University:
York University
Course:
AP/ADMS1000 3.0 M | Introduction to Business
Academic year:

2025
Views:

262

Pages:

15
Author:

Jacob Prasanth Puthooran

NATS 1740A Astronomy – RAFIEE FW2024-26 Department of Science, Technology and Society NATS Course Outline FW2025-26 NATS 1740A –Astronomy, 6.0 Course Instructor: Alireza Rafiee How to address me: Dr. Ali Please refrain from using terms such as “Miss” or “Mrs.” which are less appropriate in a university setting. Gender Pronouns: (he/his/him) Email: arafiee@yorku.ca Do not reply directly to any eClass announcements I send to you. Since I teach many courses, it is important that you include course ID (NATS1740A), your name and student number in the subject heading of your email or in the body of your email. Any email you send must come from your account as other addresses tend to go straight to junk mail. If you send me an email, I will reply to it within 2448 hours Mon-Fri. Please do not email me over the weekend unless it is an emergency. If you don’t get a response, it means I did not receive your email in the first place. Office Location: Bethune college, room 217B Click here for visual directions. Class Location: VC 135 Click here for visual directions. Class Times: MW 11:30 AM – 12:50 PM Study Spaces on Campus: https://currentstudents.yorku.ca/study-spaces Course TAs: All assignments and tests in the course are marked by your teaching assistants (TAs) or automatically in case of multiple-choice questions. Their names and contact info will be made available to you soon on eClass. Math Content: There is a minimal amount of math done in this course. Generally, you will not need any more than a Grade 10 level proficiency (Ontario). Office Hours: on Zoom by appointment. Email me to book your appointment. NOTE: Office hours are dedicated times through the week for the course instructor to meet with YOU. Introduce yourself, ask questions about the course, or discuss content from the course. Note: If these times don’t work for you, email me and we can arrange an alternate time to meet. 1 NATS 1740A Astronomy – RAFIEE FW2024-26 Welcome to this Course! I am committed to fostering an environment for learning that is inclusive for everyone. All students in the class, the instructor, TAs and any guests should be treated with respect during all interactions. It is my hope that our class will support a range of experiences, thoughts and perspectives, and please feel free to contact me to let me know about any experiences you have had related to this class which you have enjoyed or ones that have made you feel uncomfortable. Course Description: A discussion of our present understanding of the universe and its constituents. Topics include the structure and evolution of the planets, stars, galaxies and the universe as a whole. Course credit exclusions: SC/NATS 1880 6.00, SC/NATS 1570 3.00, SC/NATS 1585 3.00. Course Format: This is a full year, in-person course, with two lectures, each 80 minutes, on Monday and Wednesday. Exams are in-person as scheduled. Prerequisites: None Course Credit Exclusions: SC/NATS 1880 6.00, SC/NATS 1570 3.00, SC/NATS 1585 3.00. NCR: to any student who has successfully taken or is taking SC/PHYS 1070 3.00 or SC/PHYS 1470 3.00. Not open to any students enrolled in the Astronomy stream. Course Level Learning Objectives By the end of this course, students will be able to: 1. Understand the Structure and Scale of the Universe • • Describe the scale, structure, and contents of the universe, including sizes and distances of celestial objects. Interpret time scales relevant to astronomical processes such as light travel time, stellar lifetimes, and cosmic evolution. 2. Recognize Observable Patterns in the Sky • • Identify daily and seasonal celestial motions as observed from Earth. Explain the causes of phenomena such as phases of the Moon, eclipses, and planetary retrograde motion. 3. Explain the Development of Astronomical Knowledge • Summarize key milestones in the history of astronomy, including geocentric and heliocentric models. 2 NATS 1740A Astronomy – RAFIEE FW2024-26 • Analyze how observational evidence and scientific reasoning led to the modern understanding of the cosmos. 4. Understand the Role of Technology in Astronomy • • Explain the principles of telescopes and their role in extending human vision. Differentiate between various types of astronomical instruments (optical, radio, space-based, etc.). 5. Analyze the Properties and Lifecycle of Stars • • Describe the structure, energy production, and observable characteristics of the Sun as a typical star. Compare stellar classifications, evolutionary paths, and end states such as white dwarfs, neutron stars, and black holes. 