Office: 516 Davey Lab
Phone: (814) 865-0150
email: mab@astro.psu.edu
An important fact is that Astronomers do not have definitive answers to all these questions. However, the observable universe is a time machine -- our only one. In this course we will travel from the solar system to the event horizon, which is the edge of the observable universe. In so doing, we will venture back to the beginning of time. We will also try to understand our place in the universe, and how it is that we came to be made of star-matter, and why our galactic home is called the Milky Way.
LECTURES: The lectures are designed to explain difficult
concepts, to stimulate interest in, and expand on the reading
material, and to introduce topics not covered in the book. You are
responsible for all material presented in the lectures, including
topics not covered in the book. At the end of most lectures I will
give one or two multiple-choice questions and ask you to answer. Some
of these questions will be on the exams. Although the class size is
large, you are encouraged to ask questions during the lectures. This
is your opportunity, so take it!
Lecture notes can be found
on-line , and will usually be posted by the day of class. They are
there to allow you to prepare, listen and participate in class,
i.e. to minimize lengthy note taking. Also use them to study for exams
and save big bucks by not buying Nittany Notes, which are
expensive and often wrong.
READINGS: Reading for this course consists primarily of
assigned reading from the class textbook, and secondarily of material
found at specific web sites.
EXAMS AND GRADING: Four (4) mid-terms and one (1) final exam
will be given. All exams consist of multiple-choice questions based on
material covered in lectures and readings. Some questions will be
based on reading comprehension at the level of New York Times
Science Section articles. The lowest mid-term exam will be dropped,
and the remaining three (3) will each constitute 23% of your
grade. The final exam will count for 31% of your grade. NO MAKEUP
TESTS are given for exams except in the case of medical emergencies
documented by a physician's note. Mid-term exam dates are:
OFFICE HOURS: You are strongly
encouraged to come to my office
hours for help with the course material, or to ask any
questions you may have about astronomy & astrophysics. If you
cannot make my appointed times, please call and make an
appointment.
HELP SESSION: In addition to office hours, there will be a
general help session for all Astro 1 sections. These will be held
from 5:00 - 7:00 PM, in room 541 Davey Lab on Tuesday, Wednesday, and
Thursday of every class week.
Your best strategy will be to do the assigned reading prior to
the week the material is discussed. This will allow you to ask
questions on material you do not understand. You are responsible for
all material in the assigned reading in the book as well as the web
sites. Although you are not required to work problems in the book, if
you do these on your own this will help you prepare for exams. The
book is well organized to help you study; learn how to use it
effectively.
The final exam is Wednesday, Dec 11, 10:10 AM until
Noon.
The final exam will cover material for the entire semester,
as well as serve as the test for the last portion of the course on
cosmology. A full class period prior to each exam is devoted to review
and questions you may have on the material. This review class is
designed to help you prepare for the test.
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Last updated: Aug 17, 1996 Matthew A. Bershady