ASTRONOMY 101: BASIC ASTRONOMY (SECTION 505) Professor: Dr. Nicholas Suntzeff, [email protected], 458-1786 Mitchell/Heep/Munnerlyn Professor of Observational Astronomy MIST513 (5th floor, round building with pendulum across from NSG) Textbook: “The Essential Cosmic Perspective,” 5th edition, Bennett et al. We will use clickers in the class. Lectures: Tuesday & Thursday, 12:45-2:00, Mitchell Physics Building MPHY203 Office Hours: By appointment - but please feel free to come see me. Just email me first. Class Homepage: http://faculty.physics.tamu.edu/suntzeff/courses/astr101_2010A Astronomy Help Desk: M-F 2-5pm. Heath Shipley [email protected], Munnerlyn Institute Building (with the pendulum) MIST326, 458-5724 Homework Webpage: http://masteringastronomy.com. (Course ID: SUNTZEFF2010A505) Class Requirements: Homework: 20% Midterm #1: 20% Midterm #2: 20% Final 20% (the final will not be comprehensive. Rather, it is Midterm #3 covering the last third of the class) In-Class quizzes: 10% Written Essay: 5% - given in the last 2 weeks of class Laboratory Assignment 5% Grading will be done on a curve. Homework Structure: There will be weekly homework (around 10 in total), which will be due on Tuesday at 11:59pm. At the end of the semester a final homework will be given that will be used for extra credit. This homework will help me decide the grades on the borderline The homework is completed online at http://masteringastronomy.com. You must first register at this website with a code that is included in each new copy of the textbook;everybody should have a new textbook. If you don’t have a new textbook, you must go on line and purchase a code. Once you have registered at this website, you must enroll in the online class using the following course ID: SUNTZEFF2010A505 The written essay will be a three-page essay, single-spaced, 12pt type essay on a topic that you will select from a list of possible topics I give you. The essays will be due a week before the end of the semester, and will be submitted on-line. An “A” will be given to a well-written essay with clear exposition and creative ideas. The grade will be lowered by 1 grade (A to B) if the directions are not followed. You should not copy and paste text (plagiarize) as part of the essay, unless you quote the text and give the reference. Up to 2 single sentence quotes are allowed. The essay will be submitted through http://www.turnitin.com Aggie Honor Code: “An Aggie does not lie, cheat, or steal or tolerate those who do.” I will expect that you also will abide by the following principle for homework, quizzes, and exams (unless the assignment is to be done as a group): For tests and assignments you should abide by the following code of conduct: "On my honor as an Aggie, I have neither given nor received unauthorized aid on this academic work." See the webpage: http://www.tamu.edu/aggiehonor. This honor code sets apart Texas A&M from other universities in the US and as an Aggie you should be proud to follow its rule. ADA policy: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Department of Student Life, Services for Students with Disabilities, in Room 126 of the Koldus Building or call 845-1637. CLASS SCHEDULE We have 14 academic weeks 19 January 2010 (Tues) First day of our class. Howdy! 25 January (Friday) Last day for adding/dropping class spring semester 18 February (Thurs): Midterm #1 15-19 March (Monday-Friday): Spring break: beach time! 01 April (Thurs): Midterm#2 06 April (Tuesday): Last day for Q-drop 03 May (Monday) Prep day, no exams 04 May (Tuesday): Last day of classes. Finally! 05-06 May (Wednesday-Thursday) Reading days: no classes 12 May (Wednesday): Final exam 8-10am – exam (Midterm
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