Physics 110 Astronomy
Fall 2005 Course Information
Instructor: Dr. Jeff Lewis
Office: Science 287
Office Hours: MW 10-11, W 1:30-2, TTh 3-3:30
Phone: 654 - 3158
E-Mail: jlewis@csub.edu
Lab Instructor: Dr. Vladmir Gasparyan
Office: Science 286
Office Hours: T. B. A.
Phone: 654-6004
E-Mail: vgasparyan@csub.edu
Class Times:
| Lecture | MW 11:00-12:25 | Sci 343 |
| Lab (all students) | F 11:00-12:25 | Sci 343 |
| Lab Sec 2 | Tu 10:30-12:55 | WSL 3 |
| Lab Sec 3 | Th 10:30-12:55 | WSL 3 |
| Midterm Exams | 3 x 120 = 360 | |
| Final Exam | 200 | |
| Lab Attendance* | 200 | |
| Take-Home Labs | 4 x 60 = 240 | |
| 1000 points total** |
*You may miss one lab without attendance
penalty.
**A lowest score will be replaced by the class average if lower than the
class average. This could be an exam score, your total lab attendance score,
or a take-home assignments.
Letter Grades:
Letter grades will be determined from the following scale, unexpected events
could cause the scale to be changed during the quarter.
A 900-1000 points (A or A-)
B 800-900 points
C 650-800 points
D 550-650 points
F <550 points
Exams:
Dates are 10/7, 10/24, and 11/14.
Closed book, closed note.
Calculators are allowed but only for purposes of doing mathematical calculations.
Exam content:
22 multiple-choice questions (1 or 2 requiring math), 5 points each
1 homework problem (slightly modified), 10 points
If you are forced to miss an exam, say by illness, you must contact the
instructor in advance to make other arrangements, otherwise no make-up exam
will be given.
How to study for exams:
1. Expect to spend a lot of time studying, don't wait to the last minute.
2. Read the book.
3. Review your lecture notes or read the on-line lecture notes.
4. Additional lecture-type notes are also on-line and may be a good way
to revie, follow the "Additional Notes & Comments" link. These
notes also include homework solutions.
5. Don't be content "kinda" understanding.
6. Learn the terminology, use the Key Terms section at the end of each chapter
and the glossary at the back of the textbook.
7. Test yourself with the "Questions for Review" and "Test
Yourself" questions at the end of each chapter (the "Test Yourself"
answers are on page 539).
8. Learn how to do all the homework problems.
9. Try the on-line practice tests (including that at the textbook web site).
10. Make an effort to learn what you're not understanding; re-read the text,
ask the instructor, read a different text, look on-line, or ask other students.
11. Use the summaries, essays, etc. provided on the text CD-ROM.
Homework:
Two sets of homework problems, one for each exam.
Homework will not be turned in or graded.
At least one problem from each homework set will appear in the exams with
slight modification.
Typically the homework problem will have one number altered hence you must
understand how the problems are solved, not just know the answers.
Solutions to the homework problems will be discussed prior to each exam
but you are urged to work the problems in advance.
HW Set #1
Prev Problems 2, 6, 7, 9
Ch. 1 Problems 1, 3, 5, 9
HW Set #2
Prev Problem 10
Ch. 2 Problem 3
Ch. 3 Problems 1, 4
Ch. 7 Problems 1, 2
HW Set #3
Ch. 11 Problem 4
Ch. 12 Problems 1, 5, 8, 10
Ch. 13 Problem 3
Ch. 14 Problem 3
Ch. 16, 17 - No HW problems assigned (final exam has no math).
Final Exam:
Comprehensive, closed book, closed note.
40 multiple-choice questions, no math.
Date is Monday, November 28, 11 AM.
[Students may instead take the exam Tuesday, November 22, 10:30 AM.]
Lab Attendance:
There are 20 lab meetings, full credit (10 points) is awarded if you
show up on time and do all the required work.
Your work is not graded, but you will generally have to show your work to
the instructor before receiving full credit.
You are allowed to miss one lab without having your attendance grade penalized,
you are still responsible for turning in any assignments from that lab (such
as a take-home lab due the next week).
Observatory Field Trip:
Date: TBA
Attendance is optional.
The observatory is on-campus but difficult to find, directions will be given
in class.
Bad weather (clouds!) may cause cancellation and rescheduling.
Course Goals:
This course is designed to give a broad overview of all aspects of astronomy.
The major subjects to be covered are those listed on the schedule.
You will also be introduced to the methods of science.
In addition, the course is designed to promote critical reasoning and mathematical
skills.