COURSE INFORMATION

Course Goals and Subject Matter. This course is a conceptual survey of the major ideas in current astronomical research. Since it impossible to cover all the important ideas in this large field in one-semester course, we will survey a selected subset of the entire field of astronomy. The learning goals include some essential factual knowledge, but I will emphasize understanding concepts and ideas rather than memorizing facts. The major subject emphasis will be on objects outside the solar system, including stars, galaxies, and cosmology. We will spend only one week on the solar system, since that is covered thoroughly in the highly recommended course Solar System Astronomy (29:52).

Mathematics Level. This is not a course for science majors or those with a strong mathematics background and ability. (The one-year introductory course General Astronomy, 29:61-62, is recommended if you are so inclined.) There are approximately 10 simple algebraic equations which I will use and expect you to master during the semester. In addition, we will need some geometric ideas and 3-dimensional spatial reasoning skills to understand the motion of celestial bodies, eclipses, stars, and galaxies.

Laboratory Sections. If you are registered for 4 semester hours, you are already assigned to a weekly laboratory section. The laboratory meets during the day, but there are opportunities for observing with a research-grade optical telescope which the Department operates in Arizona (Rigel telescope). The telescope is operated remotely from Iowa City, and you will be using this facility for a research project in the second half of the semester.

Observing Test (required).  Every student registered in Modern Astronomy is required to pass an Observer's test whether they are registered for laboratory credit or not. There is a list of required and optional objects on the Observing List web page.

PRS (Personal Response System). I will be using a student feedback technology called 'clickers', or PRS during lectures. Each student will be issued a PRS transmitter (looks like a TV remote) with an individual code. We will use these for (almost) weekly quizzes, which are a required part of the course. I will announce during the first week where and when they can be picked up. PRS quizzes will start in early February.

Grading. The course grade (letter grade will include +/- grading) will be determined by the sum of points accumulated during the semester. The total possible points are given in the table below. PRS Extra credit points will be added to the total below.

Department information.

• DEO contact info: Prof. T. Boggess, 203 VAN, 335-1689
• This is s 3 (lecture only) or 4 (lecture with lab) semester hour course.
• Students are expected to spend two hours preparation for each registered semester hour.
• Procedure for student complaints is described in Chapter 5 of the College of Liberal Arts Student Academic Handbook (CLAS Handbook).
• Collegiate policy on plagiarism and cheating is also found in the CLAS handbook.
• Students rights and responsibilities (from CLAS handbook):

"Your responsibilities to this class - and to your education as a whole-include attendance and participation. You are also expected to be honest and honorable in your fulfillment of assignments and in test-taking situations (the College's policy on plagiarism and cheating is on-line in the College's Student Academic Handbook.) You have a responsibility to the rest of the class-and to the instructor-to help create a classroom environment where all may learn. At the most basic level, this means that you will respect the other members of the class and the instructor, and treat them with the courtesy you hope to receive in turn."