PHY
109: Astronomy and Cosmology
Fall
2003
Last updated August 1, 2003
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Textbook |
Astronomy Today (4th Edition), by Chaisson & McMillan
The textbook for the course is
Astronomy Today (4th Edition), by Chaisson and McMillan, ISBN 0130915424
which is published by Prentice Hall. This is an excellent book, very up-to-date and well illustrated. It contains too much material even for a two semester course. Some of the material you will have to read (see the lecture schedule and reading list), while other material can be omitted altogether. Those with a strong interest should be able to enjoy the whole book, and "More Precisely" boxes offer a more quantitative treatment of certain topics. Lectures will be more accessible if you have read the appropriate part of the book before class.
Note that this book has a companion website,
http://www.prenhall.com/chaisson
which is worth consulting.
Note also that the textbook is available in two separate volumes:
Vol 1: Astronomy Today: Solar System, ISBN 0130935603 Vol 2: Astronomy Today: Stars and Galaxies, ISBN 0130935719
Those who are interested in taking only PHY109, and not PHY110, may want to consider purchasing Volume 1 only. If you plan to take both PHY1109 and 110, then it is cheaper and more convenient to buy the single-volume version.
Books may purchased at the University Bookstores, or on-line from various websites such as this one.
Finally, you must obtain a WebAssign access code as well.
Student Guide to WebAssign & Access Code (ISBN 1928550193)
Note that when you purchase the textbook for this course, a copy of the WebAssign access code is included. If you prefer to buy your textbook at someplace other than the University Bookstore, then you will need to purchase an access code separately. They are available at the University bookstores, or on-line from WebAssign: Web Assign. Note, however, that the second option requires a credit card.
High color (16 bit) or true color (24 bit) display is preferred.