Astronomy 121: The Solar System
MWF 15:00-15:50
180 PLC


COVID Containment Plan for Classes


Osiris Rex
JHU New Horizons (Pluto and MU 69)
Cassini (Saturn)
Juno (Jupiter)
Mars Mission 2020
Mars Exploration: Rovers, Ingenuity, InSight, MAVEN, MERS
CNAS page
Europa Clipper (Jupiter)

star date, Astronomy, sky and telescope news, Exoplanet Exploration News, Solar System Exploration News, apod


Extended Description:

Astronomy 121 is an introduction to the science of astronomy for non-science majors with an emphasis on the exploration of the Solar System. The past 50 years has seen an explosion in our understanding of the contents, formation and evolution of the Solar System, mainly due to numerous NASA missions/probes (to eight of the nine planets). The study of the characteristics of the other planets has provided tremendous insight into the understanding of how our own planet (earth) operates and changes under mankind's influence. The purpose of this course is to educate the student on the basic science behind our exploration of the Solar System so you may make informed choices as future/current voters on issues of our environment and the future of science in this country. The specific goals of this class are 1) to gain an understanding of basic science that underlies astronomy (the forum is the exploration of our Solar System), 2) to explore the properties of the objects that make up our Solar System, and 3) to achieve an understanding of how the evolution of other planets has an impact on how we make choices to manage our own environment. in addition, this course traces the history of our developing knowledge of the Solar System in order to explore how the scientific method works and how civilization has gained from the progress of science and technology. the interplay between technology (telescopes, robotic space probes) and knowledge gained about the Solar System is a key theme to the course.


Instructor: James N. Imamura
Office: 457 Willamette Hall
e-mail: imamura@uoregon.edu


Course: Astr 121: the solar system; Astr 121 is a science group satisfying course (<3)
Course CRN: 11071
Text: Essential Cosmic Perspective, 8th edition, Bennett, Donahue, Schneider & Voit
Office Hours: MW, 10:00-12:00 or by appointment

Grading:
  • 10 in-class quizzes/homework exercises. 8 highest of the 10 scores will be included in determination of course grade. Each counted quiz/exercise is worth 20 points
  • Cumulative Final worth 40 points

    ===> 200 total points

  • A > 180 points, B > 160 points, C > 140 points, D > 120 points, F < 120 points


Quiz/Exercise/Test Schedule:
  • Quiz 1, ...
  • Final Examination (exam schedule) : 14:45-16:45, Tuesday, December 7, 2021

Homework exercises

Late Homework assignments may earn credit if turned within 9 days after the due date or the last day of the tenth week of class, whichever comes first. Credit for late homework assignments decreases by 2 points for each day late.



Date

Material

Reading

Notes

9/29

Introduction

Chapter 1: A Modern View of the Universe, Chapter 3.1 The Ancient Roots of Science

Topic 1

9/29-10/11

Naked Eye Astronomy

Chapter 2: Discovering the Universe for Yourself

Topic 2

10/13-10/15

The Development of Modern Astronomy

Chapter 3: The Science of Astronomy, Chapter 4: Making Sense of the Universe, 4.2-4.4

Topic 3

10/18-10/20

The Solar System

Chapter 6: Formation of the Solar System

Topic 4

10/27-10/29

Formation of the Solar System

Chapter 6: Formation of the Solar System

Topic 4a

10/25,11/1

Is the Solar System Unique?

Chapter 10: Other Planetary Systems: The New Science of Distant Worlds

Topic 4b

11/3

The Terrestrial Planets

Chapter 7: Earth and the Terrestrial Worlds

Topic 5

11/3-11/12

The Interiors and Surfaces of the Terrestrial Planets

Chapter 7: Earth and the Terrestrial Worlds

Topic 5a, Topic 5b

11/15-11/17

Atmospheres of the Terrestrial Planets

Chapter 7: Earth and the Terrestrial Worlds

Topic 5c

11/22

The Jovian Planets

Chapter 8: Jovian Planet Systems

Topic 6

11/22-12/3

Jupiter and Saturn

Chapter 8: Jovian Planet Systems

Topic 6a

...

