Astronomy 101

Spring Quarter 2002

Course Syllabus

 

Instructor:            Dr. Echols, rechols@calpoly.edu, 756-2656, www.calpoly.edu/~rechols

 

Office Hours:            M 12:00-1:00 p.m., T 2:00-3:00 p.m., W 12:00-1:00 p.m., R 2:00-3:00 p.m. in

                          my office, 25-221 and F 11:00-12:00 p.m. in the Learning Center 52-C20

 

Schedule:             MWR 4:10-5:00 p.m. in 53-215 and most Tuesday's 4:10-5:00 p.m. in 38-123

                       

Textbook:             Kaufmann & Freedman, Universe, 6th edition 

 

Reading:

We will be covering material from chapters 1 through 17 and chapter 30 in the text. The textbook covers more material than I expect you to know.  My lectures and selected homework questions will help you focus your reading on the material that I feel is more important.

 

Homework:

I will assign questions from the text at most lectures.  The homework will not be collected and graded.  I encourage you to discuss the homework exercises with each other and/or me, but be certain that you have a good understanding on your own so that you will be able to ace the quizzes and exams.

 

Quizzes and Exams:

We will have one midterm exam and a comprehensive final exam. In addition we will have two announced quizzes during the first part of the course. 

 

Observatory:

I will require that you attend one of the Cal Poly observatory sessions.  The observatory is located between the D and E wings of the Science building.  The observatory hours will be announced when I learn what they will be (Be sure to dress for cool weather). To fulfill your observing requirement, I am asking you to write a brief summary of the objects you were able to view and tell me which object you liked the best and why.

 

Astronomy Journal:

Follow the directions on the astronomy journal handout.

 

Lab Exercise:

I will meet with half the class on most Tuesdays to assist you with a hands-on astronomy activity illustrating concepts we have been discussing in class.

 

Paper:

You will write a paper describing what we know about one of the planets in our solar system. In your description, you will emphasize how we have discovered information about a planet as opposed to merely stating facts.

 

Grading:

Your final grade will be based on your overall performance in the class with the following approximate percentages:  quizzes and observatory (15%), astronomy journal and lab exercises (25%), paper (10%), midterm (20%), and final exam (30%).