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Syllabus Office Hours MWF 3-4, or by arrangement; do not hesitate to talk to me if you have questions. My job is to help. Grades There will be four hour-long examinations each counting 20 percent of the grade and a comprehensive final counting another 20 percent. The exams are tentatively scheduled for 9/22, 10/20, 11/17, and 12/1. The exams will be multiple choice. Extra Credit Sky watch project to identify objects or constellations containing objects like supernovae and black holes that are relevant to the course (5 points). Course Description This is a specialized course for non-science majors that will presume some knowledge of the basic astronomical concepts presented in Astronomy 301. There will be a minimum of mathematics, but a familiarity with basic algebra and scientific notation ("powers of ten") will be helpful. Course Content Discussion of supernovae, neutron stars and black holes with applications to gamma-ray bursts, worm holes, determining the origin, state, and fate of the Universe, and hints of extra dimensions. Text The book was written by the instructor based on many years of teaching this class. It is titled Cosmic Catastrophes: Supernovae, Gamma-Ray Bursts, and Adventures in Hyperspace and published by Cambridge University Press. Text for Second Edition available on-line at class web site. Help Sessions Weekly help sessions will be scheduled Thursday in RLM 15.216B at 5:00-6:00 to discuss class material and exams. These sessions and office hours allow a more nearly one-on-one relationship and are a valuable addition to the lecture. Another room may be scheduled before exams. |
30 August 2006
Astronomy Program · The University of Texas at Austin · Austin, Texas 78712
prospective student inquiries: studentinfo@astro.as.utexas.edu
site comments: www@www.as.utexas.edu
Astronomy Program · The University of Texas at Austin · Austin, Texas 78712
prospective student inquiries: studentinfo@astro.as.utexas.edu
site comments: www@www.as.utexas.edu