Policies

Phy 305 – Introduction to Astrophysics – Spring 2013

Homework Assignments (35%)

  • No late problem sets will be accepted, except with a Dean excuse.
  • The lowest-scoring problem set will be dropped from your total.
  • You will be held to the Duke Community Standard.
  • Use of solutions manuals, old solutions, web solutions, etc are prohibited.
  • Collaboration or study groups are fine, and probably good, but
    • you should think about each problem before you talk with other people, and try to figure out the main idea if you can;
    • you cannot simply copy solutions from others;
    • you must write out your own independent solution and understand it for yourself;
    • you must write down the names of your collaborators on your homework set.
  • You must give references if you have used any books, internet sites, etc., outside the course. Include the author, title, year and pages or from the URL.
  • If you use a computer to do more than basic calculations, include appropriate printouts (e.g. Matlab, Mathematica programs).
  • For full credit you must justify what you are doing. For example, if you chose one root of an equation when two were available, you would lose points unless you said why you made that choice.
  • Credit may be reduced if you do something in a very awkward or long-winded way, even if you get the right result in the end.

Midterm (20%)

  • Midterm Exam: Wednesday, February 27: 150 Physics.
  • The Midterm is a closed exam.
  • You can use a cheat sheet of one side of one page.
  • You must hand in your cheat sheet with your test.
  • Physical and astronomical constants (table A.1 and A.2) will be given with the test.
  • Calculators are allowed for basic calculations, but not for graphing, functions, special memory, etc.
  • For full credit, all answers must be justified.
  • Credit may be reduced if you do something in a very awkward or long-winded way, even if you get the right result in the end.

Final Exam (25%)

  • Final Exam: Friday, May 3, 2:00--5:00 pm, 150 Physics.
  • You can use your textbook (Ryden & Peterson), and a cheat sheet, both sides of one page.
  • You must hand in your cheat sheet with your test.
  • Calculators are allowed for basic calculations, but not for graphing, functions, special memory, etc.
  • For full credit, all answers must be justified.
  • Credit may be reduced if you do something in a very awkward or long-winded way, even if you get the right result in the end.

Term Paper (20%)

See the term paper webpage.