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Physics 103Physics 103

Dr. Tyler E. Nordgren

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Organization• Lecture two days a week (Mon. and Wed.):

– 1 hour and 20 minutes– Lectures available on website

• Lab one day a week (Thurs.):– 2 hours and 50 minutes in Duke 113

• Evening observing (3 times): 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm– Check the syllabus and web site for exact dates

and times!

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Grading

• Homework: 20%• Quizzes: 10%• Labs: 20%• Observing notes: 5%• Class citizenship: 5%• Exams: 20%

– 3 exams, lowest grade dropped

– Each exam 10%

• Final: 20%

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Grades• Final Grades:

> 90% 3.7-4.0 A89% - 80% 2.7 – 3.3 B79% - 70% 1.7 – 2.3 C69% - 60% 0.7 – 1.3 D< 59% 0.0 F

• If needed, final grades will be curved:

Average grade B-/C+• “1.7 – 2.4 C Acceptable. The quality of work

was acceptable meeting minimal course standards but was not exceptional.” University of Redlands Catalog 2001-2003

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Homework

• Assigned every class.• Due beginning of every class.• If more than one question, only one question

is graded.• If correct: full credit.• If incorrect:

– No credit– Redo for next class– Full credit or no credit then.

• I drop two (2) at end of semester.• No excuse to not get full credit for semester.

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Observing Labs

• Three scheduled meetings in the evenings (~7:30 pm).– Sept 26– Oct 17– Dec 5

• Attendance at two (2) is mandatory.• In event of clouds, back-up dates (see syllabus).• Must keep an observing notebook.

– Observations– Drawings– Various observing assignments– To be turned in at end of semester

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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.

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General AstrologyGeneral Astrology

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GoalsGoals

• Learn:– How the Heavens affect your daily life.

• We will:– Cast horoscopes.– Predict auspicious days and events.– Identify compatible mates.

• The ancients did it, so can you!

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Astronomy

• Astronomy is a science.• Astrology is not.• But why? And who cares?

2/18/1996

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Semester GoalsSemester 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:1. How do we know there are planets around other stars?2. How are stars and planets born, live, and die?3. What are black holes?4. Where did the Universe come from and where is it

going?5. Are we alone in the Universe?

• Prepare you to live in a scientific world.• “Scientists discover giant black hole. Should I be afraid?”

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Why should I believe?

• How do we decide what to believe is true?– Astrology.– Astronomy.– UFOs.– Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI).– Creationism.– The Big Bang.

• Why should you believe one over any other?

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Astrology

• The date, time, (and place) of birth affect:– Your personality– Your actions– Events that will affect your life

• Horoscopes appear in most papers.• Millions of people read them daily.• Is it real? Is it fiction? How do we

know?http://www.azcentral.com/ent/horoscopes/astrology101.html

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Horoscopes

• Horoscopes have been made for each of you.

• Do not share your horoscope with any one else.

• Does this horoscope describe you?

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Does it work?

• Be careful what you are testing.• Any good prediction can be tested.• Science is the art of making good

predictions.

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Homework #1Homework #1

• For Wednesday 9/11:• Read Tyson Chapters 2 and 12.

– (Ty2 and Ty12 on Physics 103 lecture web page)

• Write down three (3) different tests you could actually perform in order to test the accuracy of astrological predictions or the premise that the position of the stars and planets at your birth affects your future and/or personality.

• Email to me by 12:00 noon tyler_nordgren@redlands.edu