Course Syllabus

Astronomy 1 - Fall 2024

Gavilan College - 16 Weeks - 3 Units

Course & Instructor Info 

Semester, Date/Time: Aug 26 - Dec 14, 2024

Online Format: Asynchronous (no scheduled meetings for classes or labs)

Online Instructor: Miguel Rocha

miguel rocha.jpg

Email Address: mrocha@gavilan.edu

Zoom Personal Room: cccconfer.zoom.us/j/4119451947 

Office Hours:

Office Location and Hours:  via email (anytime) & Zoom meetings (Wed 1-2pm) 

I will hold office hours regularly via zoom on Wednesdays 1-2pm,

and by appointments. If you need help and can't make it to office hours, use this link to schedule a meeting.

Office hours will be via zoom @ my personal zoom room.

Also feel free to email me anytime if you need help.

Course Description 

This course is an introduction to General Astronomy, with emphasis in theory rather than observations. Students will learn about science, scientific measurements, the solar system, planets, stars, galaxies and the origins, evolution and structure of the Universe as a whole (i.e. Cosmology). We will also cover the basics of telescopes and astronomical observations.

ADVISORY: This is a conceptual course for the most part, but some basic math is still necessary. Previous math knowledge at the level Mathematics 430 or higher is necessary.

Online Format 

The class is conducted completely online and asynchronous. There are no on-campus or zoom meetings for classes and labs, only zoom meetings for office hours. All of the course materials are provided on Canvas, and you will be submitting all of your work through Canvas as well.

The class runs for 6 weeks. Modules will consists of online video recorded lessons, assignments, quizzes and virtual labs.

Attendance and Pace

Because this is an online class, there are no on-campus meetings to attend. However, this does not mean that you will be able to move through the class at your own speed. A major part of the class involves participation, discussing assignments and problems with your classmates. Thus, everyone needs to be doing the same work at approximately the same time. Checking into your class regularly is strongly recommended.

Tentative Schedule

The course canvas homepage shows the modules we will cover and the weeks when we will cover them. That serves as a tentative schedule, it may change a bit as we move forward in the semester, but it should give you a good idea of what we are going to cover and when. 

Course Objectives

To understand core Astronomy fundamentals at a conceptual level and to learn to apply basic math (ratios, percentages, basic algebra proportionality relations and basic trigonometry) in order to solve basic Astrophysical problems. 

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Describe the basic development of astronomy beginning with astrological foundations of ancient civilizations through modern day theories.

  • Describe the principle motions of the earth, moon, and other solar system members.

  • Describe the basic physics of light, and distinguish between various types of telescopes.

  • Describe the basic composition and construction of the solar system and its origin.

  • Compare and contrast the principle differences between the Terrestrial and Jovian Planets.

  • Describe, compare and contrast the differing properties of stars, and describe accurately their evolutionary processes.

  • Describe the properties of the Milky Way galaxy, and differentiate between other external galaxies.

  • Describe the evolution of the universe, and contrast various models on the further evolution of the universe

Required Textbook 

The course material will be based on the following 3 books:

Purchasing/renting the 9th or 10th edition of The Cosmic Perspective  book is not necessary, but many of my lecture slides are based on it, and it would be a good investment as it is not just a useful resource but a beautiful book with illustrations that would really aid you understanding of most concepts in this class . 

That said all of the material needed to complete the course successfully will be provided in our iLearn/Canvas shell.

Contact Info

You can send me your questions at any time, I will try to respond within 24 hours. If you have questions or need assistance, you can:

Technical Support

 If you have technical problems (logging in, submitting work, or maneuvering around our course on iLearn/Canvas), you have the following options for getting help:

Due Dates and Late Work

All assignments for each week will be due by 11:59pm on Sundays.

Late work is accepted and I will always do my best to grade it without penalty. That said I reserve the right of not grading late assignments. I reserve this right only because I may not be able to grade all of your late work if it is all piled up by the end of the semester. 

Drop Policy

You must be participating and submitting assignments in order to remain in the course. If you show less than the required minimal activity during the term of the course (i.e. not submitting work for 2 weeks in a row), you may be dropped.

Grading Criteria

The course grade will be determined by the student’s performance on the following:

Assignments (Homework and Labs): 40%

Midterms: 3 midterms 20% each, total of 60%

There will be extra credit points embedded in all of your homework, labs, quizzes and discussion forums.

ADA Statement

Students requiring special services or arrangements because of hearing, visual, or other disability should contact their instructor, counselor, or the Accessible Education Center.

Student Honesty Policy Reference Statement

Students are expected to exercise academic honesty and integrity. Violations such as cheating and plagiarism will result in disciplinary action which may include recommendation for dismissal.