Faculty Introduction

Professor Emily Howard was born in Corvallis, Oregon and has been trying to get to the East Coast all her life. She lived on the West Coast for three years of her life and then moved to Denver, Colorado where she grew up. She was adventurous, curious and found her inspiration in a documentary called the “Creation of the Universe” when she was in fourth grade. She knew what she wanted to study, Astronomy and Physics. And with a few fun deviations into Biology and Geology, she entered the University of Denver. Four short years later, she earned her Bachelors of Science in Physics. Then she continued onto Florida International University. At last, the East coast, where she earned her Masters of Physics by studying Blazars, the furthest objects observed by telescopes. After earning her Masters, she then started adjunct teaching for Broward Community College and has found a home in the College. She currently works as an Associate Professor in Astronomy & the Physical Sciences.

Faculty Contact Information

Course Description & General Outcomes

AST 1002 is an introductory course that outlines the origin, characteristics, and evolution of the solar system, stars, and galaxies and engages the historical milestones in astronomy from the ancient astronomers to the modern observatories. Students are expected to evaluate current and expected future trends in astronomical research and theories using written compositions and analysis in algebra.

Once completed the student shall be able to:

1. Analyze the contribution made to astronomy by individuals from the time of Pythagoras to that of Einstein.
2. Compose an interpretation of the cyclic nature of the phases of the Moon, the tidal effect of the Moon on the earth, the causation of lunar and solar eclipses, and the composition of the Earth and Moon.
3. Compare and contrast major components of the Solar System.
4. Construct the lifecycle of a star’s development.
5. Compare the methods used to classify galaxies, as well as compare the types of normal and active galaxies.
6.  Evaluate and compare the present theories explaining the formation of the universe.

Course Prerequisites

To maximize your chances for success in this course, make sure that you meet the following course prerequisites:

• Course Prerequisites and Co-requisites: MAT 0024

Orientation to Online Learning

To be successful in an online course, you should assess your readiness to successfully engage in an online learning class at Broward College. You can complete the Orientation to Online Learning to determine if an online class is a right fit for you and to learn how to navigate the system.  Upon completion of the orientation, you will earn a certificate.  Some professors require you to submit this certificate during orientation, so make sure to save it in an easily accessible folder on your computer.

Course Attendance and Participation Policy

During the first week of class, you must complete the Syllabus Quiz from the course orientation, or you will be withdrawn from the course. Simply logging into the course will not satisfy your attendance during this time. As with an on-campus course, students who are reported for non-attendance in an online course and are withdrawn are still responsible for paying for the course. If you do not complete the requirements of the first week of class, you should drop the course by the official drop/add deadline or expect to pay for the course.

It is very important for you to actively participate in this online class. If you stop participating in class discussions, do not submit assignments, or fail to take quizzes or tests prior to the withdrawal date, you will be withdrawn from class and receive a W or, if it is your third attempt, an F.

If you stop participating after the withdrawal date, you will receive an F. To avoid this situation, you should remain an active learner in this class and always communicate extenuating circumstances to your instructor. Ongoing communication with the instructor is critical to your course success. Completion of tests, assignments, and other class activities are used as indicators of your participation in order to satisfy this reporting requirement.  See the list of activities required for participation and attendance on the General Course Policies page.

Required Course Materials

Methods of Instruction

This is a 3-credit hour fully online course with proctored exams. In this class, you will engage in structured out-of-class and online activities. The online activities may include, but are not limited to, readings, discussions, essays, research, and/or online quizzes and tests. See the course schedule for a detailed description of activities. Students are responsible for regularly reviewing the course schedule and completing all required assignments.

General Policies and Technical Requirements

You are responsible for being familiar with all BConline policies and procedures related to your activity in this course.

Broward College Policies

• Review the Broward College Policies on topics including disability services, academic honesty, privacy, and critical event procedures.

BConline Policies

• Review the General Course Policies for topics including rules for netiquette, definition of participation, and other information.

Proctored Exam Policy

• This course may have proctored exams that must be taken at a campus e-Testing Center or at an alternate pre-approved testing location. For detailed instructions please visit our Proctored Exam Policy page.

Technical Requirements

• Students taking an online course are expected to be moderately proficient in using a computer. Please go to the Technical Requirements page for a complete list of computer skills and technical requirements.

How to Access the Course

Follow these steps in order to log into the BConline course. Normally, the login date will be the first day of the session in which the course is scheduled. Only students who have registered and paid for the course will be permitted to login. There may be a delay of up to 20 minutes from when you register and pay before BConline login is activated.

• Your BConline User Name is the same as your BC email ID.
• Your BConline password is the same as your BC email PIN code.
• If you need login information, obtain BC email user ID and PIN code before attempting to login to BConline.

Links to help you get connected to BConline course(s)

• BConline login page
• Student e-learning Resources
• Password Reset
  • If your password does not work or you forgot it, click this link to reset it: Student Password Reset.
  • If you need further support, please contact the BC helpdesk at 954-201-7521 or helpdesk@broward.edu.
• Technical Problems
  • If you need help using BConline (D2L), you can review the step-by-step tutorials
  • For year-round, 24 hour technical assistance, please visit the 24/7 Help Desk page.