Course Syllabus

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BLACK HOLES & The Origin of the Universe

ERTH-106, CRN 61558, Spring 2022

 

Course Description:

  • ERTH 106 - BLACK HOLES and the UNIVERSE (3.0 UNITS):  
  • An introduction to the great theories to explain the universe, black holes, quasars, and the fourth dimension.  Lectures, guest speakers, field trips, scientific papers, and other original sources of current information are included.  
  • It is strongly suggested, though not required, that students take ERTH-101 (Intro to Astronomy) first.
  • TRANSFERABILITY:  CSU/UC Transferrable.
  • SKILLS ADVISORY:  English 103, Math 1, Earth 101 (Intro to Astronomy)

Interactive seminar approach:

  • This class is normally taught in a "Face to Face" seminar format where participation and in class discussion drives much of what we explore, discuss, and learn about.  I'll be doing my best to emulate this seminar class environment online with class discussions, weekly optional Zoom meetings with scientists and former students, and weekly opportunities to meet with me by Zoom as well.  I'm not expecting you all to become astrophysicists, but I do hope you will gain an appreciation for some of the most complex scientific concepts humans have grappled with, and to develop logical analytical skills in considering and discussing these advanced theories.  For this reason, the focus will not be on the advanced mathematical formulations, but rather a "big picture" conceptual overview.

Student Learning Outcomes:

  • ERTH106 SLO1 - collaborate with fellow students to explore the latest theories in physics and astronomy.  
  • ERTH106 SLO2 - compare and contrast credible and non-credible sources, and discern between science and pseudoscience.  
  • ERTH106 SLO3 - make use of electronic research techniques to investigate recent developments and discoveries in the field.

Textbook(s):

Grading (based on percentage system):

  • Lectures & Readings Discussions (weekly 20%)
  • On-Line Activities (several for 10%)
  • Weekly Quizzes (10%)
  • Video Assignments (weekly 10%)
  • Crash Course Assignments (weekly 10%)
  • Guest Zoom Meetings with Former Students or Scientists (weekly 10%)
  • Test 1 which covers Cosmology, 4th Dimension, Relativity (10%)
  • Test 2 which covers Quantum Mechanics & Therm of Black Holes (10%)
  • Final which is cumulative + includes Astrobiology & String Theory (10%)
  • Research Review Paper (For "Face to Face" Classes Only)
  • Article Summary Project (For "Face to Face" Classes Only)
  • Extra Credit (+5% extra)

Grading Scale:

  • The grading scale (subject to revision) will follow the traditional percentage breakdown of 90's (A), 80's (B), 70's (C), 60's (D), and below (F).  Scores may be curved slightly to help you, so always strive to do your best.  Plus minus grading has been implemented at SBCC, so borderline grades may receive a +/- designation.  You must complete all assignments to pass the class (don't skip assignments).  Due significant extra credit options, A+ grades in the course do not take into consideration extra credit.

Pass / NoPass Option:

  • Since this class has been designed to be mostly a participatory experience (readings, lectures, guest speakers, videos, activities), rather than an assessment based approach (quizzes, tests, and final), I like to offer a PASS / NO PASS option where you don't have to take any tests to successfully complete the course, as long as you engage, participate, and do all the assignments.  In this case, the tests and final would be optional.  You can still take them, but they won't count against you.  You would still take the participation-based Crash Course and/or "open book" quizzes on the reading.  You can take these multiple times and only your highest score counts.  They are designed to help you focus on important concepts.

Important Dates:

  • 1/17/22 SBCC Holiday (Martin Luther King Jr Day)
  • 1/18/22 First day of classes at SBCC
  • 1/28/22 Last day to drop classes at SBCC with refund (1/23 without refund)
  • 2/18-21/22 SBCC Holiday (President's Day Weekend)
  • 3/18/22 Last day to Drop!
  • 3/21-25 SBCC Holiday (Spring Break)
  • 5/6/22 Last day to sign up for Pass/NoPass Grading
  • 5/6/22 Last day of classes.
  • 5/9-13/22 Finals Week
  • 5/13/22 Commencement (Congratulations to you all!)

