San Jose College Introduction to Astronomy – ASTRO 010 – Syllabus SUM 22

Course Title & Course/Section Introduction to Astronomy: ASTRO 010-101 [113956]

Units: 3.0 units transferable
Term: Summer 2022
Class Meeting Dates: June 21, 2022 – July 28, 2022
Class Days/Times: Online, asynchronous – no class meetings
Instructor: Dr. Chandra Vanajakshi (“Dr. V”)
Contact Information: Email: Chandra.Vanajakshi@sjcc.edu
Office Hours and Location: By Appointment via ZOOM

Course Catalog Description

Students will study astronomical processes related to the structure and origin of the solar system, the Milky
Way, the lives of stars, galaxies, and the search for extraterrestrial life. The relationship of these processes
to each other and to overarching astronomy concepts, such as the evolution of our universe and the laws of
physics will be examined. Major focuses include communicating scientific concepts, the impact these
processes have on civilization and recent research. The scientific method is illustrated as it relates to
analyzing astronomy problems. Fieldtrips may be required.

Course Pre-requisites
Prerequisite: None

Recommended Preparation:
Advisory Reading and Writing Levels: RW 3 = Completion of READ 101 or ESL 091 (6 units) or
ENGL 102 or equivalent OR Completion of ENGL 092 or ESL 091 (6 units) or ENGL 104
or equivalent

Advisory Math Level: 2 = completion of MATH 111 or equivalent

Student Learning Outcomes
a. Effectively communicate astronomy concepts related to the structure and origin of the solar
system, evolution of the universe, the laws of physics, the relationship of astronomy to civilization,
and research techniques employed by astronomers.
b. Examine astronomy processes to analyze astronomy problems using the scientific method.
c. Explain astronomic processes including processes related to apparent shift of constellations,
telescopes and light detection, astronomical cycles, comparative planetology, stellar variability, and
interaction of galaxies.

Course Content
The course is divided into 4 units. Selected topics from:
1. UNIT 1: CH. 1 – 5, 7
2. UNIT 2: CH. 16, 17, 18
3. UNIT 3: CH. 21, 23, 24

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 4. UNIT 4: CH. 25, 26, 27, 28

Required Materials
 Astronomy - Openstax

 Course Management System: CANVAS

Student Login Instructions Help

 Access to reliable internet connection

I will post lecture slides and supplemental materials (videos, notes) on

Canvas.

Grading Components
Please note: Subject to change after getting student feedback
 Homework: Online submission via Canvas
 Tests: Online submission via Canvas [Tests will be only on a subset of the chapters
covered in this course]
 NO Final Exam
 Collaborative Work – Discussion Forum Posts

We will NOT be using Proctorio for the tests or the final exam. Please read the
Academic Honesty Policy below.

Grade Weights
 Homework: 30%
 Tests (5): 60%
 NO Final Exam
 Collaborative Work – Discussion Forum Posts: 10%

Letter Grade
 A = 90% - 100%  C = 70% - 79%  F = 0% - 59%
 B = 80% - 89%  D = 60% - 69%

Drop Policy: Student Responsibility

The instructor does not drop students. It is the student’s responsibility to drop the
course as appropriate. Last Day to drop course and receive a “W” is Thursday,
07/18/2022.

Attendance/Participation
Since this is an asynchronous class there is no attendance policy. Make sure to keep up
with the deadlines for homework and tests. DO NOT ask for extensions except under

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extenuating circumstances such as illness or major family emergency (Proof required for
those)

Academic Integrity
Students are expected to pursue their course work with integrity and honesty. Cheating is the
act of obtaining or attempting to obtain credit for academic work by using dishonest, deceptive,
or fraudulent means.
If you are dishonest once, you'll receive a zero on the relevant work.
If you are dishonest twice, you'll receive an F in the course.
Cheating incidents will also be reported to the Dean of Students.

Academic Honesty for Collaborative Work

Academic honesty policies apply for all the work you do in this category. You must not
get the data directly from the internet or any other source outside of what is indicated
in the activity write-up. Doing so will earn a grade of zero (0) for the work. If you are
not clear about what is and what is not allowed for a specific activity, check with me
first. “I did not know it was not allowed” is not a valid excuse.