6. Explore the Nature and Evolution of Galaxies • • Characterize the structure and components of the Milky Way Galaxy. Describe types of galaxies, their interactions, and large-scale structures of the universe. 7. Discuss Modern Cosmology • • Explain key concepts in cosmology such as the Big Bang, expansion of the universe, and cosmic microwave background. Evaluate current models and evidence related to dark matter, dark energy, and the fate of the universe. 8. Investigate the Formation and Structure of the Solar System • • Explain current theories of solar system and exoplanet formation. Compare the physical and chemical characteristics of terrestrial and Jovian planets. 9. Analyze Planetary Environments • • Contrast planetary surfaces, atmospheres, and magnetic fields to infer geological and climate histories. Evaluate the habitability potential of moons and planets, both in our solar system and beyond. 10. Examine the Search for Life in the Universe • • Discuss the conditions necessary for life and how scientists search for life on exoplanets. Reflect on the implications of finding extraterrestrial life for science and society. 11. Apply Scientific Reasoning to Astronomical Problems • • Interpret astronomical data, charts, and diagrams to answer conceptual questions. Practice critical thinking through analysis of real-world phenomena using scientific models and evidence. 3 NATS 1740A Astronomy – RAFIEE FW2024-26 Important Dates Course Start date: Sep 3rd, 2025. The last date to add a course without permission of the instructor: Sep 16th, 2025. The last date to add a course with the permission of the instructor: Sep 23rd, 2025. The last date to drop the course without receiving a grade: Nov 4th, 2025. The course withdrawal period: Nov 5th to Dec 2nd, 2025. Learning Materials Textbooks: ASTRO: Canadian Edition, 3e by Shohini Ghose et al. on MindTab (cost: $99.95 CAD) Optional Readings (not required): There are many resources available for free. Online free books on Astronomy: 1. Astronomy by OpenStax: o https://openstax.org/details/books/astronomy-2e 2. Lectures on Astronomy, Astrophysics and Cosmology o https://arxiv.org/pdf/0706.1988v2.pdf 3. Make your own Astrolabe: o http://cse.ssl.berkeley.edu/AtHomeAstronomy/activity_07.html o https://in-the-sky.org/astrolabe/index.php 4. Star Chart SC001 Equatorial Region o (Charts can be downloaded for free from http://www.midnightkite.com/ ) Course Website (eClass): http://eclass.yorku.ca 4 NATS 1740A Astronomy – RAFIEE FW2024-26 Course Plan [Tentative]: We will try to follow this course plan. Deadlines are tentative. Please check the eClass for any update on deadlines. Fall Term Plan: 5 NATS 1740A Astronomy – RAFIEE FW2024-26 Winter Term Plan: Technology Checklist: While this is an in-person class, there may be situations which will require some online connectivity. It is a good idea to have the following resources available for use: An internet-enabled computer Zoom software installed on computer Access to reliable internet Webcam Microphone Note: At If you don’t have access to a computer, webcam, microphone, consider borrowing a laptop from York U, financial aid from York, and single workspaces available for student use on campus at the library. 6 NATS 1740A Astronomy – RAFIEE FW2024-26 Community Guidelines The following values are fundamental to academic integrity and are adapted from the International Center for Academic Integrity*. In our course, we will seek to behave with these values in mind: As students, we will… Honesty Responsibility Respect Fairness Trust Courage 2 As a teaching team, we will… Honestly demonstrate our knowledge and abilities on assignments and exams • Communicate openly without using deception, including citing appropriate sources • • Complete assignments on time and in full preparation for class • Show up to class on time, and be mentally/physically present • Participate fully and contribute to team learning and activities • Speak openly with one another, while respecting diverse viewpoints and perspectives • Provide sufficient space for others to voice their ideas • Contribute fully and equally to collaborative work, so that we are not freeloading off others • Not seek unfair advantage over fellow students in the course • Not engage in personal affairs while on class time • Be open and transparent about what we are doing in class • Not distribute course materials to others without authorization • • Say or do something when we see actions that undermine any of the above values • Accept a lower or failing grade or other consequences of upholding and protecting the above values • Say or do something when we see actions that undermine any of the above values • Accept the consequences (e.g., lower teaching evaluations) of upholding and protecting the above values • • • • • • • • Give you