ASTRON-104 - Introduction to Astronomy with Lab - Michaela Blain

Introduction

My name is Michaela Blain (she/her) and I will be your instructor. Astronomy, and science in general, have always been passions of mine so I'm very excited to explore the Universe with you through this course! Astronomy is both challenging and super fun. As your instructor, I will do everything I can to support your success as you study the cosmos. My hope for all my students is that they leave my classes with a better understanding of science in general (science literacy) and of their place in space.

Course Description

ASTRON-104 is a 4.0 credit, UC/CSU transferable course exploring astronomy, physics, math, and chemistry topics/skills at the first-year level. In this course, we will explore the Universe through an observational lens. In other words, we will focus on learning about the different types of observations used in astronomy and what each type of observation can tell us. Many of the lab activities will explore topics from the lecture portion of the class, but with the opportunity to dive into each topic more deeply and gain hands-on experience. Students will have the opportunity to use telescopes, virtual planetarium software, and more to conduct their own observation projects!

What to Expect in this Course

You will need regular and reliable access to a laptop or tablet with a good internet connection for this course. Additionally, make a habit of checking your Canyons email address for Canvas updates. You should also regularly visit the course homepage in Canvas to check for announcements. Finally, you will need an internet browser (I recommend Google Chrome) and a word processor (Microsoft Word or Google Docs). You can access Microsoft Office Suite for free with your CoC student account.

Types of Assessments

Assignments for this course include regular quizzes, handwritten homework question sets, online discussion boards, lab packets, two projects, and handwritten exams. In a hybrid course, each lab starts with a short quiz. In an in-person course, each lecture session will start with short quiz (typically 2 per week).

Textbook Information

ASTRON-104 uses OpenStax Astronomy, 2nd Edition as a supplemental resource. Most lecture material is made by the instructor and delivered via video (hybrid) or slides (in-person). The OpenStax text is available for free and online at https://openstax.org/details/books/astronomy-2e.

Other Relevant Course Information

The Canvas environment for this course will open 1 week prior to the course start date. An orientation module will be available to get you started and to confirm your enrollment. Please don't hesitate to reach out via email (or Canvas message if you are already enrolled) with any questions you have about astronomy or the course itself! I am here to help!

Additional Resources

Canvas

This course can be accessed on the first day of class via Canvas at https://coc.instructure.com. Log into Canvas using your CanyonsID single sign-on:

• CanyonsID Username is your COC student email address (Ex: username@my.canyons.edu)
• CanyonsID Password is your COC student email password

Please visit the Get to Know Your Online Classroom page for help logging into Canvas and for tips on using Canvas and Zoom. Canvas Chat Support is also available 24/7 for any Canvas related issues.

Online Education

Check out the Online Education website for more information on a variety of topics that can help you be a successful online student such as: exam proctoring, learning styles, computer skills, and tips for student success. If this is your first online course, feel free to take our online learning readiness assessment to assess your skills.

The Learning Center (TLC)

The TLC provides FREE online tutoring resources to COC students!

Academic Accommodation Center (AAC)

College of the Canyons AAC provides educational services and access for eligible students with documented disabilities who intend to pursue coursework at COC. A variety of programs and services are available which afford eligible students with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of the college programs and activities through appropriate and reasonable accommodations. For more information on their services visit the Academic Accomodation Center website.

Online Counseling

The Counseling Department offers appointments online. You can schedule an appointment by visiting the Online Counseling website. Counselors can help you map out a plan to reach your educational goals as well as advise you on course selection and registration.

Management of Stress and Mental Health

Often the pressure on our students is very strong, involving academic commitments, relationships, outside jobs and family pressure to name a few. The staff and faculty of College of the Canyons are here to see you succeed academically and care about your emotional and physical health. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including counseling and mental health services available on campus by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center in the Student Services Building (across from the bookstore). The phone number is 661-362-3259 that you can call 24/7. You can also e mail for an appointment at StudentHealthCenter@canyons.edu. At the Canyon Country Campus the Health Center will be in the new Student Services Building.

Also, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number is now 988. All students at COC are encouraged to enter that phone number in their cells. You can call it when you, or someone you know, is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress.

You can also now use the Crisis Text Line: Just text "Courage" to 741741. Someone will get back to you immediately. Its free, 24/7, and confidential.

Veterans Resource Center

The College of the Canyons Veterans Resource Center is a department within the Student Services Division at the college, created to help veterans and veteran dependents with applying to College of the Canyons, enrolling in classes, and requesting VA Education or Vocational Benefits. For more information please visit the Veterans Resource Center website, email veterans@canyons.edu or phone (661) 362-3469.

Library

The Library provides live online and in-person research help, access to a full range of e-resources and physical materials that support the curriculum, individual and group study areas, and much more!

Last updated: 07/04/2026 Sub#: 2058 Sub ID: 217597