ASTRONOMY 115 - Course Syllabus Summary

Instructor: Dr. Chris McCarthy

Lecture: Tuesday 6:10-8:55 PM, in Science 201 (Section 4)
Office: Thornton Hall 309. Telephone: 338.1880
Office Hours: Monday and Tuesday 2:00 - 3:00 PM or by appointment
 Email address:
(IMPORTANT: please include "Astronomy 115" in the subject of emails, and don't forget to sign your name!)

Course Website: http://www.physics.sfsu.edu/~chris/astro115/ The course website will provide homework assignments, solutions, extra credit, lecture notes and other important course information. For computers with Internet access, visit the Campus Library (338-1490)

COURSE DESCRIPTION - Introduction to Astronomy

This is an introductory astronomy class for non-science majors. Topics covered include: motions of Sun, Moon & stars, models of the solar system, tools of astronomy, the life and death of stars, galaxies, cosmology and the search for extrasolar planets and extraterrestrial life. We will discuss the exciting astronomical discoveries which frequently make news headlines.

The course will make use of basic algebra as a tool to help us understand the size and scope of the universe. Calculators may be used for computations. Advanced mathematics will not be used. One goal of the course is to enable the student to become comfortable thinking critically, and to feel empowered to solve problems applying their own abilities. It is not assumed that the student has any previous knowledge of astronomy, so questions of all kinds are strongly encouraged.

COURSE DETAILS

Textbook: Discovering the Universe: From Stars to Planets by Commins. We will cover most of text in 15 weeks, so you'll need to read about 1-2 chapters per week. The interludes labeled "Guided Discovery" and "What if..." are optional reading, unless otherwise stated. The rest of the text is required except as noted in the Reading & Homework Schedule.

Attendance: Attendance is required for every lecture. Important material and information will be given out in class, and unscheduled quizzes will be held. Class participation is an important part of your grade. Students are responsible for all information given out in class.

GRADES: Final grades will be determined according to these weightings:

Course & Exams grades will depend on performance of the class as a whole (i.e., graded on a curve). Minimum grades given for completion of work will follow these guidelines:

HOMEWORK & EXAMS

HOMEWORK: Homework will be assigned every other week. Late homework will not be graded. EXAMS: Examinations will be based on lectures and the textbook. There will be one midterm exam and one final exam. The final exam will focus on concepts and topics after the midterm (about 66%), but also include topics from the entire course (about 33%).

If exceptional circumstances cause a homework or exam to be missed, provision will only be made if the circumstances are explained BEFORE the due date. Any assignment which is copied from another student with receive zero credit, and may result in disciplinary steps against the student in accordance with the Department's Cheating Policy.

IMPORTANT DATES

EXTRA CREDIT & HELP SESSIONS:

Extra Credit opportunities will be available. These include visiting the Observatory, and attending Astronomy Talks. Details can be found at: http://www.physics.sfsu.edu/~chris/astro115/extracredit.html

Free Help Sessions will be offered throughout the week on a drop-in basis. You can use this valuable resource for questions on homework problems, to study for exams, etc. Help Session schedule is posted here: http://www.physics.sfsu.edu/~chris/astro115/helpsessions.html

OTHER NOTES: Students with disabilities are encouraged to contact the instructor for accommodations. The Disability Programs and Resource Center (DPRC, in the Student Service Building) is available to facilitate this process. Contact DPRC at: dprc@sfsu.edu or http://www.sfsu.edu/~dprc/facultyfaq.html#1 or by telephone (voice/TTY 415-338-2472.)


(Comprehensive syllabi listing SLO's for LD GE Physical Science (B1) will be available at: http://www.physics.sfsu.edu/~chris/astro115/syllabus.full.html )