| ASTR 103 |
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| ASTRONOMY I |
| Fall, 2016 |
| INSTRUCTOR | Dr. Lalith Perera |
| LOCATION and TIME | 101 Lewis Hall, MW 7:00-7:50PM and F 12:00-12:50PM |
| OFFICE HOURS | M,T,TH 3:00-4:00PM or by appointment |
| OFFICE | Kennon Observatory, room 1 |
| lpperera@olemiss.edu | |
| COURSE
DESCRIPTION |
This is an introductory one semester course in astronomy for non-science majors. Main objective of the course is to understand the working of the universe with empathies on the solar system. Physical concepts, as they relate to astronomy, as well as their historical development are discussed. There is a weely laboratory session. |
| PREREQUISITES | No prior knowledge of astronomy or advanced science is required. A basic knowledge of some scientific facts and mathematics (no more than middle school level) is expected. A keen interest in learning astronomy and willingness put forth the required effort is the best prerequisite. |
| COURSE
OBJECTIVES |
After successful completion of the course students are expected to have a basic understanding and feeling about our place in the universe, its scale, constituents, structure and physical principals and processes governing it. They are expected to achieve a better understanding of how science works and have a good enough grasp of the fundamentals concepts to follow articles on astronomy in the popular press and be able to evaluate their scientific merits or flaws. |
| TEXTBOOK
and
SUPPLEMENTARY READING |
Recommended
text book for the course is Cosmic Perspective by Bennett et
al.,
7th Edition, 2013. In addition Astronomy 103 Lab Manual for
Spring 2016 is required (Available at the Printing Office across from
the Police Station.). Lecture slides will be posted on this web page
shortly after the
class. In addition, links to various online resources will be posted as
supplementary learning material. |
| IN CLASS QUIZZES and CLICKERS | There will be occasional multiple choice quizzes during the class. Answering the quizzes are done with clickers. All students are required to have a clicker and bring it to class every day. Clickers are available for purchase or rent at the University bookstore. Instrctions on how to register your clicker can be found here. . |
| EXAMS | There are three midterm tests, and a final exam consisting of multiple-choice and short-answer questions. Each midterm test is over individual sections and the final exam is cumulative. Makeup tests are allowed only for absences due to a serious illness. |
| ATTENDANCE, CONDUCT and GUIDELINES | Regular
attendance is expected and is essential to be successful in the
course. There are many demonstrations, and other visual aids presented
and discussed in the class. Excess
absences will affect the grade. There
won't be any make ups for missed
quizzes due to absences, regardless the reason. Talking, laptop or cell phone use, or any activity which distract oneself or others are not permitted in the class. Attendance and proper conduct in the class will be taken into consideration for extra credit work and other special considerations. It is not possible to learn all of astronomy the night before the exam. You have to keep up with the material as it is presented and discussed in the class. Students are strongly encouraged to participate in class by asking questions. Please seek help when encounter a concept that you do not understand. Peer discussions and group studies are encouraged. |
| EVALUATION | The final grade is based on tests, homework and in
class quizzes as
given below. There will be some extra credit opportunities that can be
used to improve the grade. Only students with good attendance (better
than 75% or less than 9 absences) are qualified for extra credit and
other special considerations. |
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| Labs ........................25% Quizzes .................... 11% Test 1 ...................... 13% Test 2 ...................... 13% Test 3 ...................... 13% Final Exam.............. 25% Extra credit 10%-15% |
A > 90% A- > 85% B+> 80% B > 75% B- > 70% |
C+ > 65% C > 60% C- > 55% D > 50% F < 50% |
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| SPECIAL NEEDS | Reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities and absences due to illness will be provided. In case of illness a doctor's certification is required. |
| SCHEDULE | |
| Test 1............................ | February 29 |
| Test 2 ........................... | April 4 |
| Test 3 ........................... | May 2 |
| Final Exam.................... | Friday, May 13, 12.00PM |
| EXTRA CREDIT | |
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Extra Credit topics and guidelines |
| TEST SCORES and GRADES | |
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