Astronomy 1102 - Stellar Astronomy

Syllabus

Spring 2002

Instructor: Prof. Juhan Frank


CLASSES: MWF 12:40pm-1:30pm, in E130 Howe-Russell

OFFICE HOURS: MWF 1:30pm-2:30pm, following class, in Nicholson 212-B


General Education Goals:

Astronomy 1102 is a General Education Course whose goals are the following:

  • an appreciation of the methods of critical enquiry, with particular emphasis on the scientific method
  • a comprehension of how knowledge is acquired and applied
  • an understanding of the Universe we live in
    Text: Universe, 6th edition (or 5th edition), by Roger Freedman and William Kaufmann III,

    W. H. Freeman and Company, New York, CA (2001).


    Prerequisite: Astronomy 1101.
    Textbook Assignment: This course is the second of a two semester sequence: Astronomy 1101/1102. The second semester covers some basic astronomy and physics, some observational tools and techniques used by astronomers, a description of stars, their orgin and evolution, galaxies, and the universe at large scales. We shall begin by reviewing basic concepts already covered in Astronomy 1101, starting with the properties of radiation Chapter 5, and then jump to Chapter 18 (Our Star, the Sun) and subsequent chapters 19-30. I will cover in class all the material I consider important and refer to the text as required. You are responsible for taking notes and reading the corresponding material in the text. While it is not mandatory to attend classes, you are strongly encouraged to attend and take notes, comparing later your class notes with the text, and writing out a synthesis. If you miss class, you must contact the instructor or other students to find out about assignments and what was covered in class.
    Homework Assignment and Quizzes: Homework will be assigned regularly and will consist of `Online Assessments' on Semester Book. These will consist typically of 10 multiple choice questions graded immediately after you submit your answers.
    Tutoring: You are encouraged to use the office hours for any help you may need on the course material, problem solving, or any other course-related matters. Additional help by TAs may be available at certain times and locations to be announced later. My office is located on the second floor of Nicholson (the old wing) at the end of a narrow hallway marked `212' above the doorway. Please use Semester Book to view course announcements and e-mails.
    Exams: There will be three 50 min tests on material covered since the previous test. These will be a mix of short questions on concepts and problems largely based on online assignments. These tests are set and graded by me. The maximum score on these tests is 100 points. If for some emergency or other serious problem you miss a test, a makeup test may be arranged in exceptional cases. Note, however, that the makeup test will contain additionally all new material covered since the regular test. If you know in advance of a valid conflict with a test date, please let me know well in advance to make arrangements.
    Final Exam: There will be a 2-hour comprehensive test on material covered in the entire semester, also set and graded by me. The maximum score on the final test is 200 points.
    Midterm Grade: A midterm grade will be asigned as a means to quantify your progress. The midterm score will be converted to a 100 point scale by averaging the results of the online assignments and of the first two tests, where each partial score is worth a maximum of 100 points. The midterm scores will then be analyzed statistically and curving will be introduced if necessary in order to assign grades. The lowest online assignment score will be dropped.
    Final Grade: The final score will be converted to a 100 point scale by averaging the results of all tests according to the formula:

    (T1+T2+T3+ OA+FE)/6,

    where the partial tests and the combined OAs (lowest 2 dropped) are worth a maximum of 100 points each and the final exam is worth up to 200 points. The final scores will then be analyzed statistically and curving will be introduced if necessary in order to assign final grades.


    Grade Scale: A: 89-100, B: 76-87, C: 61-75, D: 50-60, F: 0-49

    Final adjustments to the grading scale may be made at the end of the semester.


    Special Services: Students with special needs and accommodations are requested to contact the Office of Disability Services (225 578 5919 or e-mail www.disability@lsu.edu) for Accomodation Letters and information about testing procedures.


    CALENDAR

    ~ Spring 2002 ~ Spring 2002 ~ Spring 2002 ~

    Classes begin Wed. Jan. 23

    Last drop w/o W Tue. Jan. 29

    Mardi Gras Holiday Mon. & Tue. Feb. 11-12

    FIRST TEST Fri. Feb. 15, at 12:40-1:30PM, in E130 Howe-Russell

    SECOND TEST Fri. Mar. 15, at 12:40-1:30PM, in E130 Howe-Russell

    Midsemester Grades due on Tue. Mar. 19

    Easter Holiday Fri. Mar. 29

    Spring Break Apr. 1-7

    Last drop with W Mon. Apr. 15

    Fri. Apr. 19, at 12:40-1:30PM, in E130 Howe-Russell

    Last Class Fri. May 10

    FINAL EXAM Thu. May 16, at 12:30-2:30PM, in E130 Howe-Russell

    Final Grades due on Tue. May 21

    ~ Spring 2002 ~ Spring 2002 ~ Spring 2002 ~

    Billions and Billions of Galaxies...


    LAST UPDATED: January 22, 2002