Astronomy 121                The Solar System

Spring 2011

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Syllabus

Jupiter pdf version of the syllabus

Astronomy 121 introduces students to the structure and evolution of the Solar System. The course begins with an introduction to the early discoveries of the structure and dynamics of the Solar System. The course includes an introduction to the physics required for this study. The terrestrial and jovian planets are studied and contrasted. Pluto's relationship to other objects is covered. The course will review the theory of formation of the Solar System and the evidence for it. The search for extrasolar planets and extraterrestrial life is discussed.

http://physics.uoregon.edu/~jimbrau/astr121

Instructor:

Prof. Jim Brau
Telephone: (541) 346-4766
414B Willamette (enter through 414 Willamette)
e-mail: jimbrau@uoregon.edu

Class Hours

Tue    10:00 am - 11:50 am
Thur    10:00 am - 10:50 am
100 Willamette Hall
 

Office Hours

Mon 11-11:30 am
Wed 10-11:30 am
(or by appointment)
 

Text

Astronomy Today
Chaisson and McMillan
Seventh Edition, 2011
associated web site

Course Outline for Astronomy 121 (Tentative - 2/4/11)

Date Chapter Topic
3/29
3/31
4/5
4/7
4/12
4/14
Introduction/Chapter 2
Chapter 6
Chapters 7 & 8
Chapter 8
Chapters 2, 6, 7, & 8
Chapters 2, 6, 7, & 8
Introduction & the Copernican Revolution
The Solar System
The Earth & Moon
The Moon & Mercury
Review
Exam #1
4/19
4/21
4/26
4/28
5/3
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapters 9, 10, & 11
Chapters 9, 10, & 11
Venus
Mars
Jupiter
Review
Exam #2
5/5
5/10
5/12
5/17
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapters 12 & 13
Chapters 12 & 13
Saturn
Uranus & Neptune
Review
Exam #3
5/19
Final project prep period
No class
5/24

5/26
5/31
6/2
Chapter 14

Chapter 15
Chapter 28
Course Review
Solar System Debris
course projects due
The Formation of Planetary Systems
Life in the Universe
Review
6/10, 8 am
Comprehensive
Final Exam

Reading Assignments

Students should read the material before the lecture in order to benefit most from the discussions in class.
Chapter Read before class on:
Chapter 2
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
March 29
March 31
April 5
April 7
April 19
April 21
Chapter Read before class on:
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 28
April 26
May 5
May 10
May 24
May 26
May 31

Exams

Tentative Exam Schedule (Caution: dates may change and will be set during term. )

Exam Date Material Covered
#1
#2
#3
Final
Thursday, April 14
Tuesday, May 3
Tuesday, May 17
Friday, June 10, 8 am
chapters 2, 6, 7, & 8
chapters 9, 10, & 11
chapters 12 & 13
comprehensive

Exams - reviews, answers, and grades

Astronomy Course Project:

An astronomy course project is required of each student. The project might be a written report on a topic of interest, a report of an observational exercise, a poster on a topic, or the design of an astronomical instrument, to name a few possibilities. For more information refer to the project web page.

Grading:

Three midterm exams will be given, with 90% course grade based equally on the two highest midterm scores and the final exam score. So, the breakdown for the course grade is
Two best midterm exams60% (30% each)
Course project10%
Final exam30%
There will be no make-up exams. A passing score on the final exam and on the course project are required to pass the course. One midterm exam is optional, as long as two midterm exams are passed. Class attendance is mandatory as the exams will contain material from the lectures as well as the textbook. There will also be occasional short quizzes given in class for extra credit. Students must be able to calculate numerical problems using fundamental algebra to earn an A in the course.

Academic Dishonesty:

Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. This includes any form of cheating, plagiarism, or fabrication. All work must be your own, produced exclusively for this course. For additional information on plagiarism, refer to the UO Library information. Academic dishonesty can result in receipt of a failing grade on the specific assignment or even receiving an F in the course. Additional information on academic conduct is available from Student Life. Every violation will be dealt with seriously and noted on student disciplinary records.