APPROXIMATE SCHEDULE OF TOPICS AND READINGS:
Section I: Observing the Sky
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ch. 1 - 6
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Aug. 29 - Sep. 23
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Section II: Our Solar System
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ch. 7 - 15 (excerpts)
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Sep. 25 - Oct. 14
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Section III: The Sun and Stars
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ch. 16 - 22; 28
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Oct. 16 - Nov. 11
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Section IV: Galaxies and Cosmology
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ch. 23 - 27
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Nov. 13 - Dec. 2
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A more detailed and frequently updated schedule will be posted on the class website.
COURSEWORK AND GRADING BASIS: Course grades will be based on individual performance, rather than graded
on a curve (no "grade quotas"). You will be able to access your grades via eGradebook. Semester grades will be computed as follows:
Hour Exams: 75%. There will be 3 in-class hour exams during the semester. The format will be announced
later, but is likely to include fill-ins, short essays, and a few problems. Calculators should be brought to exams; we will
provide the paper.
*** Important: I do not give make-ups for missed hour exams. If you must miss an exam for any reason,
even a justified one, or are not satisfied with your grade on an exam, you must take the comprehensive final exam,
which serves as an all-purpose make-up. Alternatively, the final exam grade, which will cover material over the whole
semester, can replace a lower score on any earlier exam. You do not need to provide a documented excuse in
order to take advantage of the latter option. (However, missing two hour exams is a serious matter; such cases
will be considered on an individual basis and require very complete documentation to receive any further adjustments.)
Exam Dates (subject to change): Thurs., Oct. 2; Thurs., Nov. 6; Thurs., Dec. 4
Optional Final: Thurs., Dec. 11, 9 AM - noon (Note: Cannot be taken early!!)
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Graded Homeworks: 15%. There will be roughly 7 or 8 graded problem sets during the semester.
We will drop one (or possibly two) lowest homework scores from the total HW grade. Generally you will have a week to complete them;
HW will not be due on exam days. While you may discuss the homework in a general way with classmates, and are encouraged
to seek help from the T.A. or instructor if you need it, the work that you turn in must be your own. See below for more
on academic integrity.