Physics 109: Astronomy and Cosmology

The Solar System

Spring 2012

Astronomy at Rutgers • Department of Physics & Astronomy • Rutgers University

1. At a Glance

2. Course Description

This course describes the foundations of astronomy and modern knowledge of our Solar System as well as planets around other stars.  While astronomers know a tremendous amount about the universe, science is not just about the static set of facts, but also about the dynamic process of discovery.  We will therefore consider science as a way of knowing about the world we live in.

There are no college-level prerequisites for this course, but typical high school algebra and science preparation are assumed.  The companion course, PHY110, covers stars, galaxies, and the universe as a whole.  The two courses are complementary and independent; you can take one or both, and in either order.  Note that PHY 109/110 are intended for non-science majors. Students with college-level math and science credits should consider taking PHY 341/342 instead.  Those courses cover much of the same material as PHY 109/110, but at a more advanced level.

3. Instructor

This is the official website of Section 1 (the only section) of PHY109 for Spring 2012.  The instructor is:

Prof. Chuck Keeton

(main office) Room 305W, Serin Physics and Astronomy Building, Busch Campus
(at times) Aresty Research Center, Milledoler Hall, College Ave. Campus

Phone: 732-445-5500 x5742
Email: keeton at physics.rutgers.edu

In addition to having regular office hours, I will be available to offer help and answer questions for a few minutes just before and after class.

4. Office Hours

My office hours will be held in room 305W of the Serin Physics Building:

        Monday, 1:30-2:30pm
        Friday morning (beginning 2/24)

We also have a PHY109 "virtual classroom" set up through Sakai.  That is the best place to submit questions about course material or logistics.  If you send me email on those topics, I will post them (anonymously) on Sakai along with the response.  You are of course welcome to email me with emergencies or confidential issues.  Please make it clear in the subject line that the message relates to PHY109 and indicate whether it should remain private.

The Cosmic Perspective: Fundamentals

6. Topics and Calendar

Here is the preliminary list of topics for the semester.  I will update the schedule as needed.

7. Homework, Quizzes, and Discussions

Homework will be assigned for each class, in the form of reading and end-of-chapter questions.  Reading should be done before class.  Homework will not be graded, but it will prepare you for the quiz and discussion questions in class.  The quiz questions will be similar--but not identical--to the assigned homework questions; so memorizing the answers will not help you, but understanding the problems will!

In-class quizzes will be given using the iClicker personal response system.  The quizzes will be closed book (also no computer, iPhone, Blackberry, etc.).  The quizzes embody the idea that it is much easier to master the material continuously throughout the semester, rather than cramming before the exam.

In-class discussion questions will also use iClickers.  The discussion questions are designed to encourage active learning and probe deeper into certain topics.

Before you can earn iClicker points, you must register your iClicker remote as follows:

• Respond to at least one question in class.
• Go to www.iclicker.com/registration.
• Enter your name, student ID, and remote ID.  Use your Sakai username as your student ID.  Your remote ID is found on the bottom of the back of your iClicker remote.
• Write your name or initials on your iClicker remote.
  

1. iClicker points count for one third of the course grade.
2. It is easier to get a high score on the quiz and discussion questions than on the exams.
3. Doing the homework will prepare you for the exams.

8. Exams

There will be a midterm exam on Tuesday, March 6 during the regular class period.  The final exam time will be announced.  Make-up exams will be offered for those who have an excused absence for either the midterm exam or the final exam.

Only those people who are unable to attend the regular exams because of a class conflict, a medical/family emergency (which must be documented with a dean's note), or other serious and unforeseen event (which must be documented with a dean's note) will be allowed to take the make-up exam.

All exams will be multiple choice, computer graded, and closed book/laptop/phone/PDA.

IMPORTANT: For the midterm and final exams, you must know your RUID and bring photo ID.  Students lacking appropriate identification may not be allowed to take the exam!

9. Grading

The course grade will be computed as follows:

Note that the maximum score that can be obtained from exams alone is 67%. Therefore it is impossible to get a good overall grade without attending class and participating in the iClicker quizzes and discussions.