Professor
Derek Wills
Office: RLM 17.204
Phone: (512) 471-1392
007@astro.as.utexas.edu
TA
Juntao (Michael) Yuan
Office: RLM 17.304
Hours: MW 2-3
Phone: (512) 471-1495
juntao@astro.as.utexas.edu
Blackboard
(Requires UT EID)
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Textbook
Astronomy: A Beginner's Guide to the Universe, by Chaisson and McMillan (3rd edition).
Grades
There will be four in-class tests and an optional comprehensive final, all of equal length - the best four
of these five each count 1/4 of your course grade. This grading system will not be changed - there are
no term papers or extra credit work. The in-class test dates are Feb 10, Mar 7, Apr 7 and May 2. The
final exam is on (the date and time are set by UT):
[section 45910 MWF 1-2] May 8 from 2-5 pm
[section 45920 MWF 3-4] May 7 from 7-10 pm
You don't need to take the
final exam if you are happy with your grades on the four in-class tests; treat it just like a fifth test
except that it's comprehensive, and UT rules give you 3 hours in which to do it. If you had to miss
an earlier test because of forgetfulness or illness, the final is obviously worth taking - you can never
lower your grade by taking it, since you don't count it if you did better on the other four tests.
The final (and ONLY the final) is an open-notes exam, when you can bring your written notes from
the lectures (no commercial notes, textbooks, old tests, review questions etc).
Exams
These are based on material in the lectures, so study your notes when preparing for tests, rather than
trying to memorize material from the book. Make-up tests will not normally be given since you can miss one
test and still count the other three for your course grade. I will hold a help session the day before each test;
attendance is voluntary but strongly recommended. Please be warned that I do not tolerate cheating on
tests - the minimum penalty for this is an F in the course. Please bring photo IDs to the tests.
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