ASTRONOMY, GEOL 2124
ZAP 1319 and
ASTRONOMY LABORATORY
ZAP
1319
DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS AND PHYSICAL SCIENCE
FALL, 2008
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course examines the astronomical universe and the perspectives
such as "deep time" used by astronomers in scientific study of the cosmos beyond
the solar system, the birth and death of galactic objects, interstellar matter,
star formation, . Lecture includes
"chalk talks" to teach and discuss the material
presented. Outside readings
from journals available at the RSU library and from the instructor will be
assigned in addition to material presented in class and on-line.
INSTRUCTOR:
Dr. W. Patrick Seward
OFFICE: Taylor Libraray 107
OFFICE HOURS:
Monday through Friday: 8:15 to 9:00 a.m., 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. Tuesday and
Thursday, and
Monday through Friday 1:15 to 2:00 p.m., also by appointment – just drop by.
PHONES:
My office (918) 343-7835
Department Phone: (918) 343-6812
E-MAIL:
wpseward@rsu.edu
CLASSROOM:
Lecture, Loshbaugh Hall 107
TEXTS:
Astronomy Today, Sixth edition, by Chaisson and McMillan
GRADES:
There will be four one-hour examinations, each worth 20% of your final
grade. There
is a laboratory for this class worth 20% of your final grade.
EXAMS:
Examinations are composed of short answer (short essay) questions.
Each
exam will be worth 100 points.
Exams will be announced one week in advance.
Make a real effort to take exams at the originally-scheduled time.
Make up exams are rigorous.
Only one make up exam may be taken - any succeeding missed exams will be
graded as a zero. You have one
week to make up an exam.
READING ASSIGNMENTS:
In order for the class to have active participation and discussion, it is
important that all reading assignments be completed before the next day's
lecture or laboratory. Each week's
reading assignment will be posted in the classroom before the first lecture of
the week. Bring your text to every
class meeting.
ATTENDANCE:
Attendance is mandatory.
Roll will be taken at every meeting.
PLANNING:
A general rule in planning study time for college courses is two hours of
outside
preparation for each one hour of class per week.
Consequently, you must plan to study 6 to 8 hours per week outside
the class. Furthermore, you should
realize that consistent application produces results that are
superior to last-minute cramming.
Recognize that 6 or 8 hours of study the night before an exam cannot substitute
for the cumulative effect of 24 to 32 hours of study which should have been
spent in the weeks prior to examination.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
1.
The student has a working knowledge of the history and foundations of
astronomy.
2.
The student can discuss the formation, environments, of our solar system
and
can explain the modern theories of its formation and evolution.
3.
The student will understand
the mechanisms and formation of our sun, a typical
star. The student will be able to
measure the temperature and luminosity of the sun by observing its luminosity
and noting its position on a Hertzsprung - Russell diagram, relative to giants,
dwarfs, and other Main Sequence stars.
4.
The student will understand and be able to explain the processes of star
formation, evolution, and star death by examining novae, supernovae, and the
heavy element formation.
5.
The student will examine and be able to explain the concepts of neutron
stars
and black holes and the formation of "strange matter" that may exist in these
unique and dramatic environments.
6.
The student will gain a "hands-on" working knowledge of celestial
observation
using a Schmidt Cassegrain telescope, astronomical binoculars, and star charts
and catalogs.
7.
The student with work with computer-based astronomy program to understand
the concept of the celestial sphere, astronomical coordinate systems, and a
three dimensional view of the known universe.
ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT:
Students are expected to follow University policies as put forth in the
institution's Student Code of Responsibilities and Conduct.
In accordance with Title 12 of
The Student Code (page 11), instances of alleged academic
misconduct (cheating) will follow the policies and procedures as described in
Title 12. As a general rule,
faculty at
ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT:
Students are expected to follow university policies as put forth in the
institution’s Student Code of Conduct.
In accordance with Title 2 of The Student Code (page
11), instances of alleged academic misconduct will follow the policies and
procedures as described in Title 12.
As a general rule, faculty at
Plagiarism: Plagiarism is representing someone else’s ideas of work as your own.
To avoid plagiarism when using someone else’s data, arguments, designs,
words, ideas, projects, etc., you must make it clear that the work originated
with someone else by citing the source.
A student found guilty of plagiarism will receive a zero for that
particular assignment. A student
found guilty of cheating on a quiz, exam, paper, or project, will receive a zero
for that particular assignment. If
there are two or more identical papers that are impossible to determine who
actually conducted the work, and who plagiarized, then all students will receive
a zero for the particular assignment
STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES:
disabilities equal access to educational programs and services. Any
student who has a disability that he or she believes will require some form of
academic accommodation must inform the professor of such need during or
immediately following the first class attended. Before any
educational accommodation can be provided, it is the responsibility of each
student to prove eligibility for assistance by registering for services through
Student Affairs.
Students whom require more information about Student Disability Services
should contact the Office of Student Development at 343-7707.