Uranus and Neptune

Chapter 8: Jovian Planet Systems

Topic 6b

...

Dwarf Planets, Asteroids, and Comets

Chapter 9: Asteroids, Comets, and Dwarf Planets: Their Nature, Orbits, and Impacts

Topic 7

...

Search for Life in the Solar System

Chapter 19: Life in the Universe

Topic 8


University Policy Guidelines


Accessible Education

The University of Oregon is working to create inclusive learning environments. Please let me know within the first two weeks of the term if you need assistance to fully participate in the course. Participation includes access to lectures, web-based information, in-class activities, and exams. The Accessible Education Center (http://aec.uoregon.edu/) works with students to provide an instructor notification letter that outlines accommodations and adjustments to class design that will enable better access. You are encouraged to contact the Accessible Education Center in 360 Oregon Hall at 541-346-1155 or uoaec@uoregon.edu for assistance with access or disability-related questions or concerns.

Attendance and Makeups

Students who are directed or advised to quarantine by the university or other public health authority or provider should be held harmless in attendance policies. Instructors may ask students for verification of their quarantine status.

  • It is critical that students should not attend class if they are ill, have symptoms, are quarantining, or are not compliant with the university vaccination or testing requirement. We do not want students attending class when they should not be because they fear their grade will be affected.
  • Instructors are not required to accommodate students who signed up for an in-person class but are requesting remote access for the entire term. Students have been advised to create a class schedule that best fits their situation; if they cannot attend in-person, they should enroll only in online courses.
  • Instructors should ensure that absent students have equitable access to course content.
If a student's frequent absences and lack of availability for make-ups are jeopardizing their success in the course, instructors should communicate with those students as early as possible and recommend students work with advisor to consider their options. Instructors shall provide make-ups or alternatives to exams. In cases where students are missing only minor yet essential coursework at the end of the term, a grade of "Incomplete" may be used for make-ups that will take place after grades are due (see Incomplete Policy https://provost.uoregon.edu/grades-incompletes-policy).

Academic Misconduct

The University Student Conduct Code (available at conduct.uoregon.edu) defines academic misconduct. Students are prohibited from committing or attempting to commit any act that constitutes academic misconduct. By way of example, students should not give or receive (or attempt to give or receive) unauthorized help on assignments or examinations without express permission from the instructor. Students should properly acknowledge and document all sources of information (e.g. quotations, paraphrases, ideas) and use only the sources and resources authorized by the instructor. If there is any question about whether an act constitutes academic misconduct, it is the student's obligation to clarify the question with the instructor before committing or attempting to commit the act. Additional information about a common form of academic misconduct, plagiarism, is available at https://researchguides.uoregon.edu/citing-plagiarism.

UO COVID-19 Regulations & Prevention (see https: //coronavirus.uoregon.edu/regulations and  https://coronavirus.uoregon.edu/prevention#if-sick-stay-home for more information)

COVID Containment Plan for Classes

As the University of Oregon returns to in-person instruction, the key to keeping our community healthy and safe involves  prevention,  containment, and support. Here is information critical to how the UO is responding to COVID-19.

  • Prevention: To prevent or reduce the spread of COVID-19 in classrooms and on campus, all students and employees must:
  • Containment:  If a student in class tests positive for COVID-19, all relevant classes will be notified via an email by the Corona Corps Care Team with instructions for students and staff based on their vaccination status. Specifically:
    • Vaccinated and Asymptomatic students:  Quarantine not required, but daily self-monitoring before coming on campus is advised;  sign up for testing through MAP 3-5 days after exposure if advised you are a contact.”
    • Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated students:   14-day quarantine advised – do not come to class – and sign up for testing 3-5 days after notification through   MAP, if asymptomatic, or through University Health Services (541-346-2770) or your primary care provider, if symptomatic.
    • Symptomatic students:  stay home (do not come to class/campus), complete the online  case and contact form, and contact University Health Services (541-346-2770) or your primary care provide to arrange for immediate COVID-19 testing.

