Andromeda Galaxy by participants in the 1998 Leadership Workshop for Teachers at McDonald Observatory
Andromeda Galaxy by participants in the 1998
Leadership Workshop for Teachers at McDonald Observatory
Unique number: 43905
Course number: Ast 301
Description: General introduction to astronomy for non-science
majors. The solar system, stars, galaxies, and cosmology.
Prerequisite: none.
Astronomy 301 is an introductory course in astronomy for non-science majors. This section will focus on active learning techniques, emphasizes critical thinking, and concentrates on written expression. Other sections of Ast 301 are more lecture-oriented; Ast 302 is a self-paced version of Ast 301. Ast 303 includes more observational activities. Ast 307 is designed for science and engineering majors. Credit can only be given for one of: AST 301, 302, 303 or 307.
In this class you will examine how modern astronomers collect and analyze light and other forms of radiation from space to reveal the nature of this immense universe surrounding us. Astronomy is both an old and a new science; it has historical roots that go back thousands of years, yet pushes the frontiers of current research. We will begin with our surroundings here on Earth and early observations made by many cultures of the motions of the heavens. As more precise observations were made with new instruments, astronomers began to understand the motion seen in the heavens in terms of the gravitational force -- a theme still important today (e.g., dark matter). Study of the stars and their life cycles will begin with our own star the Sun. For only the last 70 years have astronomers realized that the Sun and planets are a tiny part of the vast collection of stars that make up our Milky Way Galaxy and that our galaxy is only one of billions in an expanding universe. We'll also explore our own Solar System, drawing comparisons between the planets most similar to Earth (Venus and Mars) and the giant planets (like Jupiter).
We know that you are probably taking this course to fulfill your science distribution requirement. We hope that you chose astronomy because it sounded more interesting to you than your other options. Maybe it was all that you could fit into your schedule! An educated individual should at least appreciate science and what scientists do, so let's make the most of this experience.
We are excited about astronomy! During this semester you will be learning about awesome and amazing bodies in our universe. Black holes, quasars, and volcanoes on Jupiter's moon Io are fascinating, but have you ever seen a more beautiful planet than Saturn? Maybe Earth?
You can understand the universe that surrounds us! What a shame it would be for you to go through life without taking advantage of the vast body of scientific knowledge our ancestors have accumulated. Modern astronomers have an obligation to share our discoveries with everyone. You'll want to be informed in order to make responsible decisions regarding our planet's future. Forming opinions supported by interpretation of scientific data is crucial in dealing with environmental problems (such as ozone depletion and global warming) and answering basic questions about humanity (Are we alone in the universe? Is space exploration worth the cost?).
Curiosity has brought our species to this level -- pondering how we fit into the universe. Astronomy may begin to be a new area of interest for you. We hope your interest in astronomy continues well beyond this course. Many times a new astronomical discovery results in asking more new questions than providing answers to old ones. Long after this semester, we hope you will continue to think critically and ask the next question for yourself.
Days: Tuesday and Thursday.
Time: 9:30 to 10:45 AM.
Place: RLM 5.104.
Name: Dr. Mary Kay Hemenway
Office: RLM 13.128
Office hours: Monday 1:30 to 2:30 PM and Wednesday 10-11
AM or by appointment
Phone: 471-1309
E-mail: marykay@astro.as.utexas.edu
Name: Dr. Harriet Dinerstein
Office: RLM 16.324
Office hours: Thursday 11:00 AM to noon or by appointment
Phone: 471-3449
E-mail: harriet@astro.as.utexas.edu
Name: Michael Yuan
Office: RLM 16.220
Office hours: Tuesday 1 to 2 PM
Help session: Wednesday 6 to 7 PM in
RLM 5.112
Phone: 471-3447
E-mail: juntao@astro.as.utexas.edu
Horizons: Exploring the Universe 5th Edition, by Michael A. Seeds
Preparation: We expect you to come to class prepared to work.
Reading the textbook: Because many topics presented in this course will be brand new to you, it may help you to preview the upcoming lecture by lightly reading the material assigned. A more careful reading is recommended after lecture. You should study your class notes in the evening to make sure everything is clear.
Math/science anxiety: If you have always disliked math and/or science in the past, we hope this is the course that changes your opinion. You completed high school math/science requirements for graduation. That's all the background needed for Astronomy 301. We even review the math you need in the optional help sessions. You can do it! We will help you.
Study Habits: Study wisely and ask for help if you need it. Studying the night before the exam may not be sufficient. Because there is a lot of material covered, it will be easier if you keep up on a daily basis. Digest the material one lecture at a time. If you have questions, please see an instructor or the TA. We are here to teach; please ask for help if you need it. Reading assignments and help sessions will be announced in class.
Comprehensive final exam: Thursday, May 13, 1999 from 9 AM to noon
Grades are assigned on a point basis. Announcements will be made in class concerning how many participation points can be earned for class participation or lecture activities. For example, turning in the syllabus checksheet is worth 2 points.
| two 100 point exams |
200 |
| five homeworks (5 x 15 points) |
75 |
| class participation and activities |
75 |
| final exam |
150 |
| TOTAL |
500 |
Exams will consist of multiple choice questions and questions that require written responses. A full credit makeup exam will be given only to those students who have a valid excuse and who call or e-mail the instructor before the exam is offered to the class. Arrangements for the make-up exam must be made within a week of the original exam time. Makeup exams will have a different format than the original exam and are likely to be oral.
Grading scale used for final grades:
| A | 100% - 90% | 500 to 450 points |
| B | 89% - 80% | 449 to 400 points |
| C | 79% - 70% | 399 to 350 points |
| D | 70% - 55% | 349 to 275 points |
| F | 54% or below | 274 points or less |
There will be no curve on the final grades. There will be an extra credit problem on each of the homework assignments. Additional extra credit may be earned by completing the Educational Study Interview (10 points) or the Public Outreach Assignment (10 points). There will be no extra credit term papers.
Students with a documented disability who wish to discuss academic accommodations should contact the instructor as soon as possible -- before an exam or homework assignment that might be affected by the accommodation requirement.
Scholastic dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent. You are expected to have read and understood the current issue of General Information Catalog, published by the Registrar's Office, for information about procedures and about what constitutes scholastic dishonesty.
The times of the following events vary throughout the semester
and are especially affected by our move to Daylight Savings Time
on April 4. Call 471-5007 for further information and updates.
(The phone message is updated weekly.) Attend at least one session
and write a one-page report on the session to receive 10 10 extra
points credit. (Limit: one possible extra credit assignment per
student.)
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