1

2

Does this course transfer as a lab-science? Yes, it transfers as a 4.0 hour lab-based science course. Of course different colleges or universities may require different science courses depending upon your major. Check with the institutions you are planning on transferring to in order to know what specifically counts on your program of study.

3

Will there be any math ? Yes - but it is no more than basic high school level math - no algebra or calculus.

4

Will my grades and final grade be posted? No, though all graded work will generally be returned within one week of the due date. Keep all of your returned work if you wish to keep up with your grades. Other than these graded works, no grades will be sent out via email. By the end of the term you will have all of your grades - tests and labs, thus you should be able to figure out your own grade. To see your official grade go to the MTC web site. Look for the MTCOnline link and follow the instructions.

5

How many absences am I allowed? You are allowed 4 absences; however, if you want to drop from the course, don't expect someone to do if for you. Do it yourself. Missed tests, labs, and other assignments will count as zeroes - which may result in an "F" unless you officially drop the course yourself.

6

How are absences determined? You must 1) post on the forum an acceptable, astronomy-related entry 3 or more times during an academic week (see Weekly Activities page for the start of academic weeks), 2) take all tests, missed tests count as absences, as well as, result in a zero on that test, and 3) submit each lab on the required date, or it will count as an absence, as well as, will result in zero for each missed lab. In order not to miss any important announcements, you should check in to the forum roughly every other day.

7

What if I decide to drop the course? If you now or later plan to drop the class, you must go to the Records Office and complete withdrawal papers. It is your responsibility to officially withdraw from the class and inform me of such. Until you do, grades of zeros will accumulate - this could result in a final grade of an "F" or a "WF".

8

Will there be any extra credit? There may be (not guaranteed) several opportunities for extra credit work throughout the term. The most likely place will be on  the discussion forum, so keep up with your participation on the discussion site weekly. Also, extra credit may be applied at the end of the term to those who have contributed above the minimum requirements to posts on the discussion forums.

9

How are the grades broken down between class and lab? Tests are 75% and labs are 25% of your grade. The Final Exam also counts the same as a class test.

10

If I just stop participating and don't drop the course, will you withdraw me? Students should note that withdrawal by the instructor may not be within refund dates.  Students who wish to receive a tuition refund upon discontinued enrollment in a class should initiate the course withdrawal process themselves. If you stop participating and fail to go to records and withdraw yourself, then you will accumulate 0's which may result in a "F" being recorded for you at the end of the term. Since this is an Internet course, it is up to you to keep up with such official paper work. Don't forget and end up with a "F" on your record.

11

May I drop this and take an on-campus AST section? You may drop this course for another AST section only during the Drop/Add period during the first week. After that, you may not move from one astronomy section to another.

12

I can't open the PDF files I download. What do I do? I don't know, but do you have Adobe Reader on your system to read PDF files? It may be a file association issue. Assuming you do have the most recent free Adobe Reader - if not click on the icon to the right to download a free copy. Then right-click on the PDF file and choose "Open With" and choose "Choose Program". You'll see Adobe Reader. Before clicking that program to open your file, click the box that says "Always use the selected program to open the file of this kind" (or some such wording) - then click Adobe. The file should now open and in the future all such files will open in Adobe.

13

The times I need to be on the internet, are they at night, during the day, or either one?  It is all up to you - that's one of the major positive points of this internet science course. You may access the web site, post to the forum, or submit work (before the due date) anytime of day or night you wish.

14

Are there any technical or computer requirements? Yes. It is your responsibility to set up and maintain your computer, ISP, and browser to readily access all parts of this course. If your computer is inoperable in any way, you must fix it and/or find an alternative. I will help you with problems when I can, but it is a good rule of thumb to always do your work ahead of any deadlines. This rule of thumb is even more important in online courses, because things can go wrong.

15

May I email you to ask for how many absences I have? No, you are able to know how many absences you have acquired without asking me. If you actually have no idea, then you are too out of touch with the course and should consider dropping.

16

May I email you to ask for how grades and/or average? No, all graded work is returned to you with instructions to keep them or record your grades. If you have failed to do that, then you must wait until the end of the term when grades are submitted to the college.