Astronomy 123                Galaxies and the Expanding Universe

Spring 2015

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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://pages.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

Mon    10:00 - 10:50
Wed    10:00 - 10:50
Fri    10:00 - 10:50
100 Willamette Hall
 

Office Hours

Tue 11-11:30 am
Thu 11-11:30 am
(or by appointment)
 

Text

Astronomy Today
Chaisson and McMillan
Eighth Edition, 2014
associated web site

Course Outline for Astronomy 123 (Tentative - 2/7/15)

Date Chapter Topic
Mar 30
Apr 1
Apr 3
Apr 6
Apr 8
Apr 10
Apr 13
Apr 15
Apr 17
Apr 20
 Introduction
Chapter 23
"
"
Chapter 24
"
"
"
Chapters 23 & 24
Chapters 23 & 24
 Introduction
The Milky Way
"
"
Galaxies
"
"
"
Review
Exam #1
Apr 22
Apr 24
Apr 27
Apr 29
May 1
May 4
May 6
May 8
May 11
 Special topic
TBD
Chapter 25
"
"
Chapter 26
"
Chapters 25 & 26
Chapters 25 & 26
 Particles
TBD
Galaxies & Dark Matter
"
"
Cosmology
"
Review
Exam #2
May 13
May 15
May 18
May 20
May 22
May 25
May 27
May 29
 Chapter 27
"
"
Chapter 28
"
MEMORIAL DAY
Chapters 27 & 28
Chapters 27 & 28
 Early Universe
"
"
Life in the Universe
"
-- no class --
Review
Exam #3
Jun 1

Jun 3
Jun 5
 Cosmic Cat.
    course projects due
Chapters 23-28 & Cosmic Cat.
--		 Cosmic Catastrophes
today by 5 pm
Final Review
No class
Thursday, Jun 11, 10:15 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 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
April 1
April 8
April 27
May 4
May 13
May 20

Quizzes and Exams

There will be frequent quizzes in class. Clickers will be used for the quizzes.
You will need a clicker the 2nd week of class. If you don't have one already, they are available at the Duck Store. Then, be sure to register your clicker ID on the Blackboard site.

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

Exam Date Material Covered
#1
#2
#3
Final 		Monday, April 20
Monday, May 11
Friday, May 29
Thursday, June 11, 10:15
chapters 23 & 24
chapter 25 & 26
chapters 27 & 28
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, or a report on 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 80% course grade based on the two highest midterm scores and the final exam score. So, the breakdown for the course grade is
Two best midterm exams50% (25% each)
Quizzes 10%
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 the Student Conduct Code page. Every violation will be dealt with seriously and noted on student disciplinary records.