Course: Stellar and Galactic Astronomy
Sec. A CRN 11247 Tues & Thurs 12:30-1:45pm, MP 3001
Sec. B CRN 16112 Tues & Thurs 2:00-3:15pm, MP 3001
Professor: Dr. Sarah Higdon
Office: MP 3019
Phone: 478-5888
Web: http://cheller.phy.georgiasouthern.edu/~shigdon/astr1020/astr1020.html
Email: shigdon@georgiasouthern.edu
Office Hours : Wed 2pm - 3:30pm
Please make use of these hours throughout the semester.
Please email me if you'd like to meet at a different time.
Textbook: Universe - Stars and Galaxies by Roger A. Freedman & William J. Kaufmann III, 3rd Ed.
Course Description
This course is the second semester of the Astronomy 1010/1020
series, an introduction to our Universe. You do not need to have taken
ASTR 1010 to take this course. This course concentrates on the
Universe outside of our own solar system. We will consider some of
the most fundamental questions about the Universe. How is matter
organized throughout the Universe? How old is the Universe and what
is its fate? How do stars, galaxies, and other celestial objects
form? We will also examine the scientific methods used to answer such
questions. Basic mathematics will be used.
Grades will be based on performance on:
All exams will be multiple choice, using standard machine-graded
answer sheets. The student is responsible for having
his/her student ID card, number 2 pencil, RED ParSCORE scantron 48/TSM
Scanton Form No. X-101864-PAR-L and basic (non-programmable) calculator
available on each test date.
In-class quizzes will cover material from preceding lectures and
assigned reading/problems. Quizzes will include problem solving and
in-class writing assignments. Bring your book to class so that you
can use it during quizzes. Class attendance is not
mandatory. However, it is in the student's best interest to attend
every lecture.
Students should bring his/her book, student ID card, number 2 pencil,
RED ParSCORE scantron 48/TSM Scanton Form No. X-101864-PAR-L,
paper and basic (non-programmable)
calculator to
every lecture.
Homework is optional, but designed to help you prepare for exams and quizzes.
Grades will be assigned on the following scale:
All exams are in Math/Physics 3001
The exam schedule is as follows:
Make-Up Exams: There will be no make-up exams per se. However, the
lowest scoring in-class exam will be dropped.
If you know you will not be able to take an exam for a valid reason
you can make an appointment, in advance of the test date, to
take a makeup exam. Any exam missed for a valid reason must be reported to the
instructor within two days of the exam.
The final exam is mandatory.
There will be no make-up quizzes.
Academic Dishonesty Policy:
Cheating will not be tolerated. Dishonest work of any kind will be dealt
with according to the University procedures as specified in the
Student Conduct Code. Penalties may include a failing grade for the
course and suspension or expulsion from the university. Note
particularly that copying material verbatim from another student, or
from any other source without proper attribution is plagiarism and
will be treated like any other act of dishonesty.
Cell-Phone Policy: The classroom is a
cell-phone free zone. All cell-phones must be turned off before
entering the classroom. Please be considerate to your fellow
classmates. Students using cell-phones during quizzes or exams
will receive a grade of zero.
Electronic & Wireless Policy: No wireless devices or
electronic devices may be used. The only electronic device allowed
during class and exams is a basic non-programmable calculator.
In-class quizzes (15%),
Three in-class exams (60%)
A comprehensive final exam (25%).
A: 85-100 % of possible points,
B: 73-84 %,
C: 61-72 %,
D: 49-60 %,
F: <49 %
Exam #1: Thur Feb 5
Exam #2: Thur Mar 5
Exam #3: Tues April 7
Final Exam:
Section A (12:30pm Class) Tues May 5 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Section B (2pm Class) Thurs May 7 11 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm