Astronomy 123                Galaxies and the Expanding Universe

Winter, 2011

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Syllabus

Whirlpool pdf version of the syllabus

Astronomy 123 introduces students to the structure and evolution of our galaxy and the Universe. Galaxies similar to the Milky Way, and those much different, are studied, leading to an understanding of the place of our galaxy within the vast Universe. The course includes an introduction to the theories of the forces of nature as they pertain to this study. The place of humankind in the Universe is examined. The search for extraterrestrial life is discussed, and the course concludes with a lecture on cosmic catastrophes!

http://physics.uoregon.edu/~jimbrau/astr123

Instructor:

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

Class Hours

Tue    12:00 noon - 1:50
Thur    1:00 pm - 1:50
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 123 (Tentative - 12/15/10)

Date Chapter Topic
1/4
1/6
1/11
1/13
1/18
1/20 		Introduction/Chapter 23
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
"
Chapters 23 & 24
Chapters 23 & 24
 Introduction & the Milky Way
The Milky Way
Galaxies
"
Review
Exam #1
1/25
1/27
2/1
2/3
 Chapter 25
"
Chapter 25
Chapter 25
Particles
Galaxies & Dark Matter
Review
Exam #2
2/8
2/10
2/15
2/17
2/22
2/24
 Chapter 26
"
Chapter 27
"
Chapters 26 & 27
Chapters 26 & 27
 Cosmology
"
Early Universe
"
Review
Exam #3
3/1
3/3
3/8
3/10
 Chapter 28
Extra
Chapter 28 & Cosmic Cat.
Chapter 28 & Cosmic Cat.		 Life in the Universe
Cosmic Catastrophes
Review
Exam #4

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 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
January 6
January 11
January 25
February 8
February 15
March 1

Exams

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

Exam Date Material Covered
#1
#2
#3
#4
Thursday, January 20
Thursday, February 3
Thursday, February 24
Thursday, March 10
chapters 23 & 24
chapter 25
chapters 26 & 27
chapter 28 & cosmic catastrophes
Fourth exam is optional, as only best three exam scores count for grade.

Exams - reviews, answers, and grades

Grading:

Four midterm exams will be given, with the course grade based equally on the three highest midterm scores. There will be no make-up exams. Successful completion (C or better grade) on three of the exams is required to pass the course. One exam is optional, as long as three exams are passed with a grade of C or better. 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, plariarism, 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.