NATS 102 Section 12

The Universe and Humanity: Origin and Destiny

 

Space Sciences Building, Rm 308

Tuesday & Thursday 12:30-1:45

 

Class website:

http://www.lpl.arizona.edu/undergrad/classes/spring2008/Griffith_102-12/

 

 

Instructor:  Dr. Caitlin Griffith          Office: Space Sciences 424, 626-3806

Email:  Griffith@lpl.arizona.edu

Office Hours: Tues 1:45-3:45

 

Teaching Assistants:                        Nicole Baugh:             Office: SS 324 

                                                                                                Email: nbaugh@lpl.arizona.edu

                                                                                                Office Hours: Wednesdays 10-12

                                                            Diana Smith:               Office: SS 429 C

                                                                                                Email: dsmith@lpl.arizona.edu

                                                                                                Office Hours: Mondays 2-4

 

 

Course Objectives: This course introduces non-science majors to key scientific ideas in Physics, Chemistry, Geology, Astronomy, and Biology.  Scientific topics especially current in the news will also be discussed.  The course will introduce the scientific method, illustrate the application of scientific principles to both scientific and non-scientific problems, and provide the basic tools necessary to make informed decisions about scientific and technological problems. Ultimately, the goal is to instill in students a deeper understanding of the processes that shape our universe, solar system, planet, and ourselves.

 

Recommended Text: ÒThe Physical UniverseÓ by K. Krauskopf & A. Beiser, 12th edition . The ISBN number is 0-07-331275-4.  McGraw-Hill published the book in 2007.  There may be other reading material handed out in class.  Some of the material covered in lectures will not be in the book.   Students are responsible for all material in reading assignments, the textbook (assigned sections) and the lectures.

     

Grades will be based on three components weighted as follows:

                                                40% Homeworks

                                                30% Writing Assignments

                                                30% Quizzes

 

Final grades will be determined using a statistical method (curve) based on the overall performance of the class. However, if your final percentage falls within the following ranges, you are guaranteed at least the corresponding letter grade

                        A>89%; B: 80-89%; C: 70-79%; D: 60-69%; E<60%

 

 

Quizzes

There will be three quizzes. Each will last one hour and be given during a regularly scheduled class period.  Each is worth 10% of the grade. All quizzes will be cumulative but focused on more recent material.  There is no final exam, however, the final quiz will be given on the last day of class.

 

Writing Assignment

There is one writing assignment required for the course. The essay is a press report on a scientific topic and must be 400-600 words.        The paper will be graded on the basis of content, grammar, and clarity.  It can be revised for additional points. The revised paper must be turned in 2 weeks following the return of the corrected original paper. The revisions must be clearly highlighted on the original paper, which should be turned in along with the revised paper. A short written explanation of the corrections (~1 paragraph) must also be turned in. All papers must be available in electronic form, if requested.

 

Homework

No late homework will be accepted. The lowest homework grade will be dropped from the final grade. In addition there will be an extra assignment available that will serve to replace second lowest homework grade. This project, called the Sun Watch, will be given out the second week of class.  It must be started that week.

 

In-class Assignments

Extra in-class assignments may be given randomly throughout the semester. They will consist of one or two multiple choice questions based on material from a recent lecture and should be very easy for a student who has attended the lectures and paid attention. If given they will be counted as a homework.

 

Absences and Late Work:

Make-up exams and quizzes will be available for students who are absent either for University-approved activities that have the Deans approval (e.g., intercollegiate athletics, pre-professional conferences, etc.) or as a result of an illness for which you can provide a doctors note. Other situations will be evaluated by the instructor on a case-by-case basis. Writing assignments will be accepted late, but a penalty of 10% per day will be assessed, which can not be recovered by revision. Late homework will not be accepted.

 

It is strongly recommended that all students read the University of Arizona's Code of Academic Integrity (http://studpubs.web.arizona.edu/policies/cacaint.htm).  All students in this course are expected to abide by this code, which will be strictly enforced. Cheating will not be tolerated in any form. If a student is caught cheating on an exam or homework, the penalty will be at least failure in the course.

 

Students with disabilities:

If you anticipate the need for reasonable accommodations to meet the requirements of this course, you must register with the Disability Resource Center and request that the DRC send me official notification of your accommodation needs as soon as possible. Please plan to meet with me by appointment or during office hours to discuss accommodations and how my course requirements and activities may impact your ability to fully participate.