Astronomy 1001 (1005) Exploring the Universe Sec. 4, Fall Semester 2009

Professor Lawrence Rudnick  (Doc R.), 383 Physics, 624-3396 http://www.astro.umn.edu/~larry

larry@astro.umn.edu, Office Hours: 1-2pm MW, or by appointment, or just drop by!

Section 4: Lecture - 7:15-8:30pm, MW, in Physics 166

TA Office Hours - in Physics 451 - Hours are posted on the Astr 1001 course website and the door outside the Lab rooms, Phys 450 (4th floor South side) and Phys B49 (basement)

Please read the entire syllabus carefully; you are responsible for all of the requirements and procedures described here. You are also responsible for all announcements, assignments, changes, etc., whether or not you are in class.

Exams

Mid-Term 1: Monday, October  12.  Smith Hall (Chemistry), Room 100.

Study guide:  See  R: questions  for each chapter, as listed on  class page.

     Includes materials from Chapters 1-7 and lab-related questions for 1001 students.  Approx. 2/3 multiple choice, 1/3 short answer (1 word to 3 sentences, possibly diagrams [e.g., spectra, eclipses, epicycles].

     1 page (both sides) of notes allowed.

Mid-Term 2: Monday, November 16 

Final: Monday, December 21, 6:30-8:30 pm  

Observational Project

Part I: At least 3 observations entered ONLINE and paper photo-copies of Observing Form placed in your TA's box (outside Phys Rm. 256) by Friday, September 25, 2008 at 5 PM

Part II: At least 9 total observations entered ONLINE and paper photo-copies of Observing Form placed in your TA's box (outside Phys Rm. 256) by Friday, October 30, 2008 at 5 PM

Final Report: Final observations (a total of 15 observations) entered online and paper photo-copies, and the Final Report due in your TA's box (outside Phys Rm. 256) by by Wednesday, November 25 at 5PM.

Required Texts

Text: The Essential Cosmic Perspective, Bennett, Donahue, Schneider and Voit  (includes on-line access).

Lab Manual (required): Astronomy 1001/1001H Laboratory Manual 2008 - 2009  (available in the Bookstore)

Course Policies and Procedures

Student Mental Health Services As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student’s ability to participate in daily activities. University of Minnesota services are available to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus via the Student Mental Health Website at http://www.mentalhealth.umn.edu

Academic Standards - The CLA and IT scholastic conduct and classroom procedures will be followed. You are responsible for being familiar with these. Students are welcome to work together, exchange ideas, etc. However, EACH STUDENT MUST MAKE HIS/HER OWN MEASUREMENTS AND OWN CALCULATIONS. Copying of someone else's measurements or calculations is equivalent to cheating and will be handled accordingly.

Examinations Room assignments for the exams will be announced in class and posted on the course website. Bring two pencils and a photo-ID to all exams!. Exams will consist of 1/3 multiple choice, 1/3 short answer, and 1/3 long answer questions. If you cannot make it to an exam, see the professor well in advance. If you miss an exam, see the professor immediately about scheduling a makeup exam. Makeup exams can be scheduled for anytime, but ALL MAKEUP EXAMS ARE ESSAY. Your midterm exams will be returned to you in your lab. If you feel there is a mistake on the multiple choice portion of your exam, please see the secretary in Physics 356.

You are allowed to bring in one 8 1/2 x 11” page of notes covered on one (both) sides to the midterms (final). You will not need a calculator for the exams, so calculators are prohibited.

Note: Students have told us that using the on-line quizzes provided with your textbook has proven to be a very effective way to prepare for the exams. You can access these online quizzes by logging in to Masteringastronomy.com and using the access code in the cardboard insert provided with your text. Note that we will not be using this website for assignments or grades, only access to the study tools. Thus, you do not need any special course specific passwords.

Observational Project Information START MAKING OBSERVATIONS RIGHT AWAY! and don't miss a clear night/day! Every term there are a few students who put this off. DO NOT BE ONE!! You will need your three preliminary observations by the end of the third week. Always save the original copy of your observation log, and turn in a photocopy.

GRADING

For AST 1005, there are no labs or Observational project.  All other percentages will be scaled up for 1005 students to equal 100%.

Grading will be assigned approximately as follows based on past experience: A: 900 - 1000; B: 800 - 899; C: 700 - 799; D: 600 - 699; F: 0 - 599 (You must receive a 'C-' or better to receive a grade of 'S'.)

Keep copies of all materials upon which you are graded (laboratory reports, observational project assignments, and examinations) until the end of the semester.  After the first two or three weeks of the semester, grade summaries will be posted weekly at http://www.astro.umn.edu/courses/1001/.  Students are expected to review their grade summaries for accuracy periodically during the semester and after the final examination.   Discrepancies should be reported to Terry Thibeault in the Office of the Department of Astronomy (Room 356 Physics; Phone: 612-624-4811; FAX: 612-626-2029; e-mail: tt@astro.umn.edu). 

NOTE!  In order to receive a passing grade in the class you must get at least 50% of the total available lab points (120/240) AND at least 50% of the total available Observational Moon Project points (70/140). In addition, you must take all three exams.