What This Document Is
This is the official syllabus for ESSC 118E, Astronomy Laboratory, at Widener University. It’s a foundational document outlining the expectations, policies, and schedule for students enrolled in this hands-on laboratory course. This syllabus serves as a contract between the instructors and students, detailing how the course will be conducted and assessed. It’s designed to provide a clear understanding of the course structure and requirements.
Why This Document Matters
Any student registered for, or considering registering for, ESSC 118E will find this syllabus essential. It’s crucial to review this document at the *beginning* of the semester to understand grading criteria, attendance policies, and the overall course expectations. Prospective students can use it to determine if the course aligns with their academic goals and commitments. Having access to this information upfront allows for informed decision-making and proactive planning for success in the lab component of introductory astronomy.
Common Limitations or Challenges
This syllabus provides the framework for the course, but it does *not* contain the actual laboratory exercises themselves. It won’t provide the specific data sets, instructions, or questions you’ll encounter during each lab session. It also doesn’t include the detailed background astronomical information needed to *complete* the labs – that will be provided separately during the sessions. The syllabus outlines the topics covered, but doesn’t delve into the specifics of astronomical concepts.
What This Document Provides
* Instructor contact information and office locations.
* A clear statement of the course goals and how it complements related coursework.
* Detailed policies regarding lab attendance and academic integrity.
* An overview of the grading breakdown and the grading scale used.
* A semester-long schedule of planned laboratory topics and experiments.
* Information regarding university policies on classroom conduct and grievance procedures.
* A statement regarding potential modifications to the course schedule or content.