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Physics 103 General Astronomy

Physics 103 General Astronomy. Dr. Tyler E. Nordgren. Organization. Lecture three days a week (MWF): 1 hour and 20 minutes Lectures available on website Lab one day a week (Tues. am or pm): 2 hours and 50 minutes (meet AHON 117) Off campus observing (3 times): lab nights

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Physics 103 General Astronomy

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  1. Physics 103General Astronomy Dr. Tyler E. Nordgren

  2. Organization • Lecture three days a week (MWF): • 1 hour and 20 minutes • Lectures available on website • Lab one day a week (Tues. am or pm): • 2 hours and 50 minutes (meet AHON 117) • Off campus observing (3 times): lab nights • Check the syllabus and website for exact dates and times!

  3. Structure • 9:30 am homework due • 30 minute lecture • Concept questions • In-class discussion • 15 minute quiz • New homework assigned.

  4. Homework & Quizzes • Assigned every class. • Due 9:30 morning of every class. • Two or three questions. • Must include a topic of confusion. • I will tailor class lecture to homework. • At end of class, a short quiz.

  5. Observing Labs • Three off campus meetings in the evenings (~7:30 pm). • Jan 17 (back-up is Feb 7) • Feb 21 (back-up is March 28) • April 4 (back-up none) • Attendance is mandatory at two. • In event of clouds, back-up date.

  6. Observing Project • Science is a process, not a body of knowledge! • You will do a scientific project. • Observe the sky: • Make observations • Predictions • Presentation at end of semester.

  7. Grading • Homework: 10% • Quizzes: 20% • Labs: 10% • Observing project: 15% • Class citizenship: 5% • Exams: 20% • 3 exams, lowest grade dropped • Each exam 10% • Final: 20%

  8. Class Rules • See hand-out and website. • You are adults and responsible for ALL rules. • A few in particular: • No late homework is accepted. • No admittance to lab once started. • No make-up exams.

  9. Grades Final Grades: “C Acceptable. The quality of work was acceptable meeting minimal course standards but was not exceptional.” University of Redlands Catalog 2002-2004

  10. Semester Goals • What is science? How does it work? • Why is science different from philosophy or religion? • Why is a scientific “theory” different from a conspiracy “theory?” • Learn about the Scientific Method through study of Astronomy: • Are there planets around other stars? • How are stars and planets born, live, and die? • What are black holes? • Where did the Universe come from and where is it going? • Are we alone in the Universe?

  11. Why should I believe? • How do we decide what to believe is true? • Astrology. • Astronomy. • UFOs. • Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI). • Creationism (Intelligent Design). • The Big Bang. • Why should you believe one over any other?

  12. Homework #1 • Due Wed 11-Jan: Read Tyson Ch. 2. (denoted “Ty2” on Physics 103 lecture web page) • What are the steps of the scientific method? Use an example from your personal experience to briefly illustrate each step.

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