Students identified as a close contacts of a positive case will be contacted by the Corona Corps Care Team (541-346-2292).

Good Classroom Citizenship

  • Wear your mask  and make sure it fits you well
  • Stay home  if you’re sick
  • Get to know your neighbors  in class, and let them know if you test positive
  • Get tested  regularly
  • Watch for  signs and symptoms with the daily symptom self-check
  • Wash your hands  frequently or use hand sanitizer

Complete the UO COVID-19  case and contact reporting form   if you test positive or are a close contact of someone who tests positive.

Inclement Weather

It is generally expected that class will meet unless the University is officially closed for inclement weather. If it becomes necessary to cancel class while the University remains open, this will be announced on Canvas and by email. Updates on inclement weather and closure are also communicated in other ways described here: https://hr.uoregon.edu/about-hr/campus-notifications/inclement-weather/inclement-weather-immediate-updates

Academic Disruption due to Campus Emergency

In the event of a campus emergency that disrupts academic activities, course requirements, deadlines, and grading percentages are subject to change. Information about changes in this course will be communicated as soon as possible by email, and on Canvas. If we are not able to meet face-to-face, students should immediately log onto Canvas and read any announcements and/or access alternative assignments. Students are also encouraged to continue the readings and other assignments as outlined in this syllabus or subsequent syllabi.

In the event that the instructor of this course has to quarantine, this course may be taught online during that time.

Reporting Obligations

I am a [designated reporter/student-directed employee]. For information about my reporting obligations as an employee, please see Employee Reporting Obligations on the Office of Investigations and Civil Rights Compliance (OICRC) website. Students experiencing any form of prohibited discrimination or harassment, including sex or gender-based violence, may seek information and resources at safe.uoregon.edu, respect.uoregon.edu, or investigations.uoregon.edu or contact the non-confidential Title IX office/Office of Civil Rights Compliance (541-346-3123), or Dean of Students offices (541-346-3216), or call the 24-7 hotline 541-346-SAFE for help. I am also a mandatory reporter of child abuse. Please find more information at Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect.

Mental Health and Wellness

Life at college can be very complicated. Students often feel overwhelmed or stressed, experience anxiety or depression, struggle with relationships, or just need help navigating challenges in their life. If you're facing such challenges, you don't need to handle them on your own--there's help and support on campus.

University Health Services help students cope with difficult emotions and life stressors. If you need general resources on coping with stress or want to talk with another student who has been in the same place as you, visit the Duck Nest (located in the EMU on the ground floor) and get help from one of the specially trained Peer Wellness Advocates. Find out more at health.uoregon.edu/ducknest.

University Counseling Services (UCS) has a team of dedicated staff members to support you with your concerns, many of whom can provide identity-based support. All clinical services are free and confidential. Find out more at counseling.uoregon.edu or by calling 541-346-3227 (anytime UCS is closed, the After-Hours Support and Crisis Line is available by calling this same number.

Basic Needs

Any student who has difficulty affording groceries or accessing sufficient food to eat every day, or who lacks a safe and stable place to live and believes this may affect their performance in the course is urged to contact the Dean of Students Office (346-3216, 164 Oregon Hall) for support.

This UO webpage includes resources for food, housing, healthcare, childcare, transportation, technology, finances, and legal support: https://blogs.uoregon.edu/basicneeds/food/

Accommodation for Religious Observances

The University makes reasonable accommodations, upon request, for students who are unable to attend a class for religious obligations or observance reasons, in accordance with the university discrimination policy which says, "any student who because of religious beliefs, is unable to attend classes on a particular day shall be excused from attendance requirements and from any examination or other assignment on that day. The student shall make up the examination or other assignment missed because of the absence." To request accommodations for this course for religious observance, visit the Office of the Registrar's website (https://registrar.uoregon.edu/calendars/religious-observances) and complete and submit to the instructor the Religious Accommodation Request form prior to the end of the second week of the term.