INTRODUCTION TO DESCRIPTIVE ASTRONOMY
FALL 2008 SYLLABUS

For WORD copy of syllabus click here.

GEN1101 Introduction to Descriptive Astronomy - MW 3:00-4:15 PM

Instructor: Dr. Rulison [Office: G-318 (See office door for scheduled office hours), Phone: 404-364-8409, E‑mail: mrulison@oglethorpe.edu]

Purpose: This is an introductory course in descriptive astronomy. The principle topics to be treated are: (1)history of astronomy, (2)foundations required for the understanding of the cosmos (some fundamental concepts of physics and chemistry), (3)the solar system, (4)stellar characteristics, (5)stellar evolution, (6)galaxies, and (7)cosmology. Note that since this course will deal with a single field only, more detailed understanding will be expected than in a "survey" type physical science course. The successful student will leave this course with a very good understanding of modern astronomy at a qualitative level.

Texts: Voyages Through the Universe – 3rd Edition by Fraknoi, Morrison, and Wolff. This very up-to-date text contains study aids that should be considered an integral part of your reading. These include chapter introductions ("Guideposts") which provide connections between the current chapter and those preceding and following, a list of key terms, a chapter summary which reviews the important concepts, and a variety of types of questions and projects. Within various chapters are "Windows on Science," "Review/Critical Inquiry" questions, and two-page special art spreads which give some additional information on current topics connected with the chapter proper. Each new text includes a CD-ROM containing the student edition of The Sky, a desktop planetarium program. Also included in each new text are passcodes for AceAstronomy, an online study utility, and InfoTrac, an online library.  The companion web site also contains valuable information. Handouts to be distributed in class will also be required reading.

Dr. Rulison's Astronomy Web Page - Consult the course web page often for a variety of information, lecture summaries, and useful astronomical tools and links.  http://www.oglethorpe.edu/faculty/~m_rulison/Astronomy/introduction_to_astronomy_tu.htm

Prerequisites: None, although simple algebra and trigonometry will be used. It is recommended that the student be familiar with the material covered in College Algebra MAT102, or its equivalent.

Homework: The student should attempt all the end-of-chapter problems/questions BEFORE the next meeting of the class so that any questions or difficulties can be answered at that time.

Additional Assignments: There will be additional assignments which may include observing sessions, laboratory exercises, and group projects.

Quizzes: There will be thirteen quizzes given on the dates shown on the assignment sheet. These quizzes will be approximately 5-10 minutes in length. The lowest three of the quiz grades will be dropped.

Midterm Exam: There will be a midterm exam during the week of October 20-24.  This exam will be individually scheduled outside class time.

Final Exam: There will be a final exam given during the regular final exam period (2:30 PM Wednesday, December 10). This exam will be comprehensive.

Class Attendance: Class attendance is not required. The student is responsible for all information covered in class (including changes of assignment and schedule). Since this course deals primarily with the understanding of physical theories and concepts, which will be discussed in class, attendance is expected and strongly recommended. Much of the material covered in class will supplement the textbook reading. In addition, slides, transparencies, and computer simulations will frequently be presented and interpreted in lecture. Handouts will also be discussed and interpreted in lecture.  A grade of FA may be assigned if it is the instructor's opinion that failure is the result of excessive absences.

Dropping the course: The course may be dropped with a grade of W through Friday, October 31 (provided that the student's work to that point has been of passing quality). After that date the grade of W will be assigned only in the case of prolonged illness or withdrawal from the University.

Academic Honesty: As students and faculty at Oglethorpe University we are members of society of scholars with all the opportunities as well as obligations attached to such a designation. We therefore agree to govern ourselves accordingly. The use of any information, not provided by the instructor, during a quiz or examination or other class assignment will be considered cheating.  Representation of someone else's work as one's own is plagiarism.  In such cases the student(s) will be referred to the Honor Council for a hearing and possible disciplinary action. It is the duty of anyone witnessing a violation of the Honor Code to report that violation.  Refer to pages 103-112 of the 2008-2010 Bulletin for a complete description of the Honor Code

Cheating:    a.  The unauthorized possession or use of notes, texts, or other such materials during an examination.
                  b.  Copying another person's work or participation in such an effort.
                  c.  An attempt or participation in an attempt to fulfill the requirements of a course with work other than one's original work for that course.

Plagiarism: Plagiarism includes representing someone else's words, ideas, data, or original research as one's own, and in general failing to footnote or
                 otherwise acknowledge the source of such work.  One has the responsibility of avoiding plagiarism by taking adequate notes on reference
                 materials, including material taken off the internet or other electronic sources, used in the preparation of reports, papers, and other
                 coursework. 

ASTRONOMY SCHEDULE
FALL 2006

   DATE

TEXT CHAPTERS

QUIZ DATE

QUIZ CHAPTERS

   August 25-27

1-2

.

.

   September 3

2-3

 Sept. 3

1

   September 8-10

4-5

 Sept. 10

2-3

   September 15-17

6-7

 Sept. 17

4-5

   September 22-24

8-9

 Sept. 24

6-7

   Sept. 29 - Oct. 1

10-11

 Oct. 1

8-9

   October 6-8

12-13

 Oct. 8

10-11

   October 15

14-15

 Oct. 15

12-13

   October 20-22

16-17

 Oct. 22

14-15

   October 27-29

18-19

 Oct. 29

16-17

   November 3-5

20-21

 Nov. 5

18-19

   November 10-12

 22-23

 Nov. 12

 20-21
   November 17-19
24
 Nov. 19
22-23

   November 24

25-26

 .

.

   December 1-3

26-27

 Dec. 3

24-25

   December 8

28

.

.

 

GRADING

A-........90-93

A........93-100

Quizzes

40%

B-........80-83

B..........83-87

B+.......87-90

Obs. Sessions/Project/Lab

25%

C-........70-73

C..........73-77

C+.......77-80

Midterm

15%

D..........60-67

D+.......67-70

Final Exam

20%

F............0-60

Total

100%
 

Note that Incomplete (I) is given only under the rarest of circumstances. Refer to page 97 of the 2008-2010 Bulletin for a summary of requirements.