PHYS133: Introduction to Astronomy

All Sections

Fall 2009

 

Instructor: John Gizis

Phone: 302-831-2668   E-mail: gizis@udel.edu  G-Mail Chat: jgizis

Scheduled Office Hours: MWF 9:30-10:30AM, MWF 1:00-1:30PM, or by appointment

Office Location: 236 Sharp Lab

Website: http://www.physics.udel.edu/~gizis/PHYS133.htm

Text:  The Essential Cosmic Perspective, 5th Edition, Bennett et al.

Lectures: MWF 11:15AM-12:05AM GOR217

Labs: 6:00-8:00PM SHL 024, Section 021 – Tu, Section 022 – We, Section 023 Th

 

Description of Class

 

This class provides an overview of astronomy, from the solar system to the structure of the universe.  This is a lab class that has an emphasis on the role of data in science.  Each semester is different, and it can be hard to predict the exact schedule.  If necessary, I will adjust the topics and schedule:

 

1.  Our Place in the Universe

2.  Telescopes and Light

3.  The Solar System

4.  Stars

5.  Our Galaxy and Cosmology

 

Warning

 

Some high school math required. Only one class of PHYS144 and PHYS133 can count toward graduation.

 

Exam Schedule

 

There will be two exams during the semester.  The first will be on October 12 and the second on November 16.  The final will be scheduled during finals week.

 

Labs

 

Experiments play an essential role in science.  You are required to sign up for one of the PHYS133 lab sections.  You are allowed to miss one lab, or if you do them all, your lowest grade will be dropped.  Please save this for emergencies rather than attending a party.  There will not be an opportunity to make up labs. 

 

Some of the labs are computer-based and simulate the process of collecting and analyzing astronomical data.  Others will make use of our optical telescopes.  Since the latter labs depend on the weather, we cannot give a definitive schedule of labs.  It is likely that some section will be able to observe outdoors, say on a Tuesday, when another section, say on a Wednesday, will have to stay indoors.

 

There will be no labs the week of Thanksgiving.

 

 

  

 

Homework Assignments

 

Most of the assignments will be on the Mastering Astronomy system.  Please go to masteringastronomy.com and register for the class GIZIS2009F.  Use your University of Delaware ID (not your social security number) as your ID number.  These assignments make use of interactive feedback and are designed to use the Socratic Method.  The computer will assign your score according to the algorithm documented on the website.  You will get a small bonus (extra credit) if you do not use the hints, but it is much better to use the hints than to guess wildly.  You will get multiple chances to answer each question, but you lose credit for each wrong answer. 

 

Requirements

 

You are expected to attend lecture and participate.

You are expected to spend a full two hours in laboratory each week.

You are required to do any preparatory reading.

You are required to bring your ÔclickerÕ to class.

The honors section is required to attend a special discussion section. 

 

Grading

 

Mid-Semester Exam#1             20%

Mid-Semester Exam#2             20%

Final Exam                              20%

Laboratory                               20%

Mastering Astronomy              15%

In-class work                              5%

 

Letter Grades

A:    93.500 – 100.00

A-:  89.500 – 93.499

B+:  87.500 – 89.499

B :   83.500 – 87.499

B-:  79.500 – 83.499

C+:  77.500 – 79.499

C :   73.500 – 77.499

C-:  69.500 – 73.499

D+:  67.500 – 69.499

D :   63.500 – 67.499

D-:   59.500 – 63.499

F:   Below 59.500

 

Please note that I have already included the Ôrounding upÕ in this table, so if you get a 79.500 it rounds up to 80 and you will get a B-, but if you get a 79.499 you will get a C+.  There has to be a cutoff between grades somewhere.  

 

In addition, for each lab you miss you will lose a full letter grade, as well as getting a zero for it. 

 

In-Class Participation

 

We will be using Interwriteª PRS RF clickers to answer questions during the classes.  This will be used to take attendance, for graded quizzes, and, most importantly, will allow me to assess your general understanding during the lecture.  You are not allowed to use a classmateÕs clicker to answer for him or her.  You need to register your clicker using your UD ID.  This ID is NOT your Social Security Number.  The university has a website (http://www.udel.edu/topics/clickers/) which you can consult for instructions. 

 

 

Cheating Policy

 

You are, as in all classes, bound by the universityÕs policy on cheating, plagiarism and academic misconduct, as well as all other university policies.  It is also worth remembering you are subject to federal, state and local laws.  A few years ago a student in a physics class ended up being arrested for computer hacking. 

 

http://www.udel.edu/stuguide/06-07/code.html#honesty

 

 

TA Office Hours

 

Physics TAÔs are available every weekday from noon to 5pm in Sharp Lab 101A.  Although they should be able to help you with any questions you might have, I recommend that you seek James Dalessio, the TA for this class.