Syllabus
PHYSICS 103-010 CRN #13591 Planetary Astronomy
LECTURE TIME: Room 235 Science, Monday & Wednesday (6:00 pm – 7:25 pm)
LABORATORY TIME: Room 235 Science, Wednesday (7:35 pm – 9:30 pm)
INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Mike Hibbs e-mail hibbs@tarleton.edu
Office 213A Science
OFFICE HOURS: 213A Science Building; Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. If you feel that you need or want any additional help, please let me know during lecture or lab! If you need to contact me outside of class, you may e-mail me.
1. Text: The Solar System, 6th Edition, Michael Seeds
2. Course Description:
A laboratory science course of study in the topics of astronomy and astrophysics, including the history of astronomy, Kepler’s laws, gravitation, formation of the solar system, asteroids, comets, meteors, a detail survey of the planets and their evolution, and discussion of the possibility of life in the universe.
3. Prerequisites:
Two semesters of high school algebra or MATH 101
4. Course Objectives:
- Be able to describe the significant contributions to astronomy made by the following: the Assyrians, Greeks, Renaissance, and modern astronomers
- Be able to describe and explain the cause for, and be able to define in terms of the celestial coordinates, the apparent yearly and daily motion of the stars, planets, moon and Sun. Explain how seasons and eclipses occur.
- Be able to state and apply Newton’s law of gravitation and second law and Kepler’s three laws of planetary motion.
- Be able to describe telescopes and the instrumentation including satellites used by astronomers and how gravity and the electro-magnetic spectrum is used to gather astronomical information.
- Be able to describe the evolution of atmospheres and planet surfaces and the role of mass, meteor bombardment, plate tectonics and position in the solar system in the evolution of a planet.
- f. Be able to compare and contrast the planets and other objects of the solar system in terms of measurable properties and explain the factors that lead to changes over time and extreme differences between objects in the solar system.
- g. Be able to define the factors considered necessary for life and the attempts to find life outside the Earth.
- h. Be able to describe the current research and events in the field of astronomy.
5. Academic Honesty:
Cheating, plagiarism (submitting another person’s materials or ideas as one’s own), or doing work for another person who will receive academic credit are all-impermissible. This includes the use of unauthorized books, notebooks, or other sources in order to secure of give help during an examination, the unauthorized copying of examinations, assignments, reports, or term papers, or the presentation of unacknowledged material as if it were the student’s own work. Disciplinary action may be taken beyond the academic discipline administered by the faculty member who teaches the course in which the cheating took place.
6. Students with Disabilities Policy:
It is the policy of Tarleton State University to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and other applicable laws. If you are a student with a disability seeking accommodations for this course, please contact Trina Geye, Director of Student Disability Services, at 254.968.9400 or geye@tarleton.edu. Student Disability Services is located in Math 201. More information can be found at www.tarleton.edu/sds or in the University Catalog.
7. Grading:
- Your final grade will be based on the following:
- 60% – Total average of the three lecture tests and the comprehensive final exam. Each of these exams will be waited equally. No test score will be dropped.
- 20% – Total average of all home work
- 20% – Total average of all laboratory assignments
- Exams, and the final will be closed book with only one page single sided of notes allowed. Calculators may be required (No cell phone calculators allowed).
- The grade scale will be: A = (90-100), B = (80-89), C = (70-79), D = (60-69), F = (0-59). All grades are subject to statistical adjustment (curving) at the discretion of the instructor.
- The Final Exam will be Monday, May 10, 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
8. Attendance:
Absences may be recorded. However, lecture attendance will not directly affect your lecture grade. You will be responsible for any information given in the lectures and laboratories. If you miss a class, get the class notes from another student!
9. Exam Make-Up:
Lecture tests must be made up with proper arrangements or the missed work will receive a grade of zero. Note, make up work is the responsibility of the student and is permitted solely at the discretion of the instructor. Note, no make-up exam will be allowed for a test already handed back in class. If you know in advance that you will miss a lecture test, you must let the instructor know in advance so proper arrangements can be made. If you miss a lecture test because of unexpected events beyond your control, you must contact me at the first opportunity to schedule a make up.
10. Homework:
Homework will be administered through WebAssign. Every student is responsible for obtaining WebAssign and keeping up with the homework assignments. Each assignment will be set to allow four chances to get the right answer. Only two extensions will be granted if you cannot submit your homework on time.
11. Laboratory Requirements:
No lab manual is required. The labs to be done in a given day will be announced in the lecture prior to the lab. Students must bring paper, pencil, calculator to each lab.
General Comments:
Much of the philosophy of this course is to emphasize conceptual ideas, the history and development of Astronomy and the power of observation. You will also be asked to do some application of basic equations. This course is designed to be educational, as well as, fun! The format is informal where student participation is expected. I encourage students to work and study in groups. If you ever feel frustrated or behind, please come see me and we will find away to help you through the course.