honest feedback on your demonstration of knowledge and abilities on assignments and exams Communicate openly and honestly about the expectations and standards of the course through the syllabus, and with respect to assignments and exams Give you timely feedback on your assignments and exams Show up to class on time, and be mentally & physically present Create relevant assessments and class activities Respect your perspectives even while we challenge you to think more deeply and critically Help facilitate respectful exchange of ideas Create fair assignments and exams, and grade them in a fair, and timely manner Treat all students equitably • Be available to all students when we say we will be • Follow through on our promises • Not modify the expectations or standards without communicating with everyone in the course This class statement of values is adapted from Tricia Bertram Gallant, Ph.D. Assessment in this Course Research about learning strongly suggests that the most important factor in learning is doing the work of reading, writing, recalling, practicing, synthesizing, and analyzing. Learning happens best when people actively 7 NATS 1740A Astronomy – RAFIEE FW2024-26 engage material on a consistent basis, and that is why we have high standards in this course. We are confident that, with appropriate effort, you all can meet those standards. When possible, we also try to reduce unintentional bias in grading by, for example, grading assignments one question at a time, have the same TA mark one specific question, and using rubrics. These also help improve consistency in marking. Grade Breakdown COMPONENT GRADE VALUE DUE DATES [TENTATIVE] FOUR IN-PERSON EXAMS 54% Best 3 out of 4 (18% each) ONLINE TEXTBOOK CHAPTER QUIZZES 24% Best 12 out of 15 (2% each) IN-CLASS PRACTICE (PARTICIPATION) 7% iClicker activities (80% rule is applied) ONLINE MINI PROJECTS 15% Best 3 out of 4 (5% each) TOTAL 100% Academic Accommodations: If you have academic accommodations, please let me know as soon as possible. If you require extra time for assignments or tests, please email me at least five business days in advance. You will be granted accommodations based on your assessment letter. Check York Student Accessibility Services. Students with physical or learning challenges who require reasonable accommodations in teaching style or evaluation methods should discuss this with me early in the term so that appropriate arrangements can be made (see university policies section for further information) Four in-person Exams (best 3 out of 4: 3 x 18% = 54%) You will have Four major Tests, two midterm exams and two as final term exams. Tests would be mostly multiple-choice questions, up to 40 questions per test. Each Unit will have a culminating test covering directly what you have learned in that unit. This means that each test is NOT cumulative. In a course like this, you will not be asked to memorize all names or exact dates. Only some names are very important and only certain and approximate dates are important but only if they play a key role in our unit story. Instead, it is a good idea to see how the unit relates back to our foundational course theories and themes. You will find this very helpful when preparing for each test. To sum up, I am testing you on your understanding of major ideas, concepts and knowledge you have obtained in this course. 8 NATS 1740A Astronomy – RAFIEE FW2024-26 Online Textbook Chapter Quizzes (on MindTap) (best 12 out of 15: 12 x 2% = 24% total) You have 15 online quizzes on Textbook website called MINDTAP. We will use best 12 out of 15 toward your final grade calculation. You should buy the textbook on MINDTAP and complete your quizzes outside eClass. If you can not afford buying the textbook, then you must email me your request, before Sep 15th, 2025, so we can arrange a different grading scheme for you or if you have to drop the course. Online Mini Projects (on eClass) (best 3 out of 4: 3 x 5% = 15% total) You will have 4 mini projects, two per term. We will use best 3 out of 4 toward your final grade calculation. A fully detailed instruction will be provided to you on eClass as well as rubric and submission link. In class practices (Participation) (7% in total) You will have some in class activities in iClicker format which counts as your participation. I will apply 80% rule at the end of the term which means if you participate 80% of the iclickers you will get the full mark for participation. Missed Tests and/or Assignments You should not miss any assessments at all condition Since we use best 3 out of 4 tests, there is no make up for missed tests. Since we use best 3 out of 4 Mini projects, there is no make up for missed projects. Since we use best 12 out of 15 online Quizzes, there is no make up