ASTR101a
Astronomical Ideas - Fall 2010

Assignments

Lecture Materials

Helpful Links

Instructor: Beth Willman
INSC L108 and Strawbridge Observatory
610.896.1201
bwillman at haverford dot edu

Class: MWF 10:30 - 11:30 in KINSC H108

Occasional evening labs and extra sessions in Strawbridge Observatory

Office Hours: M 2:30 - 4 pm, Tu 9 - 10:30 am, Th 1 - 3 pm.
M in Observatory. Tu/Th in KINSC L108.

Help clinic: 7 - 9 pm on Thursdays before homework is due. In the observatory.




Brief Class Description:

This is a one semester survey course intended for non-science majors. We will discuss and analyze a broad range of astronomical phenomenon, from the motions of the night sky, to planets in the solar system and far beyond, to the life histories and properties of stars, galaxies, and the universe as a whole. This course is organized conceptually by the questions listed below in the course outline, has no prerequisites, and will use only algebra and a hint of trigonometry.

The primary textbook for this course is 21st Century Astronomy: Stars and Galaxies (3rd edition) by Hester et al. We will also use a paperback pamphlet written by Edward Tufte. Both of these are available at the bookstore. 21st Century Astronomy is on reserve at Magill Library. There will also be material only available from the lecture or from supplementary reading.

Goals:

These are adapted from Goals for "Astro 101": Reports of Workshops for Department Leaders

1. A cosmic perspective - a broad understanding of the nature, scope and evolution of the Universe, and where the Earth and Solar System fit in.
2. An understanding of a limited number of crucial astronomical quantities, together with some knowledge of appropriate physical laws.
3. An understanding of the notion that physical laws and processes are universal.
4. An understanding of the notion that the world is knowable, and that we are coming to know it through observations, experiments, and theory.
5. Exposure to the types, roles and degrees of uncertainty in science.
6. An understanding of the evolution of physical systems.
7. Familiarity with the night sky and how its appearance changes with time.
8. A sense of excitement for the process of doing science.
9. Training in analyzing evidence and critical thinking.

Course Outline:

Conceptually, this class is organized as a series of questions, roughly one of which will be addressed each week:

1. Where, when, and how big are we?
2. What do the patterns I see in the sky mean?
3. Does the Universe revolve around me?
4. Why should I believe anything astronomers say?
5. Why isn't Pluto a planet?
6. Are we alone?
7. Why do some stars in the sky look red, and others blue? Look bright, and others faint?
8. Why does the Sun shine?
9. Where did the elements that compose my body come from?
10. Do black holes suck?
11. What kind of zoo do galaxies live in?
12. If dark matter is so dark, then how are we so sure its there?
13. How did the Universe begin and how is it going to end?

Assignments and Grading:

The lectures, assignments and exams will stress reasoning and problem solving rather than memorization.

25% Homework sets: There will be 5 or 6 written homework assignments over the course of the semester - generally due on Fridays. There will also be reading assignments each week. Because the written assignments are not weekly, you must take care to begin them in a timely manner so you dont have 2 weeks worth of homework to complete the night before it is due. Written assignments will always be posted at least two weeks before their due date and reading assignments will always be posted at least one week before their due date. Expectations for written work is high; you and I should both be able to know what question you are answering and why from your written work alone. Points will be deducted if this expectation isn't met. Points will also be deducted for sloppiness.

25% Lab exercises: There will be approximately 4 graded lab exercises and 4 credit/no credit lab exercises due over the course of the semester. See above description of expectations for written homework assignments.

45% Two exams: There will be a midterm (20%) and a final exam (25%). The midterm and final will both be timed, closed book exams. You will be permitted to use one page of self-generated notes (front and back of an 8 x 11 inch sheet of paper) while taking the exams.

5% Participation: You can constructively participate in the class in many different ways, including: regular and prompt attendance, asking and answering questions in class, participating in class discussions and calculations, responsibly preparing for class sessions, and thoughtful completion of assignments.

Work is due during the class period on the assigned due date. Work not handed in during lecture is considered late. Late work will only be accepted without penalty in serious circumstances: religious holiday, death in the family, illness. Otherwise, late work will be graded down by 10% credit per day late. Between 5 and 10 days late, work will be penalized by 50%. Work that is more than 10 days late will receive no credit.

Honor Code:

An important guiding principle of academic honesty is that you must never represent the work of another as your own. You must also never fabricate data, or write down data "kind of how you remember it". Please request clarification of the following if you find yourself in any doubtful situations: Discussion and collaboration with other students on homework sets and labs is encouraged. However, all submitted work must be your own. While working together is permitted, merely copying the work of another student (whether a calculation, an observation of the sky, or a measurement made for a lab) without indicating that you have done so is clearly a representation of his or her work as your own and so is a violation of the code. You should always try all work by yourself before collaborating with classmates, asking the TAs questions, or asking me questions.

Accomodations:

Students who think they may need accommodations in this course because of the impact of a disability are encouraged to meet with me privately early in the semester. Students should also contact Rick Webb, Coordinator, Office of Disabilities Services (rwebb@haverford.edu, 610-896-1290) to verify their eligibility for reasonable accommodations as soon as possible. Early contact will help to avoid unnecessary inconvenience and delays.