Contents and Approach
The emphasis in this course will be seeking an explanation for the phenomena and objects that occur
in the Universe. We will discuss physical laws and how astronomers use them to understand their
observations. Much of the time during class will be spent discussing explanations and concepts
rather than descriptions of astronomical objects. You will have to learn some of the descriptive
material from the reading assignments. This will be a small class where you will get personal
attention and be able to interact directly with the prof. To succeed in this class you will have
to keep up with the reading and come to class and be willing to participate in discussions and
activities.
Homework
A homework assignment will be handed out most Wednesdays beginning 9/12 and be due the next
Wednesday. Some assignments may involve observations of the sky. You must hand in homework to the
prof in class. If you are unable to deliver your homework in person, you are responsible for seeing that
it gets delivered. Late homework or homework not handed directly to the prof. will be worth 50% of its
grade up to one week past due.
Students are encouraged to work and learn together. The homework you hand in, however, must be
your own. Copied or paraphrased homework will receive no credit and may result in academic penalties.
Tests
There will be three 50 minute exams (September 28, October 26, and November 28). There will also be
a short quiz almost every week about the reading and about what we have done in class.
Most questions will require short written (grammatically correct) answers. We will take points off for
poorly written or illegible answers. Cheating will absolutely not be tolerated. We prosecute!
If you are unable to attend a quiz or exam due to illness, you must notify me IN ADVANCE. You can
do this by e-mail or by phone (leave a message). If you fail to do this, you cannot be excused unless you
were demonstrably unconscious at the time of the exam.
Class Participation/Attendance
Active participation in class discussions and activities is required. This means do the reading ahead of
time and come to class and get involved. You are not expected to know the "right" answer to every question.
Attendance in class is a requirement for this course.
