toward this requirement (i.e., no double-dipping!)
Although I recommend that you submit your report very soon after completing your nights of
observing, the deadline for turning these in is 1200 PM on Thursday, May 21st , 2015 for
section CNA, and Friday, May 22nd , 2015 at 900 AM for section CCA. No late reports will be
accepted for ANY reason. If its not with you OR IN MY INBOX electronically at the beginning
of class, I dont want it!! This report will be worth a total of 25 points.
5. Other:
Multiple assessments will infuse CCBC General Education program objectives. At least one
assignment worth a minimum of 5% of the total course grade will allow students to demonstrate
at least 5 of the 7 General Education Program outcomes. (see grade scale below).
B. Instructor's grading policy:
(no curves, no competition and no extra credit- it is in your best interest to help
each other learn astronomy)
Grading Scale (Points)
585 or more
520 - 584
455 - 519
390 - 454
< 390

A
B
C
D
F

Grade Breakdown
2 Exams (after dropping lowest):
200 pts.
Final Exam(comprehensive):
150 pts.
HW Portfolio(Common Assignment): 75 pts.
Observing session:
25 pts.
20 Quizzes (after dropping 2 lowest): 200 pts.
Total:
650 pts.

C. Instructor's attendance policy:

1. Class: Attendance at all classes is REQUIRED. Since this course is built around daily
understanding of course concepts both after lecture and after doing in-class activities, it is
essential to keep up with the material and prepare ahead for each class. You need to be
here to succeed and help others succeed! Not showing up means you lose the benefits of
learning from your classmates! In my classes much of what will be presented on the
exam comes from lecture and the collaborative learning with the associated LTs. Failure to
attend class will severely limit your possibility of passing the class. Attendance will be
taken each class period as per college policy but no points will be rewarded solely for
attendance. However, assignments may be given that can only be completed within a
certain class period.
2. Tardiness: Dont be late to class. Besides disrupting the class, showing up late is both
rude and disrespectful to both your classmates and your instructor. Given the fact that
sometimes things do happen, I will make the following allowance (similar to what many
employers do): After the first week of class, the front door will be locked 5 minutes
after the class starting time according to MY watch. If you arrive later than this time for
class, do not knock on the door. Please use the rear door and QUIETLY sit in one of the
REAR seats in the planetarium. Also, do not leave class early or in the middle unless you
have talked to the instructor in advance. These requirements are both for issues of safety as
well as for respect and consideration of your fellow students. See the list of expectations at
the end of the syllabus for more information.
D. Instructors audit policy: Important notes: (1) you can no longer wait until mid-semester to
decide that auditing a course is appropriate: the final date to change to an audit now
coincides with the final date for withdrawing with a 50% refund, and (2) failure to
participate in the class as follows will result in a grade of W instead of AU. The last
day to change to an audit this semester is: February 23, 2015. Students who audit must
continue to follow the attendance rules noted above for lecture and lab. Students will not be allowed
to take quizzes or exams and will not have those quizzes and exams graded.

IV. Course Procedures (please also see the list of expectations at the end of the this document)
A. Electronic Device Policy:
All cell phones and other electronic devices that distract and keep a student from being fully
engaged in the class must be turned off when class begins.
1. The first time a student is found using an electronic device during class, he/she will be
given a verbal warning, which will be documented on a Code of Conduct form.
2. If the student is found using the device a second time, he/she will be asked to leave class
for the remainder of the day, will lose any points gained that day, including homework
and quiz points, which will be documented.
3. For the third occurrence, the student will be asked to leave class for the day and must
meet with both the instructor and the department chair before being allowed to return to
class (documented).
Note: If a student chooses or needs to use a Recording Device in the classroom, a permission
form must be first signed by each student.

