Astronomy 113: Hands on the Universe Fall 2011 3517 Sterling Hall Professor Snezana Stanimirovic 3311 Sterling Hall, (608) 890-1458, [email protected] Teaching Assistant Natalie Gosnell 6283B Chamberlin Hall, [email protected] COURSE WEBSITE: http://astro.wisc.edu/~sstanimi/ast_113_fall11.html INTRODUCTION: Welcome to an exploration of the Universe! Astronomy 113 is a hands-on tour of the visible Universe through computer simulated and experimental exploration. During the 14 lab sessions, we will encounter objects located in the Solar system, stars filling the Milky Way, and galaxies in the most distant Universe. We will also learn how to run telescope from our classroom, including the giant 305-m radio telescope located in Puerto Rico! TEXTS: Science Notebook 77-610 (Roaring Springs): available for purchase at the University Book Store, text floor Astronomy 113 Laboratory Manual: available for purchase from the Social Science Copy Center, room 6120 Social Science! Building, 1180 Observatory Drive. The manual (pdf version) is also available from the class web site and can be downloaded and printed. You will use your notebook to answer lab questions and record your findings. You will also use your notebook for quizzes and for at least three labs your notebook will be examined. It is in your interest to write neatly and keep your answers organized. A simple scientific calculator (with exponential notation and trigonometric functions) will be required to complete some of the labs. There are several calculators in the classroom, but bringing your own will allow you to complete the labs more quickly. PREP WORK: In order to finish the labs on time, it is essential to read the lab manual before coming to class. Each lab will have a set of pre-lab questions that will prepare you for the lab. The pre-lab questions will be posted on the class web site the week before the lab starts. Pre-labs will be graded. If you have not completed the pre-lab assignment, you will be asked to leave and return during a later session with the completed assignment. CLASS SCHEDULE: You should be registered for one of these class times: T 1;20 – 3:15pm T 3:30 – 5:25pm W 1:20 – 3:15pm W 4:55 – 6:50pm R 1:20 – 3:15pmOPEN LAB: There will be one lab session open to those who have to miss a day or need extra time to Complete their work. The open lab will be held on Fridays 1:20-3:15pm. OFFICE HOURS: Either the Professor or the T.A. will be available during the open lab each week or by appointment at other times during the week. GRADING: Your course grade will be based largely on the sum of 7 lab grades (0 - 5 scales) which you will receive during the semester. There will be short quizzes for most labs, and for two labs you will hand in your notebook for grading. Each quiz will be taken during the lab period scheduled above, or during the Friday office hours of that week. If this is not done (without prior agreement from the instructor) a zero will result. Course grades are not curved; the grading scale is: A 30 - 35 B 25 - 29 C 20 - 24 D 15 -19 You will also get credit for doing the pre-lab. The professor and TA will use intermediate grades (AB, BC) to reward positive performances (extra effort, leadership, contribution to class, etc.) and to respond to inadequate performances (poor or late attendance, lack of effort, etc.). Note: The combination of Astronomy 113 with Astronomy 100 or the combination of Astronomy 113 with Astronomy 103 will satisfy the Quantitative Reasoning B requirement.SCHEDULE: The lab and assignment schedule is (please check course web page for regular updates): Week of Exploration Assignments . 9/6 Celestial Rhythms: An Introduction to the Sky 9/13 Celestial Rhythms: An Introduction to the Sky Pre-lab assignment due; 9/15 Celestial Rhythms: An Introduction to the Sky Assessment - open lab book quiz 9/20 The Moons of Jupiter Pre-labs due at start of lab 9/27 The Moons of Jupiter Lab books due at end of lab 10/4 Telescopes Pre-labs due at start of lab 10/11 Telescopes Assessment - open lab book quiz 10/18 The Distances to the Stars Pre-labs due at start of lab 10/25 The Distances to the Stars Lab books due at end of lab 11/1 The Sun Pre-labs due at start; Lab books due at end of lab 11/8 Spectral Classification of the Stars Pre-labs due at start of lab 11/15 Spectral Classification of the Stars Assessment - open lab book quiz 11/22 The Universe circa 1900 Pre-labs due at start; Lab books due at end of lab 11/24-27 THANKSGIVING WEEK 11/29 The Expansion of the Universe Pre-labs due at start of lab 12/6 The Expansion of the Universe Assessment - open lab book