All of this applies equally to the tests as well. If you get any information directly from
the internet or other sources, unless the exam question specifically asks you to do so,
you will get a zero (0) for the final exam.

Student Conduct
 All assignments must be submitted online and on time. No late work will be
accepted.
 Exercise basic netiquette.

Additional Student Resources

 Library Services, Tutoring and Counseling can all be accessed through student Canvas
website.

Syllabus subject to change during the semester if deemed necessary.

(students will be given notice if there is a change; latest version will be available on Canvas)

District/College Policies:

STUDENT ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a civil rights statute that prohibits discrimination
against people with disabilities. The Student Accessibility Services Program at San Jose City
College is designed to allow students with disabilities to fully access and benefit from the general
offerings and services of San Jose City College. The SAS office is located in the Student Center,
room SC106. Contact Information is as follows:
Email: SJCC.SAS@sjcc.edu
Phone: 408-288-3746
TTY: 408-294-3447

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V-Phone: 408-565-8640
Website: SAS Website or see the SJCC College Catalog

Reference to District Policy on Student Conduct: SJCC is committed to providing a safe positive
learning environment where students can pursue their educational goals. The Standards of
Student Conducts link.

Discrimination and Sexual Harassment policy: SJCC is committed to maintaining an environment

free of sexual harassment or discrimination based on race, religious creed, color, national origin,
ancestry, disability, medical condition, marital status, political beliefs, organizational affiliation,
sexual orientation, gender or age. Information on this can be found in the College
Catalog Discrimination and Sexual Harassment Policy.

Summer Session 2022 – Important Dates

April 25 Priority Registration begins

June 21
Summer Session begins

June 23 LAST DAY TO DROP Summer classes for a refund or credit of eligible fees (most
sections)

June 26 LAST DAY TO DROP without a W*

LAST DAY TO ADD with an add authorization on MyWeb* (most sections by
10pm)

June 27 *Census Day

First day of Withdrawal "W" period for regular Summer classes* (most sections)

June 24 DEADLINE TO SUBMIT Graduation/Certificate Petitions for Summer 2022

July 2-3 No classes held

July 4
Independence Day Holiday Observed - campus closed

July 18 LAST DAY TO DROP Summer classes with a W (most sections)

July 28 LAST DAY TO SUBMIT Pass/No Pass forms to A&R

July 28
Summer session ends

August 5 Summer 2022 Grades available on MyWeb http://myweb.sjeccd.edu

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 *Dates are subject to change

Tentative Course Schedule

Homework
UNIT Chapter Sections Test Dates & Due Dates
Due Date
1 CH. 1
TEST 1: CH. 2 – CH. 4
1 2 2.1, 2.2, 2.4
06/30 JULY 01 – JULY 03
3 3.1, 3.3, 3.4
Deadline: JULY 03
4 4.1 – 4.3; 4.5 – 4.7
Discussion Forum 1 – Deadline: JULY 03
5 5.1 – 5.6 (all sections) 07/09 Not included in test
1B
7 7.1, 7.2, 7.4 07/24 Not included in test
16 16.3, 16.4 TEST 2: CH. 16 – CH. 18
2
17 17.1 – 17.3 07/09 JULY 10 – JULY 12

18 18.1, 18.4 Deadline: JULY 12

Discussion Forum 2 – Deadline: JULY 12

21 21.1 – 21.5 TEST 3: CH. 21 - CH. 24
3 23 23 (all sections) 07/18 JULY 19 – JULY 21

24 24. (all sections) Deadline: JULY 21

25 25.1 – 25.4 TEST 4: CH. 25 – CH. 27

4 26 26.2 – 26.5 07/25 JULY 26 – JULY 27

27 27 (all sections) Deadline: JULY 27

Discussion Forum 3 – Deadline: JULY 27

28 28 (all sections) 07/27 CH. 28 Not included in test
NO Final Exam

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