for missed quizzes. If you miss more than one test, one project or 3 quizzes due to medical or emergency situation, you must complete a petition form according to the York University policy. There will be no make-up test or extension for one individual assessments. If your petition is approved then you will be accommodated according to the petition report. In order to be fair and consistent to the entire class, individual grades are not negotiable, and “extra credit” assignments are not provided at any point during the course in order to improve your grade. In addition, please contact the instructor about a grade change only if there is a clear error (e.g., calculation, clerical, academic merit). All grade change requests should be made within ten business days of the grade being made available to you. Office of Student Community Relations (OSCR) If you are struggling academically because of a critical incident or personal crisis and don’t want to share these details with me (your course director), please contact York’s Office of Student Community Relations for further assistance. They can provide you with the support and help you require. The website is: https://oscr.students.yorku.ca/ 9 NATS 1740A Astronomy – RAFIEE FW2024-26 Important Information Regarding Grades and Grade Feedback While we will do our best to get grades back to you in-between tests and assignments, there are several different factors that may delay the process – especially in these uncertain times. In addition, due to our large class size and time and marking constraints, we will not be able to provide you with specific, individual feedback right away. Instead, students will be given the following kinds of feedback for tests and assignments: 1. Individual Rubric Marks: For each assignment, you will be given a marking rubric ahead of time to see grading criteria. When marks are released, each student will then be able to view their grade based on each of these rubric elements. Rubrics will not be available for tests; you will only receive a grade for each test. 2. General class feedback: Your TAs will note common mistakes made on tests and assignments and will provide the class with general suggestions about how to fix these problems. 3. Grade Re-Appraisal Requests: If you are still not satisfied with an assignment or test grade after contacting your Professor or TA, you can fill out the Grade Re-Assessment form located on York website in the forms section. Please note the deadline for submissions is 10 business days after grades for work have been posted. If you are interested in a grade reappraisal, please note that Senate policy states that: "Students need to be aware that a request for a grade reappraisal may result in the original grade being raised, lowered or confirmed.” Further information can be found at: https://myacademicrecord.students.yorku.ca/grade-reappraisalpolicy in regards to final course reappraisals, but applies to any reappraisal of work. University Policies In accordance with the York University Undergraduate Calendar Regulations, the letter grades assigned in this course will have the following percentage equivalents: GRADE GRADE POINT PER CENT RANGE A+ 9 90-100 A 8 80-89 B+ 7 75-79 B 6 70-74 C+ 5 65-69 C 4 60-64 D+ 3 55-59 10 NATS 1740A Astronomy – RAFIEE FW2024-26 D 2 50-54 E 1 (marginally below 50%) F 0 (below 50%) Academic Honesty and Integrity Academic misconduct undermines the values of honesty, trust, respect, fairness, and responsibility that we expect in this class. York University provides supports such as academic integrity workshops to ensure, as far as possible, that all students understand the norms and standards of academic integrity that we expect you to uphold. York students are required to maintain the highest standards of academic honesty and they are subject to the Senate Policy on Academic Honesty (http://secretariat-policies.info.yorku.ca/policies/academic-honestysenate-policy-on/). The Policy affirms the responsibility of faculty members to foster acceptable standards of academic conduct and of the student to abide by such standards. Please review and familiarize yourself with the policy. There is also an academic integrity website with comprehensive information about academic honesty and how to find resources at York to help improve your research and writing skills, and cope with University life. Students are expected to review the materials on the Academic Integrity website: Examples of actions that do not adhere to York’s Academic Integrity Policy include: • • • • • Plagiarism (passing off someone else’s work as your own) Accessing unauthorized sites for assignments or tests Unauthorized collaboration on assignment and exams Uploading work to third party repository sites (e.g., Course