General Information:

GS107: General Science Astronomy

Instructor: Bruce Emerson

 

Class: M/W: 8:15 -9:35 RTEC 127/Prineville 111 (streaming)

Lab W: 9:45 - 12:35 RTEC 127/Prineville 111 (streaming)

 

email at bemerson@cocc.edu or zoom office (see Instructor Contact on Bb)

Note:

Regardless of where this course is taught in the COCC system the syllabus and materials are essentially the same. Do not be disturbed if you see references to locations that are different than where you are participating in the class. The course materials for other instructors of GS107 will be different though the outcomes will be the same.

Textbook:

No textbook is required but there are assigned readings that are linked (web links or pdf files) on the text page.

Tenatative Schedule:

NOTE: This is a VERY tentative syllabus. Like the weather it is subject to change without notice as I continue to search for more effective ways to structure this material. My focus is trying to develop some deeper understanding of this material and science in general rather than trying to cover lots of different topics lightly.

Week	Topic and Reading				Lab Activity
Week 1	Getting Started				Writing Activity
Week 2	Math/Units				Moon Journal I
Week 3	Light				Parallax
Week 4	Sun, Earth and Moon				Research Project I
Week 5	Solar System and Planets				Spectra
Week 6	Stars and Lifecycles				Jewel Box (HR Diagram)
Week 7	Galaxies				Research Project II
Week 8	Cosmology				Moon Journal II
Week 9	Special Topics				Research Questions
Week 10	Presentations				Presentations/Take Home

 

EXAMS:

Midterms: Skills Validations are ongoing and will crop up whenever:)

Final: Monday March 14th from 8:00 am to 10:00 (in class)

Final Exam Policy:
Information about the final exam schedule, policies for rescheduling final exams, and final exam policies are located on the Academic Calendar. Please note that rescheduling exams is available in specific circumstances and requires advanced planning.

Students Rights and Responsibilities:
All COCC students should review the Students Rights and Responsibilities available online 

Americans with Disabilities Statement:
Students with documented disabilities who may need accommodations, who have any emergency medical information the instructor should know of, or who need special arrangements in the event of evacuation, should make an appointment with the instructor as early as possible, no later than the first week of the term. Students may also wish to contact the COCC Disability Services Office in the Boyle Education Center, 541.383.7583.

Basic Needs Statement:

Any student who is experiencing difficulty with transportation, affording materials and supplies for classes, accessing food on a regular basis, and/or lacking a safe place to live, and believes this may affect their class performance are encouraged to contact Marcus Legrand, COCC College and Career Success Coach at 541-318-3798 or mlegrand2@cocc.edu to discuss eligibility for resources available at COCC and in the community. Furthermore, please notify me if you are comfortable in doing so. This will enable me to provide any resources that I may possess.

COCC Non-Discrimination Policy:

It is the policy of the Central Oregon Community College Board of Directors that there will be no discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, disability, sex, marital status, national origin, ethnicity, color, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, citizenship status, or veteran status or any other protected classes under Federal and State statutes in any educational programs, activities or employment. Persons having questions about equal opportunity and nondiscrimination should contact the Equal Employment Officer, c/o COCC’s Human Resources office, 541.383.7216.

COCC COVID Policy:

Not all of what follows may apply to this class but I want to make sure that you have all the information you might need for any of your classes.

For all classes and delivery methods: 
The health and well-being of students, faculty, and staff are core values at COCC. Balancing health and well-being with adaptability throughout the term will be key to your educational success. Please refer to the Course Policies for information on communicating about illness, missed classes, and makeup. If you are feeling ill, it is important that you communicate with your instructor early and often. Assignments and due dates on this syllabus may need to change during the term. Check your email and Blackboard frequently for updates.

If you are ill, do not come to campus. If you are on campus and are feeling ill, go home immediately and contact your health provider. If you have been exposed to COVID-19, you should immediately contact your instructor. You will receive a call from the COCC contact tracer offering support, assistance, and follow-up on next steps

For all classes that meet in-person:   
COCC follows the Oregon Health Authority's (OHA) and OSHA’s general guidance. When coming to campus, please follow the following guidelines:  

1. Please perform a daily self-check and if you have any COVID-related symptoms, please seek medical attention and alert your instructor.  
   
2. Practice physical distancing when possible (more than 6 feet between individuals).    
   
3. If you have a class where physical distancing cannot be maintained, additional requirements will be provided by your instructor.    
   
4. Practice hand hygiene before entering any COCC building or classroom.    
   
5. Use protective equipment (masks). COCC requires the use of face masks in all indoor spaces. Masks will also be required for all individuals — regardless of vaccination status — in outdoor settings in which individuals from different households are unable to consistently maintain physical distance. Accommodations to the masks requirement are available per Oregon Health Authority (OHA) guidance; contact Student Disability Services if you require an accommodation.  

For CTE, Lab or other classes where physical distancing is challenging:
Your class requires lab or shop work that cannot accommodate physical distancing at all times. Consequently, you may need to wear additional personal protective equipment (PPE) and take additional precautions. Your instructor will provide additional information on PPE. If you have concerns about this, talk to your instructor immediately. If you do not think you will be able to participate to the extent required by the course, you are encouraged to drop the course within the appropriate deadline in order to obtain a refund.  

Online or remote classes:  
This class has no required in-person instruction. Please be sure you have all required technology and have set yourself up for success by reviewing all the eLearning information.

Classes held off-site away from COCC Campuses:
When any part of your COCC sponsored class, event and/or activity takes place off of a COCC campus, COVID guidelines for COCC and for the location of your class will be in effect. Students, faculty, and staff will adhere to the most conservative health and safety guidelines. A written safety plan for any off-campus location must be on file at COCC prior to class, event, and/or activity start.