Astronomy 192

Stars, Galaxies, and the Universe

Section 401, Spring 2008

Description from the course catalog:

"A course covering the universe outside the Solar System. A principle theme is the origin and evolution of stars, galaxies and the universe at large. Topics also include black holes, quasars and the big bang model of the universe. This course may be taken independently of AST 191."

A more detailed description:

This course will teach you some of the basics of modern astronomy, with an emphasis on the study of stars, galaxies, and the universe. Astronomy involves far more than learning the names and locations of stars and constellations. You will be learning how various types of heavenly bodies have formed, evolved and behave. Additionally, you will learn about how we know these things through observations of the universe and physical laws.

Topics

1. Scales of distance and time

2. Matter and energy

3. Light: emission, absorption, Doppler shift

4. Telescopes; angular resolution; non-visible light

5. The Sun: structure, energy, and activity

6. Other stars: distances, spectral types

7. Lifecycles of stars; planetary nebulae; supernovae; supernova remnants

8. White dwarfs; neutron stars; pulsars; black holes

9. The Milky Way Galaxy; interstellar medium; Galactic center

10. Galaxy types; galaxy distances; Hubble's Law

11. Galaxy formation; quasars

12. Dark matter; rotation curves; galaxy clusters

13. Large-scale structure; fate of the Universe

14. Big Bang; early Universe; primordial radiation

Course Requirements and Grades

Final grades will be based on your class conduct, and your performance on homework, quizzes, and three exams. Additionally, each student will receive a 5 point bonus on their final grade if they fill out the on-line course evaluation.

Letter grades will be based on an absolute standard.

I may lower the minimum requirements for each letter grade depending on class progress, but I will not raise the standards.

Class Conduct

I assume that all students will behave in civil, non-disruptive manner while in class. Each student starts the class with 10 points for their class conduct grade. Behavior that is mildly disruptive will reduce your class conduct grade. Ringing cell-phones, chatting with neighbors, and noisy late arrivals are all examples of mildly disruptive behavior (this is not, however, an exhaustive list). Behavior which significantly disruptive, or disrespectful towards your fellow students will not be tolerated.

Homework

Written homework assignments will regularly assigned. Homework must be turned in on time (late homework will not be accepted). Additionally, there will be regular reading assignments.

Quizzes

Quizzes will be given after most (if not all) reading assignments. These quizzes will cover the material in the reading assignment, and recent lectures.

Exams

There will be a total of three exams for this course; two 1-hour exams during the semester (the first on Feb. 20, the second on Mar. 19), and a 2-hour final exam (given on Monday, 28 April at 6:00 PM). The two 1-hour exams will be of equal difficulty, however the first exam will weighted less than the second exam; this is done so that you can get acquainted with my testing style. All exams will test your knowledge of facts, comprehension of concepts, and ability to apply concepts. For each exam you will need to bring a #2 pencil, calculator, and your student ID.

On-Line Course Evaluation

Course evaluations are an important (and mandatory!) component of our department’s instructional program. An on-line course evaluation system was developed to allow each student ample time to evaluate each component of the course and instructor, thus providing the Department with meaningful numerical scores and detailed commentary while minimizing the loss of instructional time in the classroom. The evaluation window for Spring 2008 will open on Monday, April 7, and close on Wednesday, April 23. To access the system during this time, simply go the Department of Physics Web page at www.pa.uky.edu and click on the link for Course Evaluations; then follow the instructions. You will need to use your student ID# to log into the system, and this will also allow us to monitor who has filled out evaluations. However, when you log-in you will be assigned a random number that will keep all your comments and scores anonymous. I will receive a list of students who have completed the on-line course evaluation, and will give each of those students a 5 point bonus on their final grade.

Course Policies

Questions are welcome during lectures, but please do not chat. Lectures will end on time, so please do not pick up your things before class is dismissed.

Academic Integrity

Plagiarism and cheating will not be tolerated, and will be punished in accordance with University policy, described in the Student Rights and Responsibilities code.

Academic Holidays

Jan. 21 Martin Luther King Birthday

Mar. 10 – 15 Spring Vacation

Attendance Policy

I will not grade you on attendance. However, absence from quizzes and/or exams will result in a grade of 0 for that quiz and/or exam, unless the absence is excused as described in the Student Rights and Responsibilities code.