Astronomy 102:
Solar System Astronomy

Fall Semester 2009

Course Description

Catalog Description:
An introduction to the history of astronomy, the Sun, the origin of the solar system, and the study of the planets. Lab included.

Course Description

An introduction to the history of astronomy, the Sun, the origin of the solar system, and the study of the planets. Lab included.

How are Grades Assigned? / What are the "Class Rules"?

You can find all the details on how grades are assigned in this course and the “rules” of the course at this webpage. Otherwise, you can ask your professor!

Special Accommodations

Students with disabilities who believe they may need an accommodation in this class are encouraged to contact Greg Toutges, Coordinator of Disability Services at 477-5859 (Voice) or 1-800-627-3529 (MRS/TTY), CMU 114 as soon as possible to ensure that accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion.

Materials Required or Suggested:

1. [REQUIRED] Access to the Internet using a web browser that supports Flash and Adobe Acrobat. All the coursework in this class is provided online including all homework and tutorials.
   
   
2. [REQUIRED] You must access your campus @mnstate.edu email address regularly.  Any electronic communications will go to these email addresses.  If you want to forward you @mnstate.edu to another email account, log into the DragonMail website, Click the Preferences Tab, scroll down to "Receiving Messages" and provide the email address for it to forward a copy of your email to. Then test it to make sure it is working!
   
   
3. [REQUIRED] The Textbook(s) and Related Resrouces
   
   1. The Cosmic Perspective: The Solar System, 5e by Bennet, Donahue, Schneider, and Voit.
   2. Lecture Tutorials for Introductory Astronomy (2nd Edition) by Prather, Slater, Adams, Brissenden, and the CAPER team required for in-class lecture tutorials. Used copies of Lecture Tutorials for Introductory Astronomy are not allowed in the course since it defeats the purpose of lecture tutorials to use a book with previously filled out notes.
      
      
• Regarding Used Textbooks
  • The MSUM Bookstore is selling a bundle of these 2 required books for $84.95. Be aware we don't mind you having a used textbook to save yourself money, but be sure you save enough money to purchase a new copy of Lecture Tutorials for Introductory Astronomy (2nd Edition) ($36.40 list, about $31 on Amazon.com), which is included with a new book.
    
    
4. [REQUIRED] The Course Activity Manual is available from the Society of Physics Students during the first week of classes on the Third Floor of Hagen Hall. It is $10.00.
   
   
5. [REQUIRED] PRS Clicker is available at the Bookstore for $52 New ($39 used). The bookstore will buyback the clickers for $26 at the end of the semester making your final cost $26 new ($13 used).
   
   
6. A basic calculator with square roots and scientific (exponential) notation could be very helpful.