Astronomy 1001/1005 Exploring the Universe Spring Semester 2004 http://www.astro.umn.edu/courses/1001/

- Instructor -

Assistant Visiting Professor John C. Martin, 626-2023

jmartin@astro.umn.edu, Office Hours: 6:00 - 7:00 PM Wednesday (in Physics 358), or by appointment

AOL Messenger Screenname: AstronomyDoc (feel free to message me when ever I am online)

Lecture - 7:15 - 8:30PM, M W, in Physics 166

TA Office Hours - in Physics 451 - Hours are posted on the door outside Phys 450 or Phys B49

Please read the entire syllabus carefully; you are responsible for all of the requirements and procedures described here. You are also responsible for all announcements, assignments, changes, etc., whether or not you are in class.

Class Links

I'll put links to various things to do with the class here. Keep checking back for updates. (Last Update 27 April 2004)

• Notes for the most recent lectures
• Info on the Final Exam
• Answer key for the Short Answers section on the second exam.
• Answer key for the Short Answers section on the first exam.
• Ast 1001 Essay Topics
• Good Astronomy Links
• Submit Observations for your AST 1001 Moon Project

- Due Dates -

Exams

Mid-Term 1: Monday, 23 February 2004

Mid-Term 2: Wednesday, 31 March 2004

Final: Monday, 10 May 2004 @ 6:30pm  

Room assignments for the exams will be announced in class.

Essays

Essays are due in Lab the weeks of February 16th, March 22nd, and April 26th

Observational Project

Part I: At least 3 observations enetered ONLINE and paper Observing Form placed in the TA Box (outside Rm. 256) by February 6th @ 5pm, (20 Points).

Part II: At least 6 more observations entered ONLINE and paper Observing Form placed in the TA Box (outside Rm. 256) by March 12th @ 5pm, (40 Points).

Final Report: Final observations enered online and report due in TA's slot outside Ph 256 on April 23rd @ 5pm, (80 Points).

- Required Texts -

Text: The Cosmic Perspective, Bennett, Donahue, Schneider and Voit - THIRD Edition (NOTE: That this is a different book from the Fall 2003 semester)

Lab Manual: Astronomy 1001 Lab Manual (available in the Bookstore)

- Course Policies and Procedures -

Special Needs - Any students with special learning needs must contact their professor during the first two weeks of class.

Academic Standards - The CLA and IT scholastic conduct and classroom procedures will be followed. You are responsible for being familiar with these. Students are welcome to work together, exchange ideas, etc. However, EACH STUDENT MUST MAKE HIS/HER OWN MEASUREMENTS AND OWN CALCULATIONS. Copying of someone else's measurements or calculations is equivalent to cheating and will be handled accordingly.

Examinations Room assignments for the exams will be announced in class. Bring two pencils and a photo-ID to all exams!. Exams will consist of multiple choice and short answer. If you miss an exam, see the professor about scheduling a makeup exam. All makeup exams will have short answer/essay format. Both multiple choice and essay portions of your exams will be returned to the open boxes on the first floor, north side of the Physics building. The essays will be folded and stapled with only your name showing. If you do not wish your essay to be returned to the open boxes, you must give your name to your professor and the exams will be returned to you at a later time in your LAB section. Exam scores will be posted  on the WEB. If you feel there is a mistake on the multiple choice portion of your exam, please see the secretary in Physics 356. Questions regarding the essay should be directed to the professor.   You are allowed to bring in one page of notes to the midterm exams, two pages to the final exam.

You must contact the instructor in advance of missing an exam. If you fail to take any of the three exams you will receive an incomplete for the class.

Here is a page of information on the first exam

Here is a page of information on the second exam

Here is a page of information on the final exam

Observational Project Information START MAKING OBSERVATIONS RIGHT AWAY! and don't miss a clear night/day! Every term there are a few students who put this off. DO NOT BE ONE!! You will need your three preliminary observations by the end of the third week. The lab manual explains how to make the observations.  Always save the original copy of your observation log, and turn in a xerox copy !!!

COURSE SCHEDULE

GRADING

Grading will be assigned approximately as follows based on past experience: A: 900 - 1000; B: 800 - 899; C: 650 - 799; D: 500 - 649; F: 0 - 499 (You must receive a 'C' or better to receive a grade of 'S'.)

You must take every exam offered in this section. Failure to take an exam will result in an incomplete for the class. This is non-negotiable Astronomy department policy.

NOTE! You must receive at least 50% of the total points for the LABS (at least 110 out of 220 points) and 50% of the total points on the ESSAYS (at least 60 out of 120 points) in order to receive a passing grade for the entire class.