PHYS 1404:
Study of the sun and its solar system, including its origin.
In the event of an emergency or announced campus closure due to a natural disaster or pandemic, it may be necessary for Panola College to move to altered operations. During this time, Panola College may opt to continue delivery of instruction through methods that include, but are not limited to: online learning management system (CANVAS), online conferencing, email messaging, and/or an alternate schedule. It is the responsibility of the student to monitor Panola College's website (www.panola.edu) for instructions about continuing courses remotely, CANVAS for each class for course-specific communication, and Panola College email for important general information.
Unexpected circumstances may arise, but Panola College offers various resources to support students. If you need mental health services or are facing challenges with transportation, affording class materials and supplies, or accessing food regularly—issues that may impact your class performance—please visit panola.edu/resources.
Regular and punctual attendance of classes and laboratories is required of all students. When a student has been ill or absent from class for approved extracurricular activities, he or she should be allowed, as far as possible, to make up for the missed work. If a student has not actively participated by the census date, they will be dropped by the instructor for non-attendance. This policy applies to courses that are in-person, online, hybrid, and hyflex.
Attendance in online courses is determined by submission of an assignment or participation in an activity. According to federal guidelines, simply logging into a distance learning course without participating in an academic assignment does not constitute attendance. Distance learning is defined as when a majority (more than 50%) of instruction occurs when the instructor and students are in separate physical locations. Students must engage in an academic activity prior to the course census date.
When an instructor feels that a student has been absent to such a degree as to invalidate the learning experience, the instructor may recommend to the Vice President of Instruction that the student be withdrawn from the course. Instructors may seek to withdraw students for non-attendance after they have accumulated the following number of absences:
Fall or spring semesters:
3 or more class meeting times per week - 5 absences
2 class meeting times per week - 3 absences
1 class meeting per week - 2 absences
The student is responsible for seeing that he or she has been officially withdrawn from a class. A student who stops attendance in a class without officially withdrawing from that class will be given a failing grade; consequently, the student must follow official withdrawal procedures in the Admissions/Records Office.
Please note: Health Science and Cosmetology courses may require more stringent attendance policies based on their accreditation agencies. Please see the addendum and/or program handbook for further information concerning attendance.
Panola College welcomes pregnant and parenting students as a part of the student body. This institution is committed to providing support and adaptations for a successful educational experience for pregnant and parenting students. Students experiencing a need for accommodations related to pregnancy or parenting will find a Pregnancy and Parenting Accommodations Request form in the Student Handbook or may request the form from the course instructor.
Communication Skills – to include effective development, interpretation, and expression of ideas through written, oral, and visual communication
Empirical and Quantitative Skills – to include the manipulation and analysis of numerical data or observable facts resulting in informed conclusions
Teamwork – to include the ability to consider different points of view and to work effectively with others to support a shared purpose or goa
This course serves as an introduction to modern astronomy focusing on principles of the origin and workings of the bodies in our solar system and the geological and chemical processes by how these occur. This is a 4 semester-hour survey of the solar system which includes a lab component.
After studying all materials and resources presented in the course, the student will be able to:
- Students will gather and assess astronomical information.
- Students will analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information about the solar system in which we live.
- Students will develop, interpret, and express ideas about astronomy through written communications.
- Students will manipulate and analyze observable astronomical information and arrive at an informed conclusion.
- Student will integrate different viewpoints as a member of a team.
- Students will work with others to support and accomplish a shared goal.
A general description of lecture/discussion topics included in this course are listed in the Learning Objectives section of this syllabus.
Students in all sections of this course will learn the following content:
- A Modern View of the Universe
- Discovering the Universe for Yourself
- Making Sense of the Universe
- Formation of the Solar System
- Earth and the Terrestrial Worlds
- Jovian Planet Systems
- Asteroids, Comets and Dwarf Planets
- Other Planetary Systems and Exoplanets
- Science literacy and its importance
This course is offered online and includes both lecture and lab components. Weekly assignments worth 50% of the total grade are made and include discussions, quizzes, readings, homework problems. Two proctored exams worth 25% of the total grade are required (i.e., Midterm exam and Final exam). The final exam is comprehensive. Lab work will form the other 25% of the total grade. These values may be adjusted at the instructor’s desire.
The grading scale for this course is as follows:
- Weekly Assignments – 50%
- Lab – 25%
- Midterm Exam – 12.5%
- Final Exam – 12.5%
Major Assignments/Assessments
Assignments
- Mastering Astronomy homework (weekly)
- Lab activities (weekly)
- Semester Project
Assessments
- Proctored mid-term exam
- Proctored final exam
- Weekly quizzes
- The Essential Cosmic Perspective, 8th Ed. by Bennett, et al.
- Mastering Astronomy Student Access
NA
NA
- Courses conducted via video conferencing may be recorded and shared for instructional purposes by the instructor.
- For current texts and materials, use the following link to access bookstore listings: https://www.panolacollegestore.com.
- For testing services, use the following link: https://www.panola.edu/student-services/studentsupport/academic-testing-center.
- If any student in this class has special classroom or testing needs because of a physical learning or emotional condition, please contact the ADA Student Coordinator in Support Services located in the Charles C. Matthews Student Center or go to https://www.panola.edu/studentservices/student-support/disability-support-services for more information.
- Withdrawing from a course is the student’s responsibility. Students who do not attend class and who do not withdraw will receive the grade earned for the course.
- Student Handbook: https://www.panola.edu/ (located on at the bottom under student)