Physics 103N – Introductory Astronomy CRN 31172 Summer Session 2015

Monday – Wednesday – Friday 11:45 – 14:15 in OCNPS Room 200 Course Description: This four credit-hour course introduces the basic concepts of astronomy with emphasis on the solar system. Course Objectives: Students will learn basic techniques of scientific investigation of objects in our solar system and their underlying physical principles. Emphasis is on how we acquire knowledge of celestial objects to develop models of our universe through a combination of instruction, in class participation, performing laboratory work and possibly night observations, reading and solving of homework problems. Additional Information:

The course spans a time frame of six weeks and consists of three weekly lectures, three weekly laboratory sessions, homework assignments, in-class participation (quizzes), two midterm and one cumulative final exam. Detailed information and updates/changes can be found on the ODU Blackboard course web page. Instructor: Dr. Stephen Bueltmann Office OCNPS 2100F Phone (757) 683-6401 sbueltma@odu.edu Office Hours: Wednesdays 15:00 – 16:00 and by appointment. Pre-requisite: None. You will need a textbook and an access code for the MasteringAstronomy online homework system. Course Textbook: The Cosmic Perspective: The Solar System

by J. Bennett, M. Donahue, N. Schneider, M. Voit, 7th edition, Addison-Wesley 2014 (ISBN 978-0-321-84106-3). This book contains the chapters 1 – 13, S1, 24 of the full edition (two semester course) of The Cosmic Perspective, see below.

Physics 103N – Introductory Astronomy CRN 31172 Summer Session 2015

A textbook package containing the MasteringAstronomy access code is available: The Cosmic Perspective: The Solar System Plus MasteringAstronomy Access Card

by J. Bennett, M. Donahue, N. Schneider, M. Voit, 7th edition, Addison-Wesley 2014 (ISBN 978-0-321-93149-8).

Students planning to take also PHYS 104N can alternatively buy the full edition: The Cosmic Perspective

by J. Bennett, M. Donahue, N. Schneider, M. Voit, 7th edition, Addison-Wesley 2014 (ISBN 978-0-321-83955-8).

A textbook package of the full edition containing the MasteringAstronomy access code is also available: The Cosmic Perspective Plus MasteringAstronomy Access Card

by J. Bennett, M. Donahue, N. Schneider, M. Voit, 7th edition, Addison-Wesley 2014 (ISBN 978-0-321-83950-3).

The course follows basically the contents of the above textbook. Older editions may also be suitable, but usually do not contain a vaild MasteringAstronomy access code, which can be purchased separately. Some students might prefer a different textbook, some listed below (keeping in mind that the MasteringAstronomy access code can be purchased online separately). Again, older editions may be suitable. 21st Century Astronomy by L. Kay, S. Palen, B. Smith, G. Blumenthal, 4th edition, W. W. Norton 2013 (for a two semester course, available also in two separate volumes). Universe by R. A. Freedman, R. Geller, W. J. Kaufmann, 10th edition, W. H. Freeman 2015 (for a two semester course, available also in two separate volumes). Understanding Our Universe by S. Palen, L. Kay, B. Smith, G. Blumenthal, 2nd edition, W. W. Norton 2015 (less thorough textbook for a one semester course). Life in the Universe by J. Bennett, S. Shostak, 3rd edition, Addison-Wesley 2012 (less thorough textbook for a one semester course). Discovering the Universe by N. F. Comins, W. J. Kaufmann, 9th edition, W. H. Freeman 2011 (less thorough textbook for a one semester course).

Physics 103N – Introductory Astronomy CRN 31172 Summer Session 2015

Outline of Course Schedule: Date Chapter and Topic

Monday, May 18 1 Introduction Wednesday, May 20 2 Discovering the Universe for Yourself Friday, May 22 3 The Science of Astronomy Monday, May 25 No class (Memorial Day Holiday) Wednesday, May 27 4 Gravity and Orbits Friday, May 29 5 Light and Matter Monday, June 1 Midterm 1 (chapters 1 – 5) Wednesday, June 3 6 Telescopes: Portals of Discovery Friday, June 5 7 Our Planetary System Monday, June 8 8 Formation of the Solar System Wednesday, June 10 9 Planetary Geology – Terrestrial Planets Friday, June 12 10 Planetary Atmospheres – Terrestrial Planets Monday, June 15 Midterm 2 (chapters 6 – 10) Wednesday, June 17 11 Jovian Planets Friday, June 19 12 Small Solar System Bodies Monday, June 22 13 Extrasolar Planets Wednesday, June 24 24 Life in the Universe Friday, June 26 Final Cumulative Exam (11:45 – 14:15 in OCNPS 200) Note: The course schedule will be maintained and updated during the session. Homework:

The ability to analyze and solve problems is a very important skill to develop during this course. You can only learn science by doing problems. Homework will be assigned and managed though the MasteringAstronomy online service. You need to have the Student Access Kit that comes with your copy of the textbook or can be purchased online – it contains a code that allows you to register at the website www.masteringastronomy.com. After registering with the service you should add yourself to the class-list for this course using the code MABUELTMANNSU2015. More detailed instructions will be available in the Orientation section of the class Blackboard page. Homework will be assigned as the course progresses, typically every week. Laboratory Sessions:

Attendance & participation is required in the laboratory sessions of the course. Any student with more than one unexcused absence will fail the laboratory session and, hence, the entire course. You must hand in a lab report to get credit for each session. If you cannot avoid missing a lab session, contact the instructor in advance. You should

Physics 103N – Introductory Astronomy CRN 31172 Summer Session 2015

bring with you to the lab session a scientific calculator. The lab instructor will detail the format of lab reports and the grading criteria to be applied. Additionally, night observations may be scheduled. Note: It is a College of Sciences regulation, that you must receive a passing grade (C- or better) from your lab instructor to pass the course. Examinations:

There will be two midterm exams and one cumulative final exam. The final exam will contain questions taken from all subject areas covered in the course. All examinations are closed book. You should only bring a pen or pencil. Throughout the session there will be regular in-class quizzes to help you determine your progress. They will account for a combined 10% of the course grade. There are no make-up quizzes. Course Grade:

A course grade will be assigned based on the following weighting: Laboratory Session 15% Homework 10% In-class Quizzes 10% Midterm Exams 20% each Final Exam 25%