Astronomy-1

  Winter 2011

This course introduces the students to the basic concepts of modern astronomy. The main focus of the course will be on the scientific foundations of astronomy (physics and the scientific method), our understanding of the solar system, and the basic physical mechanisms at work in stars and galaxies.  

Course Material:

Universe, 9th edition, by Freedman, Geller & Kaufmann
iClickers

 Additional information can be found here

 Grading:

25% homework (click here for a list of homework assignments) and discussion sections attendance and participation
5%  class participation (iClicker)
15% midterm-1
15% midterm-2
40% final

Grades will be assigned according to the following scheme:

 Policies:
Attendance to lectures is recommended. Attendance to sections is required. Please note that there will not be early or make-up exams. Calculators, lecture notes, and  the text book are permitted on the midterm and final exams. Additional material and cell-phones are not allowed.  Homework is assigned weekly, and due on tuesdays. No late homework will be accepted. Read the pdf version of the syllabus for additional policies.ec

On the use of e-mail: e-mails to the professor  should contain the word Astro-1 in the subject. Please note that e-mails will be answered as soon as possible, but we cannot guarantee answers in less than 48 hours.

Reading assignments for each week can be found at the lecture schedule. In order to get the most out of the lectures, you must read each assignement before and after the lecture. The lectures will highlight the main points of the subjects, not necessarily cover all the topics in the readings. You are responsible for reading and understanding all the topics presented in the readings.

ENROLLMENT AND CRASHING. If the class is full and you wish to be considered for an add code, please get on the waitlist as soon as possible. Add codes will distributed at the end of the second week, according to availability, within the maximum enrollment limit. If you are on the waitlist please make sure to attend sections and lectures during the first and second week, otherwise you will be dropped from the waitlist. If the waitlist is full, then the class is full and there is no point in crashing the class.  

Useful Astro Surf Sites:

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