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COURSE SYLLABUS

PHYS 110 -  INTRODUCTION TO ASTRONOMY (3 CR.)

Spring 2002

Instructor: Dr. Edward Kluk

            I Office Hours:

            If you have difficulties with assigned exercises or any other material related to our course please come to my office. Please do not wait until your difficulties cumulate to such extend that you have trouble with the course. You are also welcomed to come and discuss any problem in Astronomy, Physics or Mathematics of your interest or ask about your grade if you have any doubts.

  Office: 203 Murphy Hall

  Office Phone: 483-2180                               

  Office hours:

            MTWF 9:00 - 9:50 A.M.,1:00 - 1:50 P.M. and  R 10:00 - 10:50 A.M., 11.00 - 11.50 A.M.

            II Course Description:

            This course reviews a basic information about structure and dynamics of the Solar System, stars, galaxies and the Universe. Fundamental principles of physics involved in collection and interpretation of astronomical data are also reviewed. Co-requisite: PHYS 110L - Introduction to Astronomy Lab.

            III Student Learning Outcomes:

            Institutional Student Learning Outcomes

            1. To develop higher order and critical thinking skills - by analyzing simple mathematical models of our planetary system and their consequences as well as gaining some appreciation of the structure of our Universe

            4. To develop liberal arts and academic values and knowledge - by appreciating history of astronomy and influence of astronomical discoveries on human civilization.

            6. To develop the personal ability of each student to maximize his or her potential for productive careers in a life-long learning model - by teaching them how to study beyond a simple memorization.

            Course Student Learning Outcomes

            1. In this course students should learn about role of astronomy in development of human civilization and its relations with other sciences. They also should understand the structure and history of the solar system. Star life cycles, structures of galaxies and theories of the Universe should be much appreciated but for obvious reasons not really understood by the students. 

            2. Knowledge of astronomy fundamentals generally creates better base for understanding other physical sciences. It is especially important for Bachelor of Science in Education in Composite Science and Bachelor of Science in Education in Biology because many graduates with these degrees may end up teaching astronomy in high schools.

            IV Course Content Outline:

DATES

CHAPTERS

THEME

1/11 - 1/23

1,2,3,6

Introduction and Early Astronomy

1/25 - 2/04

4

Fundamentals of Modern Astronomy and Astrophysics

2/06

 

TEST #1

2/08 - 3/04

7 to 19

The Solar System

3/06 - 3/18

21,22

The Sun

3/20

 

TEST #2

3/22 - 4/08

23 to 30

The Stars

4/10 - 4/12

31,32

The Milky Way Galaxy

4/17

 

TEST #3

4/19 - 5/04

33 to 37

Galaxies and Cosmology

 

             

   V Teaching Strategies:

            This course is designed as lectures combined with laboratory experiments, computer supported calculations and simulations, classroom experiments, assigned reading and problems (exercises) from the textbook.

 

            VI Assessment of Student’s Performance:

            Tests Description

            1. Three 50 minutes tests with 15 points each will be administered. Exact dates for these tests are given in the Course Outline. They are open book tests with questions and problems usually not explicitly answered in your textbook. To solve many of these problems you will need your calculator

            2. A comprehensive Final Exam worth 15 points will be given on the assigned date and time for this class. Its format will be identical with the format of tests.

            No "make-up" final exams will be given. No final exams earlier then the scheduled date and time will be given unless extra-ordinary circumstances warranting such exception occur.

            3. Lab reports from seven experiments will be graded up to five points per one report. Late reports will be accepted not later than two weeks after due date and will be graded not more than four points per report. Good lab attendance will be awarded totally up to five points.

            4. Your final grade depends on a percentage of points you will earn out of maximum 100 formal points for tests and Final Exam. It will be assigned according to the following criteria:

                         percentage $ 90% = A

                   90% > percentage $ 80% = B

                   80% > percentage $ 70% = C

                   70% > percentage $ 60% = D

                   60% > percentage       = F

If any of these ranges contain less then three students then, when possible, appropriate number of best students from the lower range will be moved there.

            Grading Criteria Explanation

            The final grades should be treated as a statistical evidence of:

            A - Ability to identify all important elements of questions or problems and show understanding the relationship between them. In the case of problems selection of an appropriate and systematic methods for solving the problem as well as clear evidence of complete solution process.

            B - Ability to identify most important elements of questions or problems and show general understanding the relationship between them. In the case of problems present nearly complete solution process.

            C - Ability to identify some of the important elements of questions or problems and show general understanding the relationship between them. In the case of problems present some elements of the solution process.

            D - Inability to identify any of the important elements of questions or problems. Putting too much emphasis on unimportant elements and attempt to use irrelevant outside information. In the case of problems present minimal evidence of the solution process.

            F - Inability to identify any of the elements of questions or problems. Attempt to use irrelevant outside information. In the case of problem do not present a correct initial phase of the solution process.

            Grade Posting:

            All your grades will be posted on the Physics Board (next to room #220, Murphy Hall). You will need your code # to read them. This code can be obtained by running the Encoder applet. This applet is  accessible from DSU Home Page. Select there Academics, Colleges and Departments, College of Arts and Sciences, Natural Sciences Department and Intro to Astronomy. In the menu there you will find Encoder.

            VII Additional Information:

            Required Textbook and Other Materials:

            Astronomy: From the Earth to the Universe - by J.M.Pasachoff, Sauders College Publishing, fifth edition, 1998

            Calculator - you have to have your own calculator in classroom and laboratory.

            A few 1.44 MB disks or single 100 MB zip disk - if you want to install lab software including all images on your own PC the zip disk is a necessity.

 

  
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