Modern astronomy - the central theme will be modern science’s attempt to understand the nature and origin of the universe at large, including the matter and radiation that make it up. Specific topics include stars, exotic stellar objects (white dwarfs, red giants, neutron stars, and black holes), supernova explosions, the origin of atomic elements, galaxies, giant radio sources, quasars, clusters of galaxies, the fabric of space and time, and Big Bang cosmology.
This course meets the Physical/Life Science Exploration (SF) requirement and addresses the following Essential Learning Outcomes: Inquiry and Analysis, Information Literacy, Foundations and Skills for Lifelong Learning.
The following sections detail the structure, requirements, and expectations of the course. The instructor reserves the right to modify any of the policies currently described here, but will endeavor to hew closely to the syllabus as outlined on the first day of class, and any subsequent changes will be communicated clearly to the class.
In this class, you will learn about the sky above us and our place in the universe. We will discuss recent research and study some basic laws of physics. The course is intended primarily for non-science majors and will satisfy your Physical/Life Science Exploration requirement. There will be some math in the course, including reading and making graphs, scientific notation, and some basic algebra.
My goal is that you not only learn what we know about the universe, but how we know it. The most common question I get after explaining some cool fact about the universe to someone, who often remarks about their brain exploding, melting, or doing something else brains generally don’t do in live people, is “how do we know THAT?!” You, I hope, will be able to tell them at least part of the story of how.
At the end of this course, you will be able to:
Chapters from the textbook should be read prior to the class when the topic is discussed. For example, Chapter 2 should be read before Aug. 27th. Short online assignments are due at the beginning of class a new chapter is started; italicized dates above indicate tentative due dates. In certain cases, parts of chapters can be skipped – required chapter sections will be given under the “Readings” tab on the course webpage.
A few homework sets will be assigned periodically to reinforce important concepts, posted to the “Assignments” tab and due before class on the date listed there. In addition, there will be in-class activities, some of which may be graded. In order to complete those in-class assignments for credit (due the next class), notice of your absence before the start of that class must be emailed to astr1060absence ‘at’ gmail.com. The lowest in-class grade will be dropped. While strict attendance is not mandatory, lectures and activities will highlight the important material that will appear on exams, which is a subset of the information in the textbook.
All exams will be closed book/closed note (equations, if necessary, will be provided) and cover all material up to that point in the course, although Midterm 2 will emphasize new material covered after Midterm 1. Both midterms will take place in the regular classroom from 10:45-11:35am. The Final Exam will be comprehensive, but focus on the most recent material not covered by the previous midterms. For dates, see the Course Schedule above.
Grades are determined from homework, class participation, exams, and student presentations according to the following weights:
Ultimately, grades may be assigned on a curve, but only in a favorable direction from a baseline distribution. The magnitude/formula of the curve is determined at the discretion of the instructor. The baseline grade distribution will assume:
Cheating (including copying homework from any sources) will not be tolerated, and zero credit will be given on the assignment or exam for all parties involved.
If you’re having problems, there are several places you can look for help.
Your classmates are smart, and I encourage you to work together and learn from each other. However, unless I tell you otherwise, the work you turn in should be your own! I expect that you will:
All reading assignments and homeworks will be accepted late if turned in by the next class meeting and will receive half credit. No credit will be given after this time.
We will occasionally use calculators. If you have a calculator or cell phone with a calculator please bring it to class. Otherwise, please do not use cell phones or laptops/tablets for any purpose other than taking notes, and even then taking handwritten notes is preferred (it has been scientifically shown to improve retention compared to typing notes). Please turn off cell phones before class begins. You will not need calculators and will not be allowed to use any devices during your exams.
Title IX makes it clear that violence and harassment based on sex and gender (which Includes sexual orientation and gender identity/expression) is a civil rights offense subject to the same kinds of accountability and the same kinds of support applied to offenses against other protected categories such as race, national origin, color, religion, age, status as a person with a disability, veteran’s status, or genetic information. If you or someone you know has been harassed or assaulted, you are encouraged to report it to the Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action, 135 Park Building, 801-581-8365, or the Office of the Dean of Students, 270 Union Building, 801-581-7066. For support and confidential consultation, contact the Center for Student Wellness, 426 SSB, 801-581-7776. To report to the police, contact the Department of Public Safety, 801-585-2677 (5-COPS).
The University of Utah seeks to provide equal access to its programs, services, and activities for people with disabilities. If you will need accommodations in this class, reasonable prior notice needs to be given to the Center for Disability and Access https://disability.utah.edu/, 162 Olpin Union Building, (801) 581-5020. CDS will work with you and the instructor to make arrangements for accommodations. All written information in this course can be made available in an alternative format with prior notification to the Center for Disability and Access.
Personal concerns such as stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties, depression, cross-cultural difficulties, etc., can interfere with a student’s ability to succeed and thrive at the University of Utah. For helpful resources, contact the Center for Student Wellness at www.wellness.utah.edu, 426 SSB, or 801-581-7776.
