Professor
John Lacy
Office: RLM 16.332
Hours: TTh 11-12 & after class
Phone: (512) 471-1469
email
Course Website
TA
Amanda Heiderman
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Text:
Seeds, Horizons, 10th edition (earlier editions should be OK too)
Prerequisites:
No prior college science or math courses are required. We will use high-school algebra in class and on homework.
Contents:
The emphasis in this course will be on explanations for the phenomena and objects that occur in the
Universe and how astronomers learn about them. This is a course for non-science majors, and no
knowledge of physics is assumed, but we will discuss physical laws and how astronomers use them to
explain their observations.
In-class interactive learning activities will be an important part of this course. Consequently, attendance
and participation is required. You are also required to finish each week's reading assignment before class
on Monday, so that you are prepared to participate in discussions. A weekly reading quiz and credit for
assignments done during class will help encourage you to do the reading and participate in class.
Homework:
A homework assignment will be handed out most Fridays, due the next Friday at the beginning of class.
Some assignments will involve observations of the sky. You are encouraged to work together on homework,
but you must write out your own answers and describe your own observations in your own words. Duplicate
homeworks will not receive credit. Late homeworks will receive half credit until homeworks are returned.
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