Solar System Astronomy 29:052

Fall Semester 2002

Course Information

Lecture Schedule	MWF 10:30 am – 11:20 am Room 70 VAN
Instructor	Robert Mutel, Professor of Astronomy Office: 706 VAN, Telephone: 335-1950 Email: Robert-mutel@uiowa.edu Web page: http://phobos.physics.uiowa.edu/rlm
Office Hours	Wednesday 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm or by appointment
Textbook	T. Arny, Explorations, Vol 1: Solar System, McGraw-Hill
Discussion/Film	Thursdays 7:00pm- 8:30pm 70 VAN (optional)
Course Web page	http://phobos.physics.uiowa.edu/solarsys

Course goals and scope

This course is an introductory survey of solar system astronomy intended primarily for non-science majors. The syllabus covers the basic phenomenology of the solar system, including the most recent discoveries being made by recently launched space probes. The emphasis will be on descriptive and qualitative ideas, but some basic mathematical equations (at the level of high school algebra) will be used. We will also examine the wider question of the impact of astronomical knowledge on culture and the world of ideas.

Assignments, Exams, and Grading

There will be weekly assignments consisting of a combination of readings, problems, and observing exercises. Assignments are typically due on Mondays at the start of lecture. There will be four hourly in-class exams and a final comprehensive exam. The course grading will consist of 50% assignments, 35% hourly exams, and 15% final exam. The lowest scoring in-class exam will be dropped.

Exam Review Sessions

Each Thursday evening before exams there will be a review session in Room 70 VAN. Attendance at these sessions is not mandatory, but highly encouraged.