Astronomy 111: Introduction to Modern Astronomy I Fall 2011 http ...

Introduction
Astronomy 111: Introduction to Modern Astronomy I
Fall 2011
http://mason.gmu.edu/∼pbecker/astr111.html
Dr. Peter A. Becker
Welcome to Astronomy 111. This course is designed to give you an overview of the
solar system and the methods of astronomy. It has been developed for non-science
majors who wish to gain a better understanding of the universe around them. Note
that a mathematical background including high school algebra, geometry, and trigonometry
is necessary to do well in this course. By the end of the semester, you will have learned
about the following subjects:
• The evolution of the solar system, the planets, and their properties.
• The history of astronomy from prehistory to the present.
• The scientific method and critical thinking.
• The nature of light and the principles of telescope design.
The associated laboratory course ASTR 112 is strongly recommended, but it is not a
required part of this course.
Grading
There will be three exams during the semester, and a comprehensive final exam.
Each of these exams carries equal weight, and I will drop the lowest exam grade when
computing each student’s point total. Letter grades will be determined from the point
totals as follows:
A = 90 – 100
A– = 85 – 90
B+ = 80 – 85
B = 75 – 80
B– = 70 – 75
C+ = 65 – 70
C = 60 – 65
D = 50 – 60
F = 0 – 50
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Grade Posting
All grades will be posted on the ASTR 111 website using a private identification
number, calculated by dividing the full student ID number by 5, and taking the 6 digits
immediately to the left of the decimal point.
Class Material
The lectures will closely follow the text, “Astronomy Today,” 7th Edition, Volume 1, by
Chaisson & McMillan, with additional demonstrations and audio/video presentations.
I will also be using images obtained using Hubble, Galileo, Pathfinder, Chandra,
the Mars Rovers, and other U.S. and international space missions. The lectures will
emphasize and clarify the important points covered in the text. The exams will be
based upon the material presented in the lectures and the text. Detailed review
materials will be provided before each exam.
Office Hours
I will generally be available in my office on Mondays and Wednesdays from 1 PM -
2 PM, but if you want to meet with me please make an appointment to be sure
that I will be there! Meetings at other times can also be arranged by appointment.
Additional office hours will be announced before tests if there is need. My office is
located in room 269 of Research Building 1, and my phone number is 993-
3619. My email address is pbecker@gmu.edu.
Other Help
Lecture slides, study questions, review materials, and practice exams are all available
online using a web browser such as FireFox or Internet Explorer by linking to the
address at the beginning of this syllabus. If a great deal of help is needed outside class,
the university has a tutoring service available for a relatively small fee. Additional
assistance may also be obtained through the physics help room. Please don’t wait until
you are hopelessly lost before asking for help!
GMU Honor Code
You are encouraged to study and work together on the review problems. However,
exams must be completed without aid or collaboration of any kind. If you
cheat during a test, you will be brought before the GMU Honor Committee. If convicted,
you face possible expulsion from the university. Despite the large size of this class, there
are effective security mechanisms in place, and sadly, almost every year a couple of
people are sent to the Honor Committee for cheating on the exams in ASTR 111.
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Fall 2011 Lecture Schedule
Lecture Chapter Date Pages Description
1 1 8/30 1 - 8 Our Place in Space
2 9/01 9 - 13 Solar Motion
3 9/06 14 - 29 Lunar Motion
4 2 9/08 30 - 38 Geocentric Universe
5 9/13 39 - 43 Copernican Revolution
6 9/15 44 - 55 Newton & Kepler
7 3 9/20 56 - 65 Light Waves
8 9/22 66 - 75 Radiation Spectrum
9 1 - 3 9/27 1 - 75 EXAM 1
10 4 9/29 76 - 81 Atomic Spectra
11 10/04 82 - 95 Atomic Structure
12 5 10/06 96 - 113 Optical Telescopes
13 10/11 NO CLASS
14 10/13 114 - 129 Non-Optical Telescopes
15 6 10/18 130 - 153 The Solar System
16 7 10/20 154 - 161 Earth’s Atmosphere
17 10/25 162 - 181 Earth’s Interior
18 4 - 7 10/27 76 - 181 EXAM 2
19 8 11/01 182 - 190 The Moon and Mercury
20 11/03 191 - 209 The Moon and Mercury
21 9 11/08 210 - 229 Venus
22 10 11/10 230 - 257 Mars
23 11 11/15 258 - 283 Jupiter
24 12 11/17 284 - 311 Saturn
25 13 11/22 312 - 331 The Outer Planets
26 11/24 NO CLASS
27 8 - 13 11/29 182 - 331 EXAM 3
28 14 12/01 332 - 359 Comets & Asteroids
29 15 12/06 360 - 381 Solar System Formation
30 16 12/08 382 - 415 The Sun
1 - 16 12/15 1 - 415 FINAL EXAM 1:30PM - 4:15PM
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