A222 - General Astronomy II

Swain Hall West Rm 219

MWF 8:45 - 9:55

Instructor:
Dr. Liese van Zee
Office: Swain West 410 (855-0274)
Office Hours: M 10-11am, W 1:30-2:30pm, or by appointment
email: lvanzee[at]indiana.edu

Associate Instructor:
Maria Cordero
Office: Swain West 324 (856-5196)
Office Hours: M 3-4pm ,T 2:30-3:30pm, or by appointment
email: majocord[at]indiana.edu

Class Information:

This class is the second semester of introductory astronomy for physical science majors. This semester, we will cover stars, stellar structure, stellar evolution, the interstellar medium, galaxies, and cosmology. As in A221, the major emphasis will be on understanding natural phenomena and the underlying physical principles of astronomy. This course is quantitative; homework and exams will require problem solving expertise.

Prerequisites include A221 and College algebra and trigonometry (or high school equivalent).

Textbook: Introductory Astronomy and Astrophysics (4th edition) by Zeilik & Gregory

o Syllabus
o How to succeed in A222?
o http://www.oberlin.edu/physics/dstyer/SolvingProblems.html
o Astronomy Picture of the Day

o Deadlines & Notices
o Homework 1 Due January 20

o Solutions to In-Class Problems



Summer Job Opportunities

There are several national programs which offer research opportunities for undergraduate physics and astronomy majors. Most are sponsored by the National Science Foundation. Deadlines for summer job applications are usually in late January .

The American Astronomical Society maintains a listing of Summer programs.

Most of the National Observatories have undergraduate research programs during the summer. In particular:

  • National Optical Astronomy Observatory
  • National Radio Astronomy Observatory
  • Arecibo Observatory
  • Space Telescope Science Institute
  • National Solar Observatory

    Other good opportunities are:

  • Maria Mitchell Observatory
  • Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory
  • Cornell University
  • University of Hawaii
  • High Altitude Observatory
  • MIT Haystack Observatory
  • Southeastern Association for Research in Astronomy
  • Indiana University
  • Northern Arizona University