Astro 122: ASTRONOMY OF STARS&GALAXIES (winter 2014)
Information on this page can be not final, the final syllabus will be sent to the class and posted on eclass on Jan 6th, 2014.
- This course will provide an overview of the current understanding of stars, galaxies and cosmology. The emphasis will be on understanding the physical processes underlying astronomical phenomena.
- Main Text Book: "The Cosmic Perspective: Stars and Galaxies (7th Edition) by Jeffrey O. Bennett, Megan O. Donahue, Nicholas Schneider and Mark Voit" PLUS Mastering Astronomy access
- A possible package: The Cosmic Perspective plus mastering astronomy (7th edition)
- You can also get only the second book (Star, Galaxies and Cosmology) and the access separately, but it may cost you more at the end
- Online Standard Assignments: 20%.
- Online Quizzes: 5%.
- 2 Midterm Tests : 25%. Dates: Feb 10 and Mar 17 (preliminary)
- Final exam: 50%. (TBA)
Final exam will be cumulative.
Grading will be on the curve: see here for an example of the distribution .
- Lectures: CCIS-2-200; MWF 3-4pm
- Office hours: CCIS 2-107; on Tuesdays 2-4pm.
- Tutorials: Mon 4:00-5-:50pm. Thur 5:00-6:50pm. Tutorials start on Jan 13.
- Email: you are welcome to ask questions 24/7
- Astronomy studies our beatiful Universe, however, it is not just about looking on pretty pictures. Astronomy uses intensively physics and math, and, to a some degree, also uses biology and chemistry.
- This course has pre-requisites: PHYS 30 and MATH 30 (or similar). Take these requirements VERY seriosuly. This course will make use of the pre-requisites and it is not advisable to take the course if you do not have pre-requisites. If you do not have pre-requisites, no default waivers will be given, your knowledge of physics will be checked.
- Please note that this is not an ASTRO 101 course, but ASTRO 122 course. This course gives a science credit to science and engineering students. This is not an "easy science" course developed specifically for Art students. The course will require problem solving skills adequate for a science student. Consider that seriously before you enroll in the course.
- Nonetheless, an Art student still can very sucefully complete the course if from the beginning will give serious consideration for requirements and will follow the course structure with full attention.