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AST 307 · Introductory Astronomy    1   2   3   4  


APPROXIMATE SCHEDULE OF TOPICS AND READINGS:

Section I: Observing the Sky
ch. 1 - 6
Aug. 29 - Sep. 23
Section II: Our Solar System
ch. 7 - 15 (excerpts)
Sep. 25 - Oct. 14
Section III: The Sun and Stars
ch. 16 - 22; 28
Oct. 16 - Nov. 11
Section IV: Galaxies and Cosmology
ch. 23 - 27
Nov. 13 - Dec. 2

A more detailed and frequently updated schedule will be posted on the class website.

crab nebula

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!!)

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.



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25 August 2008
Astronomy Program · The University of Texas at Austin · Austin, Texas 78712
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