Class website: http://www.astro.indiana.edu/~vanzee/classes/a221
Prerequisites include College algebra and trigonometry (or high school equivalent). Basic mathematical expertise is assumed in this course. Calculus will be used in class, but expertise is not assumed - all homework and exams can be completed without knowledge of calculus.
Textbooks:
Universe (8th edition) by Freedman & Kauffmann III
Also recommended for those thinking about majoring in Astronomy:
Introductory Astronomy and Astrophysics (4th edition) by Zeilik & Gregory
Grading is based on an even mixture of homework (30%), midterm exams (2, each worth 15%), a final exam (30%), and laboratory exercises (10%). Class participation will be considered if the final grade is on the borderline (i.e., a high end B+ could become an A- if you participate actively in class discussions). Homework will be due every week, including exam weeks.
Late Homework Policy: Late homework will be accepted, but at a penalty of 30% off per day, and will not be accepted after the solutions have been distributed. The lateness penalty will start immediately following the class in which the homework was due. Exceptions may be made, but you must contact the professor at least 24 hours in advance of the due date to explain the circumstances. [We would be happy to accept early homework.]
Class Attendance and Examination Policy: Students are expected to attend class regularly and to arrive on time. Material will be presented during class that is not covered in the textbook. Two exams will be held during normal class hours (October 7 and November 4). No make-up exams will be offered.
Collaborative work and academic integrity: All students should
be familiar with University policies on plagiarism and academic dishonesty.
In this class, you are encouraged to work with other students on many of
the homework assignments (exceptions to this policy will be noted on the
homework itself). However, every student must hand in their own solutions to receive
credit, and all help should be acknowledged.
| Week | Dates | Subject | Reading | Assignments |
| Week 1 | Aug 31 - Sep 4 | Introduction to the Night Sky | Chap 1/2 |
Moon lab OUT
|
| Week 2 | Sep 7 - 11 | Orbits I: Seasons and Time | Chap 2 |
HW 1 DUE Sep 9
|
| Week 3 | Sep 14 - 18 | Orbits II: Kepler's Laws | Chap 4 |
HW 2 DUE Sep 16
|
| Week 4 | Sep 21 - 25 | Orbits II continued | Chap 3/4 |
HW 3 DUE Sep 23
|
| Week 5 | Sep 28 - Oct 2 | Eclipses/Earth-Moon System | Chap 9/10 |
HW 4 DUE Sep 30
|
| Week 6 | Oct 5 - 9 | Our Solar System: Overview | Chap 7 |
Moon lab DUE Oct 9
|
| *** EXAM 1 WED OCT 7 *** | ||||
| Week 7 | Oct 12 - 16 | The Inner Planets: Mercury & Venus | Chap 11 |
HW 5 DUE Oct 14
|
| Week 8 | Oct 19 - 23 | The Inner Planets: Mars | Chap 11 |
HW 6 DUE Oct 21
|
| Week 9 | Oct 26 - 30 | The Outer Planets: Jupiter & Saturn & Satellites | Chap 12/13 | HW 7 DUE Oct 28 |
| Week 10 | Nov 2 - 6 | The Outer Planets: Uranus, Neptune, & Beyond | Chap 14/15 |
HW 8 DUE Nov 2
|
| ***EXAM 2 WED NOV 4 *** | ||||
| Week 11 | Nov 9 - 13 | Telescopes and the Nature of Light | Chap 5/6 |
HW 9 DUE Nov 11
|
| Week 12 | Nov 16 - 20 | The Sun | Chap 16 |
HW 10 DUE Nov 18
|
| Week 13 | Nov 23 | Stellar Distances | Chap 17.1-17.3 |
HW 11 DUE Nov 23
|
| Week 14 | Nov 30 - Dec 4 | Binary Systems | Chap 17.9-17.11 |
HW 12 DUE Dec 4
|
| Week 15 | Dec 7 - 11 | Extrasolar Planets & Formation of the Solar System | Chap 8 | Night Sky lab DUE Dec 7 |
Final Exam - Monday, Dec 14, 8:00am - 10:00am
[This is the time slot for MWF 9:05-9:55am classes].