Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Astro 201.Syllabus.S07
Astro 201.Syllabus.S07
Astro 201.Syllabus.S07
COURSE
SCHEDULE:
Week #
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
Date(s)
Jan. 17
Jan. 22, 24
Jan. 29, 31
Feb. 5, 7
Feb. 12, 14
Feb. 19, 21
Feb. 26, 28
Mar. 5, 7
Mar. 19, 21
Mar. 26, 28
Apr. 2, 4
Apr. 9, 11
Apr. 16, 18
Apr. 23, 25
Apr. 30, May 2
May 8 (Tues.)
Topic/Activity
Introduction, spherical geometry, PS #1
Terrestrial coordinates, celestial coordinates
Celestial coordinates, PS #1 due Jan. 31, PS#2
Celestial coordinates
Celestial coordinates, PS#2 due Feb. 14, PS#3
Matrix introduction, coordinate rotation
Coordinate rotation, PS#3 due Feb. 28, PS#4
Coordinate rotation, Midterm exam, Mar. 5
Time, PS#4 due Mar. 21, PS#5
Time, universal, atomic, dynamic
Time, calendar PS#5 due Apr. 4
The calendar
Precession, nutation, proper motion, PS#6
Aberration, parallax, refraction
Modern position, time systems PS#6 due May 2
Final exam 12:30 - 2:30 p.m.
The course schedule is approximate and is subject to change. Changes will be announced in class.
GRADING: There will be six problem sets, a midterm and a final exam in this course. The
problem sets will be worth 50 points each and the midterm and final exam will be worth 50
points each. Problem sets are due at the beginning of class on the dates indicated. A total of 400
points are possible in this course and your final score will be the percentage of this possible
score you earn. (An extra credit project worth a maximum of 20 points will be discussed
later.) The grading scale is as follows:
Percentage
Score
[90 - 100]
[80 - 90)
[70 - 80)
[60 - 70)
<60
Grade
A
B
C
D
F
The problem sets will involve considerable calculation. They will be graded on the basis of the
method as well as the answer. Neatness and promptness will also be considered in the
determination of the score. Points will be deducted from problem sets turned-in late according
to the judgment of the instructor. Students are expected to be honest and responsible in the
accomplishment of their academic work. While working with fellow students to understand
course material is encouraged, a problem set should be solely the work of the student whose
name is on it. The midterm and final exams will consist of a mix of matching, short essay
questions and short problems. All the material presented in class will be potential test
material. Grades of incomplete will be given according to University policy.
OFFICE HOURS: Regular office hours are posted at my office. I will also be glad to meet with
students by appointment. I am in my office much of the day. Feel free to drop by.