APPROXIMATE SCHEDULE OF TOPICS AND READINGS:
Section I: The Day and Night Sky
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ch. 1 - 6
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Aug. 30 - Sep. 18
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Section II: Our Solar System Section
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ch. 7 - 15
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Sep. 20 - Oct. 11
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Section III: The Sun and Stars
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ch. 16 - 22
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Oct. 16 - Nov. 6
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Section IV: Galaxies and Cosmology
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ch. 23 - 27
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Nov. 8 - Nov. 27
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Extrasolar Planets & Exobiology
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ch. 8.7 & 28
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Nov. 29 - Dec. 4*
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(*If time permits)
A more detailed and updated version of the above list is 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 spread out over the semester. They may be given in a different
location than our usual classroom. The format will be announced later, but will include at least some multiple-choice questions, and
possibly a few problems. Calculators may be brought to exams; we will provide 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 at the official exam time.
In this case, your grade on the final exam will replace the missed exam, or can replace a lower score on any earlier exam. You do not need to
provide a documented excuse in order to take advantage of this option. (However, missing two hour exams is another matter entirely;
such cases will be considered on an individual basis, and will require very complete documentation in order to receive any further
adjustments.)
Exam Dates: Thurs., Sep. 27; Tues., Oct. 30; Thurs., Dec. 6
Comprehensive Final: Sat., Dec. 15, 2 - 5 PM (Note: Cannot be taken early!!)
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Graded Homeworks: 15%. There will be approximately 8 graded homeworks throughout the semester. We will drop the
two lowest homework scores from the overall HW grade. Generally you will have a week to complete them, and none will 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.
