Astronomy 101 Syllabus – Prof. Kim-Vy Tran, Spring 2017 (version January 16, 2017) 1

Astronomy 101: Basic Astronomy (Sections 502 & 504)

Course Description: A qualitative approach to basic stellar astronomy; earth-moon-sun rela-tionships then studies of distances to stars, stellar temperatures, and other physical properties;birth, life on the main sequence of the H-R diagram, and ultimate fates of stars; not open tostudents who have taken ASTR 111 or ASTR 314.

Prerequisites: None. Course uses basic (high school level) algebra and geometry.

Course Content: 3 Lecture hours each week (3 credit course)

Course Objectives: By the conclusion of this course, students should be able to:

• Explain the scientific process and how scientific theories are developed and tested.

• Recall basic physical concepts such as gravitational and conservation laws, and how light andmatter interact.

• Describe the general characteristics of our solar system and the universe.

• Apply scientific thinking to the natural world to understand, e.g. what powers the sun, whygalaxies differ, and how the universe began.

• Have a deeper understanding of modern astronomical knowledge.

• Discuss and communicate effectively in small groups by incorporating visual tools, quantita-tive reasoning, and fact-based arguments.

Logistics

Lecturer: Associate Prof. Kim-Vy Tran

Email & Phone: astro.tamu@gmail.com & 979 458 5853

Textbook: “The Essential Cosmic Perspective”, 7th Edition by Bennett et al.

Equipment: iClicker (bring to every lecture; register in class)

Lectures:Section 502 @ 09:35 – 10:50 on Tuesdays & Thursdays in MPHY 203Section 504 @ 11:10 – 12:25 on Tuesdays & Thursdays in MPHY 204

Office Day: Tuesdays in MIST 324 (except during lecture times). Please email or call me torequest an appointment for any other time.

Class Website: http://faculty.physics.tamu.edu/vy/ASTR101-spring17

eCampus Website: http://ecampus.tamu.edu/Check here for link to class website, posted grades, and direct link to online homework.

Online Homework: Modified Mastering Astronomy (access via eCampus)In the Menu, go to Tools –> go to Pearson’s MyLab & Mastering

Course ID is tran07704

Teaching Assistants:Grad Jonathan Cohn (Head TA)Undergrad Miranda Apfel (TR 11:10) – Undergrad Britton Beeny (TR 09:35) – Undergrad CourtneyWatson (TR 09:35)

Use astro.tamu@gmail.com to reach all of us.

Astronomy 101 Syllabus – Prof. Kim-Vy Tran, Spring 2017 (version January 16, 2017) 2

Supplemental Instruction/Homework Help Sessions:

Mondays 17:00 – 19:00 in MPHY 331; Assistance available upon request (astro.tamu@gmail.com)

Class Requirements

• Homework (10%): 12 assigned, only 10 are required (late homework receives no credit). Theextra 2 homeworks are available as extra credit.

• Class Participation (5%): in-class questions & polling with iClicker; lecture tutorials

• Mid-term Exam #1 (25%): February 14, 2017; multiple choice and free response

• Mid-term Exam #2 (25%): March 30, 2017; multiple choice and free response

• Final Exam (35%): May 4, 2017 (Friday); multiple choice and free response; cumulative &mandatory

Approximate Grading Scale:A (≥90%), B (80–89%), C (70-79%), D (60-69%), F (<60%)

Time Investment: As for all 3 credit courses, you are expected to spend approximately 12 hourstotal per week on the material (3 hours in lecture, 6 hours reading, and 3 hours on homework).

Homework Structure

There are a total of 12 homeworks assigned during the semester but only 10 are required for yourhomework component of 10%. The extra two homeworks count as extra credit, e.g. if you missedone of the previous 10 homeworks. Each of homework assignment is worth 1% towards your finalgrade, meaning that there is a potential 2% worth of extra credit towards your final class grade ifyou complete all 12 homeworks. The exams cover all 12 homework assignments.

Each assignment is due by 10:59pm on Monday and late homework receives no credit.

All assignments need to be completed online with Modified Mastering Astronomy; the direct weblinkis available on eCampus under “Tools”. You must first register at the website with a code that isincluded in each new copy of the textbook; a separate code can be purchased for used textbooks.

In the eCampus Menu, go to Tools –> go to Pearson’s MyLab & Mastering

The Modified Mastering Astronomy course ID is tran07704.

Mobile phones, Electronic Devices, & Electronic Communication

There is a strict no laptop/no mobile devices policy for this class – all laptops, tablets, and smart-phones must remain closed during lecture.

This is hopefully obvious, but you should turn off (e.g. “airplane mode”) your smartphone priorto the start of class; texting or any other use of a smartphone during class is not allowed. Textingvia your laptop with, e.g. iChat or Skype, is also not allowed. The no electronic communica-tion/distraction policy also applies to tablets, smartphones, and any other such devices. Theseactivities during class are distracting and disrespectful to both your fellow students and me.

