SDSU Astronomy 310 "Astrobiology"

ASTR 310 CLASS RULES, POLICIES, AND SAFETY INFORMATION

- Reminder: This course can only count towards satisfying upper division GE requirements if you will have completed 60 or more units by the end of this semester.
- Lecture Notes: You should be able to read the PDF files with almost any OS platform (linux/unix, Microsoft Windows,Apple/Mac, etc.). For example, here are the notes on the metric SI system and reference temperatures, lengths, and velocities.
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On-line Class Notes Policy:
The on-line class notes are available to augment classroom learning - their sole purpose is to prevent frantic writing of notes and allow students to spend time listening, thinking and comprehending the lecture. They are not intended to be, nor do they function as, a substitute for attending the lectures. For maximum value, you should: (i) read the homework assignments first (especially the textbook & web page reading assignments which cover material well before we discuss the topic in class); and (ii) bring the notes to the lecture so you can add comments, sketches of figures, and material not in the notes.
Treating the on-line notes as a substitute for attending class is inappropriate at best and detrimental at worst.
The on-line notes will NOT be available all semester - they are posted several days before the lecture, then removed a few days after the lecture - no exceptions. This is for the students' benefit. So please keep up with the class.

Reminder: The lecture notes, along with all other class material, are copyrighted.

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satellite map showing the area around the GMCS building

Dr. Welsh's office is on the 2nd floor of the Physics Building, Room 235, just across the street from the front entrance of the GMCS building.

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SAFETY ISSUES
The CSU takes the issue of classroom and campus safety very seriously. To find information about San Diego State University's emergency preparedness plan and opportunities for training on many aspects of the classroom/workplace see: SDSU Emergency Preparedness.
SDSU Campus Safety

Be aware of your surroundings.

If you see something suspicious, report it!

If you have an emergency, call 911 from any phone on campus.

Other incidents, call Campus Dispatch at 4-1911.

In the evening, call Campus Escort if you would like an escort to your vehicle or campus dorm.

Classroom Safety

If there is an emergency, stay calm, and follow the procedure in the flip book.
Follow the Evacuation Route if you need to evacuate.
``Shelter in place'' is usually called when a person that is carrying a weapon on campus has become violent and has injured others, or is threatening to injure others. If directed to shelter in place:
1. Stay inside the building or find a safe place.
2. If you are in a room with a door, make sure the door is closed.
3. Due to the varying age of campus buildings, doors may lock manually, remotely or not at all. If applicable and time permits, lock doors.
4. If you are in a room with a window, make sure the window is closed.
5. Remain where you are until further direction from emergency personnel.

Note that during any emergency, students should not use their cell phones. The lines of communication are critical to keep open for emergency information. Only Staff and Faculty should keep their cell phones on, and only receive calls if the situation calls for it.

If ever an emergency alarm goes off, please collect your stuff and calmly evacuate the building. The meeting point is at the grass-covered area just outside the Physics building (next to the bicycle symbol on the map below).
campus map showing
the area near the GMCS building

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Expectation on Studying: In high school, students spend ~35 hours a week in school and only a few hours a week studying on their own. In college, students are in class for about 15 hr/week and complete their education on their own time. They are much more responsible for their own learning. College students should spend 2 additional hours per unit per week for every hour that they spend in class. For 15 units, that means an additional 30 hours a week outside of class. This is what is recommended, and this is what professors are expecting. If you do this, you are very much more likely to earn the grade you want.

^* Policy On Extra Credit
No extra credit projects will be allowed on individual basis, but on occasion the class as a whole may be able to earn extra credit. This may be announced in class or on the Important New part of our class website. Also, I have a general policy that if any mistakes are found in any part of the course (e.g. in the syllabus, class web pages, class lectures, class notes, exams, or textbook) the student who first points the error out may earn extra credit. It depends on the nature of the error: typographical errors will not earn extra credit (unless many are present). Updates to the on-line lecture notes also do not count as errors. But something like a wrong time for the final on the syllabus would definitely earn extra credit. Also, students who participate a lot in class may earn extra credit. If a student asks a particularly good question, I may award that student extra credit. Basically, my philosophy is that if a student does something that benefits the entire class, that student may earn extra credit. No extra credit will be awarded if it only benefits the individual seeking the extra credit.

Plagiarism Policy:
Plagiarism is not tolerated and will result in automatic failure of the assigment. Plagiarism on a term paper or project will result in automatic failure of the course and will be reported to the Center for Student Rights and Responsibilities.

Plagiarism is theft. If you copy more than 4 words in a row from any source (including the textbook, notes, Reader) and do not reference that source, you may be committing plagiarism.
Committing plagiarism could be the end of your college career: ``... an appropriate penalty, even severance from the University and in some cases revocation of an advanced degree,...'' (see page 447-449 of the 2005-2006 General Catalog). Plagiarism and cheating are at the top of the list of reasons for expulsion, suspension and probation of students. Take a look at the SDSU Academic Dishonesty Incident Form (in .pdf format) for what comes next if you commit plagiarism.
Fraud and stealing is not taken lightly at SDSU. Don't throw away all the effort, time, and money you spent going to college (this or any other one) by plagiarizing someone else's work. It is just not worth the risk. You almost certainly will get caught - just as it is so easy to steal material off the WWWeb, it is sooo easy to get caught. It requires just a few keystrokes to check your project and homework for plagiarism. And there is no time limit - semesters later, or even years later, the crime is just as serious (in fact, usually more so - you can lose your degree, job, career)!

Simple Rule: If you copy a phrase of 4 or more words, put it in quotes and reference the source.
Simple Rule: If in doubt, reference the source.
What is plagiarism? Find the definition from the Turnitin.com website.

Last major update on 2010 Jan 23.