Hero, One Class, etc.) Scanning, sharing, uploading, or publishing exams, tests, or scholarly work For more information on what academic integrity is and why it is important see: https://spark.library.yorku.ca/academic-integrity-what-is-academic-integrity/. Information on the process of investigations into breaches of academic honesty: https://spark.library.yorku.ca/academic-integrity-breachof-policy-on-academic-honesty/ Important Note from the FSc Committee on Examinations & Academic Standards (CEAS): Numerous students in Faculty of Science courses have been charged with academic misconduct when materials they uploaded to third party repository sites (e.g., Course Hero, One Class, etc.) were taken and used by unknown students in later offerings of the course. Whenever a student submits work obtained through an external site (e.g., Course Hero, Chegg), the submitting student will be charged with plagiarism and the uploading student will be charged with aiding and abetting. To avoid this risk, students are urged not to upload their work to these sites. To make sure you know about the Academic Integrity, I have a pre-requisite quiz on eClass called “York University Academic Integrity Quiz”. You must get 100% on this quiz to have access to the course website, to complete the assignments, reports or to get a mark on tests. So, make sure you take it as soon as possible. 11 NATS 1740A Astronomy – RAFIEE FW2024-26 AI Usage Policy for Research Reports This policy outlines the boundaries for acceptable use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools—such as large language models (e.g., ChatGPT), AI writing assistants, and automated analysis tools—in the preparation of research reports. The goal is to promote academic integrity, transparency, and responsible use of technology in academic work. 1. Permitted Uses of AI AI tools may be used to support research and writing activities, including but not limited to: • • • • • • Grammar and style suggestions Brainstorming or outlining ideas Data visualization or code generation for analysis (with proper review) Assistance with literature review (e.g., identifying relevant sources) Language translation (with manual verification) Formatting and reference management (e.g., Zotero, EndNote AI plugins) 2. Prohibited Uses of AI The following uses of AI are not permitted: • • • • • Generating entire sections of the research report without substantial human oversight or modification Submitting AI-generated text as original work without acknowledgment Using AI to fabricate or falsify data, references, or citations Relying on AI for critical analysis, argumentation, or interpretation without proper understanding and authorship Using AI to bypass assignment objectives or ethical research practices 3. Disclosure Requirement Students and researchers must disclose the use of AI tools in their work. This includes: • • A statement in the methodology or acknowledgment section identifying the tool(s) used A brief explanation of how AI was used (e.g., “AI-assisted grammar correction using Grammarly” or “ChatGPT was used to suggest an outline structure”) Example Disclosure: “Parts of this report were supported by AI tools including ChatGPT for language refinement and Python-based AI scripts for data visualization. All outputs were critically reviewed and edited by the author.” 12 NATS 1740A Astronomy – RAFIEE FW2024-26 Assistance for Students Academic Advising*: https://www.yorku.ca/science/academic-advising/ * Departments also offer program-specific advising. Check with your Department’s Undergraduate Office. Writing Services: https://www.yorku.ca/colleges/bethune/get-help/writing/ Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS): https://www.yorku.ca/colleges/bethune/get-help/pass/ Peer Tutoring: https://www.yorku.ca/colleges/bethune/get-help/peer-tutoring/ Learning Commons (general academic learning supports including library research, time management, study skills, career planning, etc.): https://learningcommons.yorku.ca/ Access/Disability York University is committed to principles of respect, inclusion, and equality of all persons with disabilities across campus. The University provides services for students with disabilities (including physical, medical, learning, and psychiatric disabilities) needing accommodation related to teaching and evaluation methods/materials. These services are made available to students in all Faculties and programs at York University. Students in need of these services are asked to register with disability services as early as possible to ensure that appropriate academic accommodation can be provided with advance notice. You are encouraged to schedule a time early in the term to meet with each professor to discuss your accommodation