Your Responsibilities

Texas A&M University assumes that all students enroll in its programs with a serious learningpurpose and expects them to be responsible individuals who demand of themselves high standardsof honesty and personal conduct. All students are expected to behave at all times with respect

Astronomy 101 Syllabus – Prof. Kim-Vy Tran, Spring 2017 (version January 16, 2017) 3

and courtesy toward their fellow students and instructors and are to have the highest standardsof honesty and integrity in their academic performance. Any behavior that disrupts the classroomlearning environment or any attempt to present work that the student has not actually preparedas their own work, or to pass an examination by improper means, is regarded as a serious offense.The minimum penalty for such an offense is a failing grade for this course. Aiding and abettingthe above behavior is also considered a serious offense resulting in equally severe penalties.

The Honor Code sets Texas A&M apart from other universities, and you should be proud of thisstandard. I expect that you will abide by the Aggie Code of Honor:

An Aggie does not lie, cheat or steal,or tolerate those who do

Further information regarding the Honor Council Rules and Procedures may be found on the webat http://www.tamu.edu/aggiehonor

ADA Policy

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that providescomprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legisla-tion requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that providesfor reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiringan accommodation, please contact Disability Services, currently located in the Disability Servicesbuilding at the Student Services at White Creek complex on west campus or call 979-845-1637. Foradditional information, visit http://disability.tamu.edu.

Campus Carry Policy

For the Texas A&M policy on Campus Carry, please seehttp://www.tamu.edu/statements/campus-carry.html

FAQ 4. Does a handgun currently have to be concealed when it is being carried on campus?

Yes if a: Concealed handgun license (CHL) holder intentionally or knowingly displays the handgunin plain view of another person in a public place, it is a Class A misdemeanor.

FAQ 5. What do I do if I see someone with a handgun on campus?

The safest course of action is to call the Texas A&M University Police Department by dialing 911.They will respond and make contact with the individual to determine if that person is an authorizedlicense holder and is legitimately carrying a firearm.

Astronomy 101 Syllabus – Prof. Kim-Vy Tran, Spring 2017 (version January 16, 2017) 4

Class Schedule (Spring 2017)

Lecture Date Assignment (read chapters before lecture)1 Jan 17 Ch. 1 & 2

* “Getting Ready” & HW1 assigned (due Jan 23)2 Jan 19 Ch. 2; Tutorial (Seasons)3 Jan 24 Ch. 2 & 3

* HW2 assigned (due Jan 30)4 Jan 26 Ch. 3; Tutorial (Kepler’s 2nd Law)5 Jan 31 Ch. 4

* HW3 assigned (due Feb 6)6 Feb 2 Ch. 4 & 5; Tutorial (Newton’s Laws & Gravity)7 Feb 7 Ch. 5

* HW4 assigned (due Feb 13)8 Feb 9 Summary & review9 Feb 14 Mid-term #110 Feb 16 Ch. 6 & 7; Tutorial (Solar System)11 Feb 21 Ch. 7 & 8

* HW5 assigned (due Feb 27)12 Feb 23 Ch. 10; Tutorial (Extrasolar Planets)13 Feb 28 Ch. 11

* HW6 assigned (due Mar 6)14 Mar 2 Ch. 11 & 12; Tutorial (The Parsec)15 Mar 7 Ch. 12; Tutorial

* HW7 assigned (due Mar 20)16 Mar 9 Ch. 12 & 13 (Blackbody Radiation)– Mar 13 – 17 SPRING BREAK17 Mar 21 Ch. 13; Tutorial (Star Formation)

* HW8 assigned (due Mar 27)18 Mar 23 Ch. 1419 Mar 28 Summary & review20 Mar 30 Mid-term #221 Apr 4 Ch. 15; Tutorial (Milky Way)

* HW9 assigned (due Apr 10)22 Apr 6 Ch. 15 & 1623 Apr 11 Ch. 16; Tutorial (Galaxy Classes)

* HW10 assigned (due Apr 17)24 Apr 13 Ch. 16 & 1725 Apr 18 Ch. 17; Tutorial (Expansion of the Universe)

* HW11 assigned (due Apr 24)26 Apr 20 Ch. 17 & 1827 Apr 25 Ch. 18

* HW12 assigned (due May 1)28 Apr 27 Summary & Review– May 2 Redefined Friday schedule29 May 4 Final Exam

12:30 – 14:30 (TR @ 09:35)15:00 – 17:00 (TR @ 11:10)

Online Homework: Go to eCampus –> in the Menu, go to Tools –> go to Pearson’s MyLab &Mastering