PHYSICS 1401

 

Descriptive Astronomy

 

Fall, 2003

 

Lecture:  MWF 10:00-10:50 (LSC 170)

Lab A (seq. # 6921):  T 9:25-10:40 (LSC 112)

Lab B (seq. # 6922):  T 10:50-12:05 (LSC 112)

 

 

Dr. Heather Woolverton

Office: LSC 014    

Telephone:  450-5909

E-mail:  heatherw@mail.uca.edu

Office hours (subject to modification):

M 1-4; T 3-5; Th 10-12; F 11-2

(other times by appointment or chance)

 

Text: Discovering the Universe, Kaufmann and Comins, 6e

Other supplies: Celestial sphere packet, calculator, ruler, quad-ruled composition book, pencils, eraser

 

 

Descriptive Astronomy

 

is part of the general education program of study

and satisfies the four-hour physical science part

of the natural science requirement.

The goal of natural science

is to better understand nature

through a systematic study.

 

 

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       Objectives for students completing the natural science requirement are:

 

·        to understand what the realm of science is, and why science is important to their lives;

·        to understand current principles and theories used to explain natural phenomena and to understand the role of theories in science;

·        to do science as a process by conducting systematic observation, formulating and testing hypotheses, collecting and evaluating data, recognizing sources of error and uncertainty in experimental methods, and disseminating results;

·        to develop an understanding of how human activity affects the natural environment;

·        to be able to make informed judgements about science-related topics and policies.

 

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        We will tentatively cover the first three parts of the book (Astronomy, The Solar System, The Stars).  Unless specifically stated otherwise, you will be responsible for all the material in the assigned chapters, even if not presented in class, as well as any additional material presented.  A group project and a semester-long observing project will also be assigned.  Complete information on these projects will be given at a later date. 

 

        There will tentatively be four tests and the final, which will be comprehensive.  (In reality, every test is comprehensive.)  To calculate your test grade the final exam grade will be doubled, and the lowest score dropped before averaging.  Since one test will be dropped, make-up exams will not be given.  One lab will be dropped and therefore there are no make-up labs.  You must bring your book and your calculator with you to every class and lab.

 

        Tests will typically be a mixture of multiple choice, completion, short answer, essay, and possibly problems.  There may be a few extra credit points on each test.  Keep in mind that you are tested over your ability to apply the concepts you have learned as well as the basic information.

 

        Cheating is grounds for being withdrawn failing from this course.

 

        Attendance:  It is expected that you will attend every class and lab.  Attendance may or may not be taken.  Bonus points are awarded for attendance in lecture, but if you are not in your seat when attendance is taken or you leave early you will not receive any bonus points.  If you miss three labs, you will be withdrawn failing from this course.  If you feel that you must withdraw from the course, I would appreciate being notified.

 

        In addition to those for attendance, bonus points may be given for other things during the course of the semester.  Each 100 bonus points will give you 1% extra credit added to your final grade.

 

        Students should familiarize themselves with the policies in the Student Handbook especially the Academic Policies and the Sexual Harassment Policy.

 

        The University of Central Arkansas adheres to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act.  If you need an accommodation under this act due to a disability, contact the UCA office of Disability Services at 450-3135.

 

 

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Grading

(subject to modification)

Lab..............20%

Group Project.............10%

Observing Project.........10%

Exams.........60%

 

Grading scale

(subject to modification)

90-100.........A

80-89...........B

70-79...........C

60-69...........D

< 60.............F

 

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Tentative schedule:

 

I. Astronomy

           

Essentials for Understanding

Chapter 1........................................Discovering the Night Sky

Chapter 2........................................Gravitation and the Waltz of the Planets

TEST 1

 

Chapter 3........................................Light and Telescopes

Chapter 4........................................The Origin and Nature of Light

TEST 2

 

II. The Solar System

 

Essentials for Understanding
Chapter 5........................................Earth and Moon

Chapter 6........................................The Other Terrestrial Planets

TEST 3

           

Chapter 7........................................The Outer Planets

Chapter 8........................................Vagabonds of the Solar System

TEST 4

           

Chapter 9........................................The Sun

                  

Selected topics from the following:

 

III. The Stars

 

Essentials for Understanding

Chapter 10.......................................The Nature of Stars

Chapter 11.......................................The Lives of Stars…

Chapter 12.......................................The Deaths of Stars

Chapter 13.......................................Black Holes

 

FINAL EXAM (comprehensive)

Wednesday, December 10, 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.

 

 

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Here are some tips that you may find useful:

 

        Read the chapter before it is discussed.  Take notes during class.  What goes on the board is always important, as is much of what does not.  Ask questions if something is unclear.

 

        Read over again slowly and carefully the sections of the chapter that were covered in class.  Study the figures and figure captions.  Go over your notes (copying them over may help you find things that are unclear before more material is covered).  Do this before the next class, so that you can ask questions.

 

        If you don’t feel comfortable asking questions in class, see me during office hours or at some arranged time.  Please don’t be intimidated.

 

        Don’t wait until the last minute.

 

        Answer the Review Questions at the end of each chapter, and as many of the Advanced Questions and Discussion Questions as you can.  Try the Q&A on the CD and also on the Discovering the Universe (DTU) website. (bcs.whfreeman.com/dtu6e, or www.whfreeman.com/dtu5e)

 

        You will be learning lots of terminology.  It might be helpful to write out the definitions for the list of terms at the end of each chapter or use the flashcard feature on the DTU website

 

        Without looking at your notes, work any example problems that were done in class, and then compare.

 

        Use the CD that came with your book.

 

       Concerning lab:  Take notes during the lab introduction.  Instructions given will generally not be repeated once work has begun.  You may think that you will remember, but writing them down will insure that you do.  You will be done in a more timely fashion as well.  You are not dismissed unless your entire group is finished and your area has been cleaned up.

       

       Concerning Planetarium visits:  The Planetarium is located in LSC 010.  There are two doors, but usually only the door at the foot of the stairs will be used to enter and exit.  Due to the necessity for our eyes to dark-adapt, once the doors are shut no one else will be allowed in, so be on time!  No food or drinks are allowed in the planetarium.