Astronomy and Cosmology
Fall 2008

COURSE OUTLINE

Lecturer: Prof. Jack Hughes, Busch Campus, Serin-307, Tel: (732)445-0980, e-mail: jph "at" physics.rutgers.edu

Textbook: Required. The Universe, 8th edition by R.A. Freedman and W.J.Kaufmann III, Publisher W.H. Freeman. Available from the bookstore in either print or e-book format (your choice)

iclickers: Required.

Overview: In this course we shall discuss the historical foundations of Astronomy, the tools and techniques used by modern astronomers, the constituents of our solar system, and the processes by which it formed. The companion course, Ph 110 (taught this semester by Dr. Matilsky and next semester by Drs. Hughes and Williams) covers the structure and evolution of stars, the properties of galaxies, and the past, present, and future of the Universe. There are no college-level prerequisites for either course, but typical high school algebra and science preparation is assumed.

Format: The course consists of 2 lectures each week on Tuesday and Thursday from 8:10PM to 9:30PM in the Physics Lecture Hall (PHL), Busch Campus.

Assessment: Grades will be determined based on three elements weighted equally: (1) in class iclicker quizes, (2) a midterm exam, and (3) a cumulative final exam. Iclicker quizes will be given on material that has been presented in class or covered in the assigned reading. There will be a single make-up exam (covering ALL the material in the course) for students with a class conflict, a medical/family emergency, or other serious and unforeseen event who miss EITHER the midterm or the final. In all cases, documentation (your class schedule, a doctor's note, etc.) must be provided to take the make-up exam. To reiterate, the make-up exam will be the same for either missed test and it will be cumulative.

Exam Schedule:

• Midterm Exam: in class, October 23 (Thursday)
• Final Exam: location TBD, December 18 (Thursday) 8:00PM - 11:00PM
• Make-up Exam: location TBD, December 22 (Monday) 10:00AM - 1:00PM

How to succeed in this class:

• Read the relevant chapter in the textbook before class.
• Attend all lectures and ask questions based on your readings and the material presented.
• Prepare for in class iclicker quizes by trying the sample questions at the end of each chapter. The solutions to many of the chapter-end "Advanced Questions" are in the back of the textbook (after the Glossary and before the Index).
• Talk to the professor if you have any questions/concerns about the material or content during office hours or immediately before or after the lectures.
• Work through the practice exams (to be provided) while preparing for the examinations. Be sure to understand the conceptual basis for each question, so that you can confidently derive the answers yourself. Do not memorize answers!