Physics 103N Introductory Astronomy of Galaxies and Cosmology CRN Spring Semester 2017

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Pierce Boyd
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1 Tuesday Thursday 13:30 14:45 in MGB Hall 0102 Course Description: This four credit-hour course introduces the basic concepts of astronomy. Emphasizes the study of stars, star systems, cosmology and relativity. Emphasis on how we acquire knowledge of celestial objects to develop models of our Universe. Course Objectives: Students will learn basic techniques of scientific investigation of objects in our galaxy and their underlying physical principles. Emphasis is on the development of models of our universe through a combination of instruction, in class participation, performing laboratory work and possibly night observations, reading and solving of homework problems. Additional Information: The course consists of two weekly lectures, one weekly laboratory session, homework assignments, two midterm exams and one cumulative final exam. Attendance in the lecture is not required, but strongly encouraged. A textbook is not required, but it is strongly recommended to study an astronomy textbook. Homework is not required, but also stronlgy recommended. It accounts for 10% of the course grade. Students will need to purchase access for the online homework system. Detailed information and updates/changes can be found on the ODU Blackboard course web page. Instructor: Office Hours: Pre-requisite: Dr. Stephen Bueltmann Office OCNPS 2100F Phone (757) sbueltma@odu.edu Tuesdays 11:00 12:00 and by appointment. None.

2 Course Textbook: 21 st Century Astronomy: Stars and Galaxies by L. Kay, S. Palen, G. Blumenthal, 5th edition, W. W. Norton 2016 ISBN (volume 2 of a two semester course, a combined two-semester volume is also available, see below). Students planning to take also PHYS 103N can alternatively buy the full two-volume (two semester) edition: 21 st Century Astronomy by L. Kay, S. Palen, G. Blumenthal, 5th edition, W. W. Norton 2016 ISBN The course follows basically the contents of the above textbook. Older editions may also be suitable. Some students might prefer a different textbook, some listed below. Again, older editions may be suitable. The Cosmic Perspective: Stars, Galaxies & Cosmology by J. Bennett, M. Donahue, N. Schneider, M. Voit, 8th edition, Addison-Wesley 2016 (ISBN ). Students planning to take also PHYS 103N can alternatively buy the full edition: The Cosmic Perspective by J. Bennett, M. Donahue, N. Schneider, M. Voit, 8th edition, Addison-Wesley 2016 (ISBN ). Universe by R. A. Freedman, R. Geller, W. J. Kaufmann, 10th edition, W. H. Freeman 2015 (for a two semester course, available also in two separate volumes). Below are less thorough (shortened) one-semester course textbooks: Understanding Our Universe by S. Palen, L. Kay, B. Smith, G. Blumenthal, 2nd edition, W. W. Norton Life in the Universe by J. Bennett, S. Shostak, 3rd edition, Addison-Wesley Discovering the Universe by N. F. Comins, W. J. Kaufmann, 10th edition, W. H. Freeman 2014.

3 Outline of Course Schedule: Date Chapter and Topic Tuesday, January 10 1 Why Learn Astronomy Thursday, January 12 2 Patterns in the Sky Tuesday, January 17 3 Motion of Astronomical Bodies Thursday, January 19 3 cont d Tuesday, January 24 4 Gravity and Orbits Thursday, January 26 4 cont d Tuesday, January 31 5 Light Thursday, February 2 5 cont d and Review (chapters 1 5) Tuesday, February 7 Midterm 1 (chapters 1 5) Thursday, February 9 6 The Tools of the Astronomer Tuesday, February 14 7 The Birth and Evolution of Planetary Systems Thursday, February Taking the Measures of Stars Tuesday, February Our Sun Thursday, February cont d Tuesday, February The Interstellar Medium and Star Formation Thursday, March 2 16 Evolution of Low-Mass Stars Tuesday, March 7 Spring Break (no class) Thursday, March 9 Spring Break (no class) Tuesday, March Evolution of High-Mass Stars Thursday, March 16 Review (chapters 13 17) Tuesday, March 21 Midterm 2 (chapters 13 17) Thursday, March Relativity and Black Holes Tuesday, March Galaxies Thursday, March The Milky Way A Normal Spiral Galaxy Tuesday, April 4 21 The Expanding Universe Thursday, April 6 22 Cosmology Tuesday, April Large-Scale Structures in the Universe Thursday, April Life Tuesday, April 18 Review Thursday, April 20 Review Tuesday, April 25 Reading Day (no class) Tuesday, May 2 Final Cumulative Exam (12:30 15:30 in MGB 0102) The Final Exam will cover all chapters and there will be no early exams. Note: The course schedule will be maintained and updated during the semester.

4 Homework: The ability to analyze and solve problems is a very important skill to develop during this course. You can only learn science by doing problems. Homework will be assigned and managed though the Sapling Learning online service. You need to create an account at the web site The enrollment period begins two weeks before classes begin. The cost is $40 for one semester, with a grace period by the publisher for payment of two weeks. There is a two-semester option for $60. Homework will be assigned as the course progresses, typically once a week. Students should regularly check the Sapling Learning web site to be aware of homework due dates. Requests for submitting homework late for legitimate reasons should be made within one week after the originial due date of the assignment. Laboratory Sessions: Attendance & participation is required in the laboratory sessions of the course. Any student with more than one missed lab session will fail the laboratory part of the course and, hence, the entire course. An excused absence from a lab session can be made up during makeup lab session weeks or by participating at a different lab session during the same week. You must get permission from your lab instructor. If you cannot avoid missing a lab session, contact the instructor in advance. You must hand in a lab report to get credit for each session. The lab instructor will detail the format of lab reports and the grading criteria to be applied. Night observations may be scheduled. Note: It is a College of Sciences regulation, that you must receive a passing grade (C- or better) from your lab instructor to pass the course. Examinations: There will be two midterm exams and one cumulative final exam. The final exam will contain questions taken from all subject areas covered in the course. All examinations are closed book. You should only bring a pen or pencil. Course Grade: A course grade will be assigned based on the following weighting: Laboratory Session 15% Homework 10% Midterm Exams 20% each Final Exam 35%

5 Accomodation Statement : Students are encouraged to self-disclose disabilities that have been verified by the Office of Educational Accessibility by providing Accommodation Letters to their instructors early in the semester in order to start receiving accommodations. Accommodations will not be made until the Accommodation Letters are provided to instructors each semester. Honor Pledge : I pledge to support the honor system of Old Dominion University. I will refrain from any form of academic dishonesty or deception, such as cheating or plagiarism. I am aware that as a member of the academic community, it is my responsibility to turn in all suspected violators of the honor system. I will report to Honor Council hearings if I am summoned. By attending Old Dominion University you have accepted the responsibility to abide by this code. This is an institutional policy, approved by the Board of Visitors.

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