Weekly Tutor Schedule Click here to view schedule (Only Jason Barrios for ERTH-106)
(dates and times may change, so check on-line version before going)
Jason Barrios is the main tutor for this class.  He is a former student who is now at UCSB.  He is very advanced with physics and very talented with relativity and the many topics being discussed in this course.  Don't hesitate to reach out to him for help, or just to say hi.  Click on the Jason's name during their scheduled tutor session and you will be connected by Zoom.

Weekly Office Hours (may change from week to week):  
I will do a weekly Zoom office hour on Tuesdays 10-11 am, with additional Zoom office hour sessions upon request.  I am also always available by email and usually respond within a day.

Weekly Zoom Meetings with Alumni/Scientists: 
Meeting ID: 967 4614 2696, Passcode: 892936
https://sbcc.zoom.us/j/96746142696?pwd=VDRmc3lidkcrKzZmblcxVnF0bDRJdz09

Astronomy Lecture:  

  • The astronomy lecture course (ERTH-101) is not required as a prerequisite, however is highly recommended for those genuinely interested in astronomy and/or for those planning to continue a formal course of study in astronomy.  The ERTH-101 Astronomy course may be taken concurrently and/or at a future date, but is best taken as a pre-curser to this course to enhance your comprehension and understanding of the topics covered in this class.

Astronomy Lab:

  • The astronomy lab course (ES-102) is not required, however is highly recommended (and can only be taken concurrently with, or after taking the ERTH-101 Astronomy lecture course).  The one unit lab is held in the Planetarium and Observatory at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History (click here for directions).  In lab you will learn by watching and doing.  The planetarium allows us to show celestial motions as they are happening.  The telescopes allow us to look at the sun, moon, planets, and many deep sky objects such as galaxies, planetary nebulas, supernova, and diffuse nebula.

Get Ahead:  

  • If you consistently keep up with the material you will do well. It is easy to get ahead but difficult to catch up should you fall behind!  Material at the end of the course can be challenging. Do not let this catch you by surprise. For those who keep up, the class can be fun and rewarding!

Do you have to watch ALL the lectures
and do ALL the reading?

  • The objectives of the course are to learn the material and do well on tests and quizzes.  I provide resources that you can use to learn the material and be successful.  Students who do it all are in the best position to do well in the course.  But of course, there are students who do some of it and still do well in the course.  I can't speak for what will work best for you.  My suggestion is to do all of it in the beginning and then you can assess how helpful each resource (lectures, reading, videos, etc) are.  Of course, you will need to do the assignments, quizzes and activities, but there are ways to do those quickly.  For example, you can play videos at higher speed or skip ahead, you can take the crash course quizzes multiple times, etc.  Some students need to see and hear the material multiple times or have it presented to them in different ways (different modes of learning, addressing different learning styles).  So that's why it may seem a bit repetitive, but each time the material is presented in a different way (lecture, vs reading, vs crash course, vs activity, etc), it's another opportunity to pick up something you might have previously missed.  As an adult student in charge of your own life, it is up to you how you "choose" to navigate through the material.  My job is to provide structure and resources to meet your needs and help you succeed.

Honor & Integrity:  

  • I would like to encourage a healthy educational environment of trust and academic responsibility. I will trust you the student to pursue academic success with honor and integrity. I do not anticipate any problems, however, for the record - any indication of cheating (no matter how minor the infraction) will result in an F in the course with your name being turned in to the administration. This can result in a permanent blemish on your transcript as well as expulsion. Do not let this happen to you. There are no second chances!  If it is apparent that you have copied, or falsely represented your work, or you have made the same errors as the solution manual, solution key, or others in your class, you will be removed from the course. The person being copied from will be considered an accomplice and subject to equal penalty.  If a homework or test problem is in question, you may be asked to solve it for your instructor or explain each and every step of your solution. Conduct yourselves with honor and integrity.

SBCC Resources to help you:

  1. Academic Counseling
  2. Learning Resources
  3. Student Services
  4. DSPS website

Important Notes:

  • All first week assignments need to be completed and submitted by the due date to avoid possibly being dropped from the class.
  • Any student needing accommodations should inform the instructor. Students with disabilities who may need accommodations for this class are encouraged to notify the instructor and contact the Disability Resource Center (DRC) early in the quarter so that reasonable accommodations may be implemented as soon as possible.

NeilDeGrassTysonSBCCPhoto.jpeg

SBCC Students from this class meeting with world famous Neil deGrasse Tyson (gotta love the tie)!

Course Summary:

Date Details Due