Astronomy and Cosmology
Spring 2009

COURSE OUTLINE

Lecturer: Prof. Jack Hughes, Busch Campus, Serin-307, Tel: (732)445-5500 x0980, 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. You must register your iclicker even if you've had it for years, even if you registered it last semester. To reiterate, register your iclicker by going to http://www.iclicker.com/registration/ and filling out the brief web form.

Overview: In this course we shall study the structure and evolution of stars, the properties of galaxies, and the past, present, and future of the Universe. The companion course, Ph 109 (taught this semester by Dr. Pryor) covers 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. 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 6:40PM to 8:00PM 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. All quizes and exams will be closed-book format and will consist of multiple-choice questions. Iclicker quizes will be given on material that has been presented in class or covered in the assigned reading. Both exams will be computer-graded; be sure to bring a number 2 pencil. 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, TBD
• Final Exam: location TBD, May 7 (Thursday) 8:00PM - 11:00PM
• Make-up Exam: location TBD, May 8 (Friday) 12:00noon - 3:00PM

Observing: Viewing sessions using the telescopes located on the roof of the Physics & Astronomy Building (Busch campus) are held on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month when the sky is clear, beginning at 8 pm or 1 hour after sunset, whichever is later. Attendance at these observing sessions is optional. For more information, see: http://www.physics.rutgers.edu/ast/ast-serin.html

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.
• Review the posted lectures.
• Prepare for in class iclicker quizes by trying the sample questions at the end of each chapter, especially the ones highlighted at the end of each lecture. 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. If you can't get to my office hours send me an e-mail and we'll arrange another time that's convenient.
• 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!