needs. Please note that registering with disabilities services and discussing your needs with your professors is necessary to avoid any impediment to receiving the necessary academic accommodations to meet your needs. Additional information is available at the following websites: Student Accessibility Services: https://accessibility.students.yorku.ca York Accessibility Hub: http://accessibilityhub.info.yorku.ca/ Religious Observance Accommodation York University is committed to respecting the religious beliefs and practices of all members of the community and making accommodations for observances of special significance to adherents. Should any of the dates specified in this syllabus for an in-class test or examination pose such a conflict for you, contact the Course Director within the first three weeks of class. Similarly, should an assignment to be completed in a lab, practicum placement, workshop, etc., scheduled later in the term pose such a conflict, contact the Course Director immediately. To arrange an alternative date or time for an examination scheduled in the formal examination periods (December and April/May), students must complete and submit an accommodation request form at least 3 weeks before the exam period begins. https://secure.students.yorku.ca/pdf/religious-accommodation-agreement-final-examinations.pdf 13 NATS 1740A Astronomy – RAFIEE FW2024-26 Student and Instructor Conduct in Academic Situations Students and instructors are expected to maintain a professional relationship characterized by courtesy and mutual respect. Moreover, it is the responsibility of the instructor to maintain an appropriate academic atmosphere in the classroom and other academic settings, and the responsibility of the student to cooperate in that endeavour. Further, the instructor is the best person to decide, in the first instance, whether such an atmosphere is present in the class. The policy and procedures governing disruptive and/or harassing behaviour by students in academic situations is available at - http://secretariat-policies.info.yorku.ca/policies/disruptiveandor-harassing-behaviour-in-academic-situations-senate-policy/ York University is committed to providing access to the educational experience to promote academic accessibility for all individuals. Academic accommodation refers to educational practices, systems and support mechanisms designed to accommodate diversity and difference. The purpose of accommodation is to enable students to perform the essential requirements of their academic programs. At no time does academic accommodation undermine or compromise the learning objectives that are established by the academic authorities of the University. University rules regarding registration, withdrawal, appealing marks, and most anything else you might need to know can be found on the university’s website, here: https://calendars.students.yorku.ca/2021-2022/policies-and-regulations Division of Natural Science (NATS) Student Resources NATS-AID – A free peer tutoring service for students enrolled in NATS courses http://natsci.info.yorku.ca/nats-aid/ M-AID in NATS (Math Aid) – Free math help for students enrolled in NATS courses http://natsci.info.yorku.ca/m-aid-in-nats/ Other Resources goSAFE GoSAFE is a complimentary service provided to the York Community. At the Keele campus, goSAFE has two routes: North Route & South Route which will safely transport community members by vehicle from one specified hub to another on campus. Call the goSAFE office at 416-736-5454 or extension 55454 during hours of operation. Please give your name, location and destination. http://www.yorku.ca/goSAFE/ Mental Health and Wellness at York University Outlines a variety of resources available to support mental health and wellness http://mhw.info.yorku.ca/resources/resources-at-york/students/ Good2Talk 14 NATS 1740A Astronomy – RAFIEE Post-Secondary Student 24-hour Helpline FW2024-26 http://www.good2talk.ca/ 1-866-925-5454 Land Acknowledgement York University recognizes that many Indigenous Nations have longstanding relationships with the territories upon which York University campuses are located that precede the establishment of York University. York University acknowledges its presence on the traditional territory of many Indigenous Nations. The area known as Tkaronto has been care taken by the Anishinabek Nation, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, and the HuronWendat. It is now home to many First Nation, Inuit, and Métis communities. We acknowledge the current treaty holders, the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. This territory is subject of the Dish with One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant, an agreement to peaceably share and care for the Great Lakes region. 15