B. College wide syllabus policies: For college wide syllabus policies such as the Code of
Conduct related to Academic Integrity and Classroom Behavior or the Audit/ Withdrawal
policy, please go to the MySyllabiPolicies Tab on the MyCCBC page. Please pay
particular attention to the following sections of MySyllabiPolicies:
Attendance Policy
Code of Conduct (As presented in the college catalog; be sure to read the sections
dealing with academic integrity, including the definition of cheating.)
Grades AU (The last day to change to an audit this semester is: February 23,
2015
Grades -W (The last day to withdraw this semester is: April 2, 2015.)
C. Contact information for course-related concerns: Students should first attempt to take
concerns to the faculty member. If students are unable to resolve course-related concerns
with the instructor, they should contact Eric DiCara, Catonsville Physical Science
Coordinator, edicara@ccbcmd.edu, 443-840-4119.
D. Additional Procedures:
1. Food and Beverage Policy:
This course is taught in a planetarium, which has expensive projection equipment.
Therefore, for its protection, there is to be no eating or drinking at any time in the
room. Food and beverages must be placed on the table at the front of the room before
the start of class and can be picked up at the end of class. This rule will be enforced
after the first day of class, and is posted on the front door. Failure to abide will result
in removal from the class.
2. Blackboard Supplement:
You will be given information on how to login and use Blackboard during the second
week of class. If at any time you have lost your login information or directions on how
to use Blackboard, please call the CCBC Help Desk at 443-840-HELP (4357) OR email
the helpdesk@ccbcmd.edu. If I forget, please ask me. Class notes, grades, and ranking
tasks (RTs) will be posted here AFTER class material has been covered.
E. Course calendar/schedule: See the printed schedule appended to this document.
This syllabus may be changed with notification to the class.

* Note that the content in these sections is dictated by the Common Course Outline for this course, as approved
at the college-wide level: [http://www.ccbcmd.edu/cco/home.html].

ASTM 101 Spring, 2015 Schedule Subject to Change with Notice

Week of
2/2

Recommended Reading
Scale of the Cosmos (pp.23-24)
Navigating the Sky (pp.2-8)

In-Class Activity (LT) and Homework (RT)

Course Introduction
Position (LT)

2/9

2/16

Navigating the Sky (pp.2-8)

(pp. 9-10)
(pp. 10-12)
Seasons (pp. 9-14)

Motion (LT,RT)
Seasonal Stars (LT)
Path of the Sun (LT)
Seasons (LT,RT)

M 2/23

LAST DAY TO CHANGE TO

AUDIT (AU)

2/23

4/1, 4/2

Star Charts (2-4,App H, Inside B Cover) Star Charts (LT) (Cutoff for Exam # 1)
Understanding the Moon (pp.16-18)
Moon Phases (RT), Cause of Moon Phases (LT)
Chap 1
Exam # 1
Eclipses (pp.18-22)
Predicting Moon Phases (LT, RT)
Nature of Light (pp.50-53,55-56)
Electromagnetic (EM) Spectrum of Light (LT)
Light and Telescopes (pp. 57-62,68-78) Telescopes & Earths Atmosphere (LT)
Luminosity (LT, RT)
Spectroscopy I (p.79-83)
Spectroscopy II (p.79-83)
Blackbody Radiation (LT)
Spectroscopy III (pp.84-88)
Types of Spectra (LT)
Spectroscopy III (pp.84-88)
Analyzing Spectra (LT)
(54, 92-93)
Doppler Shift (LT,RT) (Cutoff for Exam # 2)
The Solar System (pp.99-102,114,126Temperature & Formation of SS (LT)
128)
Chap 1, 3
Exam # 2

R 4/2

LAST DAY TO WITHDRAW

4/3 -4/13

NO CLASS

3/2
3/9
3/16
3/23

3/30

4/13
4/20
4/27

5/4
5/6, 5/7
5/11

The Earth (pp.133-138)

The Sun (pp. 268-280)
Stellar Magnitudes (pp.296-299,Notes)
H-R Diagram (pp.299-305,310-311)
Life Cycles of Stars (pp.322-326,330333)
Stellar Death (pp. 333-336,348-364,
377-381)
The Milky Way Galaxy (pp.391397,399-400)
Chap 4, 6, 9,10-12 and notes
Galaxies (pp.403-405,408-412)
Cosmology (pp.422-426,445-449)

5/14, 5/15

5/21 (Thursday)
5/22 (Friday)

