Course Format and Grading
This course will include both outdoor observing and in-class laboratory
activities. Each activity will be graded as "Pass" or "No Pass" based on your
performance, the quality of your work, and your demonstrated understanding of
the concepts involved. If you do not pass an activity, you may rework any
parts of it you had problems with and have it graded again. Each lab can be
graded a maximum of three (3) times: first try plus two possible reworks. The
number of labs you successfully complete determines your grade. The total
number of labs possible minus two results in an A, total minus three is a B,
and so on. A sample grading scale is provided below for a course with a total
of 14 labs possible.  Your class's grading scale will be adjusted accordingly
based on the number of labs your class has time to complete. There are no
exams or quizzes, including no final exam.
Sample grading scale for a course with a total of 14 labs possible:
| |
Grade
|
|
Activities
Passed
|
| |
A
|
|
12
|
| |
B
|
|
11
|
| |
C
|
|
10
|
| |
D
|
|
9
|
| |
F
|
|
8
|
All set-ups, observations, tables, charts, graphs, conclusions, answers to
questions, etc. must be recorded in your notebook. Unless otherwise
instructed, you must write a complete laboratory report for each activity.
Typically, exercises are conducted in class and the lab report is due the
following week. Labs that are not turned in on time will automatically
receive a grade of "No Pass" which counts as one of the three attempts at
that exercise. There are two exercises in the course of the semester which
are required; you cannot use either as a penalty-free drop.
Blackboard
Blackboard is the course management software of the University of Texas at
Austin (http://courses.utexas.edu/). We will be using this system as part of
our class this semester. The lab activities we do each week will be posted
to the class website. We encourage you to familiarize yourself with the lab
activity before you arrive in class; the more prepared you are, the more
quickly and efficiently you will be able to complete the assignment. We will
also use this system to communicate with you; make sure your email address in
the Blackboard system is one which is current and checked regularly.
Typically, you will receive one email a week from your instructor indicating
the plan for that week: which lab we plan to do, whether you should come
prepared to observe outside, etc. Because our activities are significantly
affected by weather and observing conditions, it is important for you to stay
updated on what is going on.
Attendance Policy
Attendance is mandatory. As a laboratory course with limited meetings, you
cannot afford to miss class. All absences must be excused in advance,
including religious holy days, which by University policy require 14 days
advance notification. Any unplanned absences must be taken up with your
instructor as soon as the situation arises. These will be evaluated on a
case-by-case basis. There is no excuse for failing to inform your instructor
in a timely fashion. Unexcused and excessive absences will adversely affect
your grade. We will do our best to help you make up a lab which you must
miss, but because our activities are affected by weather, we cannot guarantee
you will be able to make up any specific lab.
Lab Equipment
Special equipment, including small telescopes, binoculars, cameras and
developing equipment, mirrors and lenses, and the like are available for some
activities and to students wishing to pursue advanced topics. You may check
out some of this equipment from the Educational Services Office (RLM 13.122).
You are responsible for any equipment you check out. Contact your instructor
or Lara Eakins in the Educational Services Office at 471-1307 for more
information.
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