PHYSICS 418 (ASTROPHYSICS) IMPORTANT STUFF

TEXTs

 

            Universe, 6th edition  by  Freedman and Kaufmann

            Astrophysics 2004  a set of data tables, pictures, graphs, and other good stuff

            Physics, by Walker  (You won't get your own, but there are 120+ out there; go find them)

CLASS

 

I expect you to be an alert and active questioner, answerer, and note-taker, in class. I also expect you to be on time for class, but understand that the ETC is a long way from Watts and Hill, that all school clocks are not standardized, ... so I will try to be understanding unless you are chronically late. On the other hand, there is no reason for being late (by any amount of time) for a class at 8 a.m. or immediately after lunch. Class starts exactly on time (real time, not classroom clock time). Consequences of lateness are discussed on the Physics Dept Late Policy handout that you will receive.

 

We will refer to the Astrophysics 2004 pamphlet most days.  You should try to bring that with you to class.  The textbook will also be useful in class, especially since we will constantly refer to diagrams, color pictures, and tables. I'm hoping we have enough texts to have some stay permanently in the classroom so that you don't have to bring your own copy with you to class.   But you need to care for these 'room copies' properly as if they were your own personal copies; if they start to wander away, all will be removed and you will need to bring your personal copies.

 

READING 

 

The course syllabus will be a rough guide to the order of the topics that we'll be studying this trimester. It is your responsibility to make sure that you know what's expected of you for the next class in the way of textbook reading or written homework before leaving class that day.�

I will try to remind you of important assignments via the course web site. Please get into the habit of monitoring the web site at least once per day; I will try to have relevant assignments posted by 6 pm.

 

Rarely does a week go by without the announcement of a major discovery in astrophysics; much of the data in our recently published textbook is outdated because of these discoveries.  Consequently this course will involve significant use of the WWW.  The course web site is

             www.phy.duke.edu/~kolena/astro05s.html

 

I can't emphasize enough how important reading the relevant text sections and web assignments in advance of my talking about them is to your success in this class. The subject of astronomy has many new, unfamiliar terms; knowing their definitions by doing the appropriate reading in advance of our discussion is essential.

 

WRITING

 

Small homework assignments (due at the beginning of the next class period) will be given frequently.  Longer problem sets (or lab work) will be assigned periodically and should be placed in the black box by my office (BR 443) by 5 pm on the date due.  I will not grade homework or lab work that is turned in after I begin the grading.   All homework turned in MUST be stapled if more than one page.  Many of the assignments in this course will be project oriented.  There will be many available options (lab, computer, and sky).  Some of the projects will be required; some will be optional. All lab and project work will be done in the lab books.

CLASS COMMITMENT�

 

Even though I don't plan to have formal tests in this class, you will be tested every day in class in a variety of ways; examples of such are in the following (non-exhaustive) list:

 

            coming to class and turning in your work on time

            showing enthusiasm in your learning

            taking useful notes in class

            working problems beyond the ones required for turn-in

            asking questions of your own and by answering mine

            challenging my explanations or examples that leave you confused

            convincing me that you did the assigned daily reading

            being prepared for and taking leadership in lab

            helping your classmates where appropriate

            re-doing returned labs and homework that do not earn at least a grade of B

getting missed notes & assignments from a classmate (or the web) after an absence

submitting extra JITs

            getting extra help from me after class and at tutorial when appropriate

            presenting at least 1 extra problem/APOD during the trimester to the whole class

 

Your class commitment grade is my assessment of how committed you are to making this class a successful learning experience, not only for yourself, but also for the rest of the class.  You are encouraged to talk with me at any time during the year about your commitment grade.

 

GRADING

 

            Class commitment:  15 - 20%

            JITs (weekly quizzes submitted before class via the web):  10%

Homework & Labs (6 - 8 labs; min. 10 homeworks):  50 - 55%

            Final Project: (in lieu of final exam)  15 - 20% (your choice)

 

            The following scale applies to all work in this class

            A:  80  - 100__

            B:  70  -  79.99

            C:  60  -  69.99

            D:  below 60

TUTORIAL

 

Tutorial hours will be decided during the first week of school. There are physics teachers and senior tutors available Monday through Thursday evenings for at least an hour. Check the tutorial schedule posted on Bryan 4th or the classroom.  You are of course welcome and encouraged to ask for help at any time in person or via e-mail.

 

OFFICE HOURS (BRYAN 443)

 

You are always welcome to visit me in my office, to talk about astronomy, physics, or anything else. I will particularly try to be available after classes end in the afternoon.

 

HONESTY POLICY

 

            You will receive a copy of the Physics Department Honesty Policy; it is also posted.