Astro 122: ASTRONOMY OF STARS&GALAXIES (winter 2016)
Information on this page can be not final, the final syllabus will be sent to the class and posted on eclass on Jan 4th, 2016.
- This course will provide an overview of the current understanding of stars, galaxies and cosmology. The emphasis will be on understanding the physical processes underlying astronomical phenomena. This course makes substantial use of quantitative reasoning.
- Main Text Book: "The Cosmic Perspective: Stars, Galaxies and Comology" (7th Edition) or "The Cosmic Perspective" (7th Edition) by Jeffrey O. Bennett, Megan O. Donahue, Nicholas Schneider and Mark Voit. Paperback or electronic.
- Recommended: get the book as a bundle with access to MasteringAstronomy. A possible package: The Cosmic Perspective plus mastering astronomy (7th edition) or look on the same person's site for other combinations of book and access
Please note that it is NOT "The Essential Cosmic Perspective".
- Homework : 25%
- 3 Midterm Tests : 25% each. Dates: Feb 8, Mar 8 and Apr 1 (preliminary)
- Final exam: 50%. Preliminary date Apr 28 (to be updated)
Final exam will be cumulative. See eClass for details on grading.
Grading will be on the curve.
- Lectures: CCIS L2-200; MWF 3-3:50pm
- Office hours: CCIS 2-107; on Wednesday noon-1:50pm. Also by appointment and after most of the classes.
- Tutorials: Mon 1:00-2:50pm. Fri 4:00-5:50pm. CCIS L1-029. Tutorials start on Jan 12.
- Email: you are welcome to ask questions 24/7. Use proper email etiquette (see syllabus).
- Astronomy studies our beatiful Universe, however, it is not just about looking on pretty pictures. Astronomy uses intensively physics and math, and, to a some degree, also uses biology and chemistry.
- This course has pre-requisites: PHYS 30 and MATH 30 (or similar). Take these requirements VERY seriosuly. This course will make use of the pre-requisites and it is not advisable to take the course if you do not have pre-requisites.
- Please note the course code number - this is not an ASTRO 101 course, but ASTRO 122 course. This course provides a science credit to science and engineering students. This is not an "easy science" course developed specifically for Art students. The course will require problem solving skills adequate for a science student. Consider that seriously before you enroll in the course.
- Nonetheless, an Art student still can very sucefully complete the course if from the beginning will give serious consideration for requirements and will follow the course structure with full attention.