1200 200 PM (C N A)
900 1100 AM (CCA)

Do not make

travel arrangements that conflict

FROM A CLASS
HAPPY EASTER!
Earths Changing Surface (LT)
Sun Size (LT)
Apparent and Absolute Magnitudes (LT, RT)
H-R Diagram (LT)
Stellar Formation and Lifetimes (LT,RT)
Stellar Evolution (LT,RT) (Cutoff for Exam #3)
Milky Way Scales (LT)
Exam # 3
Looking at Distant Objects (LT)
Expansion of the Universe (LT)
Portfolios and Common Graded Assignments
Due at Start of Class (No Lates!)

Cumulative Final Exam

Observing Logs Due (No Lates!)
with this Final Exam. Exams NOT given Early
or Late.

CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS
Here is what you can expect from your professor
1. I will be fully prepared for class and will be ready to start class on time. This includes having all
handouts and other materials available before class starts.
2. I will end the class on time or within two minutes of the scheduled ending time.
3. I will stick to the syllabus schedule and topics as closely as possible, and will make sure class time is
valuable to the students who attend.
4. I will abide by the grading scale and course policies listed in the syllabus and will not change things in
the middle of the semester.
5. I will answer email questions from students thoroughly and within 24 hours or less, except on weekends.
6. I will listen to in-class questions from students carefully and will answer them thoroughly. If I do not
know the answer, I will find out and report back.
7. I will grade student quizzes and exams and return these to the students promptly- no later than one week.
8. I will be available during my scheduled office hours. If I must change office hours, I will notify students
in advance in-class (and by email if possible).
9. I will be civil and professional in my dealings with students.
Here is what I expect from my students
1. Students will arrive for class on time and be in their seats and ready to begin on time.
2. Students who arrive late and miss a quiz will wait until class is over to ask for a copy of the quiz, and will
not ask to make up the quiz. The quiz at that point may be done for practice only.
3. Students will stay until the end of class, and will not pack up before that time.
4. Students who have to leave class early for a compelling reason on a particular day will inform me of that
fact in advance, and will sit as close to the REAR door as possible so as not to disrupt other students.
5. Students who have chronic medical or other conditions which may require them to leave and come back
must inform me of that fact at the beginning of the semester, and then must sit near the rear door.
Confidentiality will be STRICTLY kept in all cases.
6. Students will turn off all cell phones and other electronic communication and recording devices during
class.
7. Students will pay attention during class: no talking while classmates or I am talking, no sleeping, no
reading newspapers or magazines, no doing work for other classes and no use of any electronic
communication devices. Students who are asked to leave for the day for repeatedly engaging in these
behaviors will do so quickly and quietly.
8. Students who have questions during class will raise their hands and wait to be called upon.

Classroom Behavior Contract

(Please read and sign both copies, keep the first one and tear off the second to give to the professor.)
I have received and read the syllabus for this course.
I understand the policy on participation, quizzes, exams, electronic devices, and tardiness.
I understand that I am expected to take quizzes and exams as noted on the syllabus and that no
makeup quizzes or exams will be given.
4. I understand that the professor expects me to respect him, and my fellow classmates at all times.
5. I understand that it is my responsibility to complete on my own, and hand in all assignments on
time and that no late assignments will be accepted.
6. I understand that it is my responsibility to contact the instructor and to get any handouts that
were given out on a day that I missed.

1.
2.
3.

________________________________

________________________________________

(Signature)

(Print Name)

_______________________
(Date)

Classroom Behavior Contract

1. I have received and read the syllabus for this course.
2. I understand the policy on participation, quizzes, exams, electronic devices, and tardiness.
3. I understand that I am expected to take quizzes and exams as noted on the syllabus and that no
makeup quizzes or exams will be given.
4. I understand that the professor expects me to respect him, and my fellow classmates at all times.
5. I understand that it is my responsibility to complete on my own, and hand in all assignments on
time and that no late assignments will be accepted.
6. I understand that it is my responsibility to contact the instructor and to get any handouts that
were given out on a day that I missed.

__________________________________

________________________________________

(Signature)

(Print Name)

__________________
(Date)