AY101 - Introduction to Astronomy - Summer 2011

Dr. Keel

Lectures M-F 10:00-11:45 a.m., room 227 Gallalee

Office hours for AY101: in 316 Gallalee, 1:15-3:15 Wednesday, 1:30-3:00 Tuesday, and other times by appointment (348-1641). I can also be reached by email at wkeel@bama.ua.edu .

Text: The Cosmic Perspective Fundamentals, 1st ed., by Bennett et al.

Student response units (clickers) will be used, and participation points will be allocated using them. The target topics for each lecture are listed below, with relevant chapters in parentheses. Copies of my lecture outlines are also available at the Supply Store. Additional activities - telescope usage and computer/network resources - will be available. For planning purposes, possible nights for remote telescope sessions will be June 9, 21, and 22, depending on weather at remote sites in Arizona and Chile; these sessions will be held in the regular classroom. A Web page for this section of AY 101 is available at http://astronomy.ua/edu/keel/ay101.

This course deals with the objects and techniques of astronomical investigation. We will consider planets, stars, and galaxies, with regard to their physical nature, history, and interrelations. Its specific learning goals are that students will:

  • 1) be able to identify key concepts in the sciences to provide a broad perspective on the human condition.
  • 2) be able to recognize and explain the scientific method, and evaluate scientific information.
  • 3) be able to characterize the appearance and motion of celestial objects.
  • 4) be able to identify the key conceptual advances (and associated figures) in the history of astronomy.
  • 5) understand the relationship between light, matter, and energy in an astronomical context.
  • 6) understand the content, formation and evolution of planetary systems.
  • 7) understand the nature and evolution of stars.
  • 8) understand the nature and evolution of galaxies.
  • 9) understand the nature and evolution of the Universe.

    Class outline
    Date Topic (chapter)
    May 31 Introduction, process of science, cosmic scales (1)
    June 1 No class
    June 2 Viewing the sky - seasons, phases, eclipses (2)
    June 3 No class
    June 6 How we learned to read the sky (3)
    June 7 Newton to Einstein - gravity as physics in the sky (3)
    June 8 Our solar system and its history (4)
    June 9 Earth and other rocky worlds (5)
    June 10 Exploration of the solar system
    June 13 Giant planets (6)
    June 14 Planets around other stars (7) First extra-credit paper due
    June 15 The Sun (8)
    June 16 Other stars (8)
    June 17 Lives of the stars (9) (withdrawal deadline)
    June 20 Stellar graveyards (10)
    June 21 The Milky Way (11)
    June 22 Galaxies and quasars (11)
    June 23 Galaxies: distances and history (12)
    June 24 The early Universe (13) Second extra-credit paper due
    June 27 Dark energy and dark matter - where's the rest of the Universe? (14)
    June 28 Life in the Universe (15)

    Grading and exam policies: The course grade will be based on in-class quizzes (50%), online homework through the Mastering Astronomy system (10%), class participation using the clicker units (15%) and a comprehensive final exam (25%). Extra credit may be given in conjunction with observing activities during the course, and there will be the opportunity for extra-credit essays. The final exam is scheduled for 8:00 a.m., Thursday, June 30.



    Other important information:

    Academic misconduct: All students in attendance at the University of Alabama are expected to be honorable and to observe standards of conduct appropriate to a community of scholars. The University expects from its students a higher standard of conduct than the minimum required to avoid discipline. Academic misconduct includes all acts of dishonesty in any academically related matter and any knowing or intentional help, or conspiracy to help, another student. The Academic Misconduct Disciplinary Policy will be followed in the event of academic misconduct.

    Students with disabilities are encouraged to register with the Office of Disability Services (348-4285). Thereafter, you are invited to schedule appointments to see me during office hours to discuss accomodations or other special needs.

    Any issues with grading (missing quizzes, quizzes graded wrong) must be brought to my attention by the last day of class, to have them closed out before the final exam.