PHY 170 Introduction to Astronomy

Syllabus Spring 2003

 

 

 

Instructor:         André Wehner, Olin 111, Ph. 238-5919, e-mail wehner@centre.edu,

                        Office Hours: M-T-W-Th: 4-8, or by appointment.

 

Class Time:       9:10-10:10 M-W-F, Olin 122

 

Lab Time:         Thursdays. Section a: 8:00-11:00, Section b: 12:40-3:40; Olin 012

                       

Text:                 Astronomy Today, 4th edition, Chaisson and McMillan.

               

Grading:           8 quizzes @ 2.5% each = 20%

2 tests @ 15% each = 30%

Final 20%

Laboratory 15%

Homework 7.5%

Writing Assignments 7.5%

 

Course Description

 

This course serves as a general education introduction to astronomy. Its main purpose is to present a survey of the universe; its contents, structures, evolution, and the physical processes behind each of these. At the same time, I hope you will gain an appreciation for the beauty of the cosmos, both in form and function.

 

Another goal of this course is to understand science as a process, a creative human activity. Science is a human endeavour of asking questions and looking for answers. As such, I hope you will ask questions, as many questions as possible.

 

The course consists of the following equally important activities:

a) understanding the concepts involved;

b) developing your quantitative (or problem-solving) skills;

c) the laboratory experience.

 

The purpose of the lectures is not to re-read the textbook in class but to focus on strengthening your understanding of the concepts and analytical reasoning. Hence it is very important that you read the relevant sections from the textbook before you come to class (see schedule) to be able to actively participate in class.

 

Further Remarks

 

  1. You are expected to be present for all classes and participate in the in-class discussions. Please let me know in advance if you must be absent for a scheduled college activity. Three unexcused absences will result in a lowering of the grade. Please come and see me whenever you encounter problems.
  2. It is assumed that you have “basic math proficiency.” This includes a working knowledge of high school algebra and geometry. You will need a calculator for this class.
  3. The laboratory is an integral part of this course as you get to apply some of the concepts that you learn to some realistic situations. You must satisfactorily pass the lab in order to pass the course. Some of the labs will be held outdoors and involve night sky observations. Further information will be given during the first lab.
  4. Homework is an essential part of this class. You are expected to spend about 3 to 4 hours per week on homework. Assigned homework is to be turned in every other week. The exact dates will be announced in class. Late homework will not be accepted (of course, exceptions can be made for emergencies).
  5. The general education component of this class consists of a set of writing assignments which you will turn in every other week, alternating with the homework. These assignments will be summaries, one page each, of current articles on astronomy that you can choose from journals, newspapers, or the internet. No extra credit assignments will be given.
  6. There will be two one-hour tests and eight 10-minute quizzes during the course of the term. One of the questions on each test will be from the laboratory exercises; the remaining questions will closely mirror the assigned homework problems. The tests, quizzes, and the final are “closed everything”, although calculators will be allowed. If you have to miss class for a valid reason (proof required!), you will be allowed to make up a test. If you know in advance you will have to miss a test, you should make arrangements to take it early. The solutions you present in the tests and quizzes must be complete, coherent, and well-organized. You must show all work for full credit.
  7. Expect to be graded on a 90-80-70-60 scale, depending on the class average.

 

 

In cooperation with the disability resource center, reasonable accommodation will be provided for students with disabilities. Please meet the instructor during the first week of class to make suitable arrangements.

 

There exists an accompanying website for our textbook.

 

This syllabus can be found at http://web.centre.edu/wehner/courses/p170s04.htm .

 

Schedule

Day

Chapter covered

Homework  (TBA in class)    

 

 

 

2/4

1

 

2/6

1

 

2/9

2

 

2/11

2

 

2/13

Quiz 1; 3

 

2/16

3

 

2/18

4

 

2/20

4

 

2/23

Quiz 2; 5

 

2/25

6

 

2/27

6

 

3/1

7

 

3/3

7

 

3/5

Quiz 3; 8

 

3/8

9

 

3/10

10

 

3/12

11

 

3/15

12

 

3/17

Quiz 4; 13

 

3/19

Test 1

 

3/29

16

 

3/31

16

 

4/2

17

 

4/5

17

 

4/7

Quiz 5; 19

 

4/9

19

 

4/12

20

 

4/14

21

 

4/16

22

 

4/19

Quiz 6; 22

 

4/21

23

 

4/23

23

 

4/26

24

 

4/28

Quiz 7; 25

 

4/30

Test 2

 

5/3

26

 

5/5

26

 

5/7

27

 

5/10

Quiz 8; 27

 

 

 

 

5/13,8:30

Final

(comprehensive)