Physics 103 General Astronomy Dr. Tyler E. Nordgren

Organization Lecture three days a week (MWF): 1 hour and 20 minutes Lectures available on website Lab one day a week (Tues. am or pm): 2 hours and 50 minutes (meet AHON 117) Off campus observing (3 times): lab nights Check the syllabus and website for exact dates and times!

Structure 9:30 am homework due 30 minute lecture Concept questions In-class discussion 15 minute quiz New homework assigned.

Homework & Quizzes Assigned every class. Due 9:30 morning of every class. Two or three questions. Must include a topic of confusion. I will tailor class lecture to homework. At end of class, a short quiz.

Observing Labs Three off campus meetings in the evenings (~7:30 pm). Jan 17 (back-up is Feb 7) Feb 21 (back-up is March 28) April 4 (back-up none) Attendance is mandatory at two. In event of clouds, back-up date.

Observing Project Science is a process, not a body of knowledge! You will do a scientific project. Observe the sky: Make observations Predictions Presentation at end of semester.

Grading Homework: 10% Quizzes: 20% Labs: 10% Observing project: 15% Class citizenship: 5% Exams: 20% 3 exams, lowest grade dropped Each exam 10% Final: 20%

Class Rules See hand-out and website. You are adults and responsible for ALL rules. A few in particular: No late homework is accepted. No admittance to lab once started. No make-up exams.

Grades Final Grades: “C Acceptable. The quality of work was acceptable meeting minimal course standards but was not exceptional.” University of Redlands Catalog 2002-2004

Semester Goals What is science? How does it work? Why is science different from philosophy or religion? Why is a scientific “theory” different from a conspiracy “theory?” Learn about the Scientific Method through study of Astronomy: Are there planets around other stars? How are stars and planets born, live, and die? What are black holes? Where did the Universe come from and where is it going? Are we alone in the Universe?

Why should I believe? How do we decide what to believe is true? Astrology. Astronomy. UFOs. Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI). Creationism (Intelligent Design). The Big Bang. Why should you believe one over any other?

Homework #1 Due Wed 11-Jan: Read Tyson Ch. 2. (denoted “Ty2” on Physics 103 lecture web page) What are the steps of the scientific method? Use an example from your personal experience to briefly illustrate each step.