Learning Goals / Learning Outcomes:

• Develop quantitative reasoning ability
• Develop critical thinking skills
• Develop sense of place in context of the Milky Way Galaxy and the cosmos
• Develop understanding and appreciation of the scientific method
• Develop and increase comfort with using science and math to understand the world
• Obtain factual knowledge of the scientific basis of stellar evolution
• Obtain factual knowledge of the properties of the different components of galaxies
• Obtain factual knowledge of the life-cycle of normal matter in galaxies
• Gain understanding of the physics of light
• Gain understanding of the physics of motion and gravity
• Gain understanding of the diversity and content of galaxies
• Gain understanding of how galaxies formed and evolve
• Gain understanding of what are black holes
• Gain understanding of the expansion of the universe

LECTURES   are designed to explain difficult concepts, expand on the reading material, and to introduce topics not covered in the book. You are responsible for all material presented in the lectures. At the end of most lectures I will give one or two multiple-choice questions and ask you to answer them. This is the only time the questions will be discussed. These same questions make up part of the exams; some will appear on the mid-terms and some on the final exam. Although the class size is large, you are encouraged to ask questions during the lectures. This is your opportunity, so take it!

Lecture notes are on-line , and generally will be posted well before the day of class so you can print them out beforehand. Note: Up to the day of class these notes may be modified. 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. These notes are outlines only and do not replace the lectures.

DISCUSSION SECTIONS   are designed to allow you to ask in-depth questions on course material, and to permit us to present demonstrations and give you further explanation of difficult concepts. Attendance is required. In addition, these sections will be used to discuss web-based reading and to hold quizzes based on this and other course material. Sessions prior to the mid-terms exams also will be used to review for the exam. A thorough understanding of the course material and good performance in this course requires you attend discussion sections.

READING   required for this course is primarily from the course textbook. There may also be reading assigned from the web. These assignments will be given in class or in discussion sections, and posted on the course web page. You are responsible for all of the assigned material for exams and quizzes. 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.

The textbook for the class is Astronomy Today, Volume II: Stars and Galaxies by Eric Chaisson and Steve McMillan (9th Ed.). Used versions of this book (6th,7th,8th editions) are acceptable, but note page assigments will vary; the accompanying CD is not required. You are expected to read a large fraction of the book over the course of the semester. The specific readings (chapters and sections) are detailed in the attached schedule. Note that the reading load is heaviest earlier in the semester. The book is well organized to help you study; learn how to use it effectively.

Optional problems ( NB: optional -- no extra credit! ) are listed on the home page; these can also be reviewed upon request during discussion sections or office hours. All of these problems provide good review and practice for the exams.

QUIZZES: Seven (7) quizzes will be given during discussion sections for the weeks listed on the lectures page: www.astro.wisc.edu/~mab/education/astro103/lectures.html. These quizzes will be based primarily on on-line reading material, but will also draw on lectures, discussion, and the primary text. The quizzes will consist of 2-5 multiple choice questions, and will count for 10% of your final course grade. You will be given 10 minutes for each quiz. NO MAKEUP QUIZZES are given except in the case of medical emergencies documented by a physician's note.

EXAMS: Three mid-term exams will be given IN CLASS. All exams consist of multiple-choice questions based on material covered in lectures and readings. Some questions may be based on the assigned web-based reading reviewed in discussion sections. There will be 50 questions on each mid-term exam. Each mid-term exam is worth 30% of your grade. NO EXAMS CAN BE DROPPED. NO MAKEUP TESTS are given for exams except in the case of medical emergencies documented by a physician's note.

Mid-term exam dates:

Wed, Feb 21 2018 (Exam 1) -- in class Mon, Apr 02 2018 (Exam 2) -- in class Wed, May 02 2018 (Exam 3) -- in class

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 discussion period prior to each exam is devoted to review and questions you may have on the material. This review is designed to help you prepare for the test.

GRADES: Your final course grade will be determined by the three mid-term grades (combined for 90%) and quizzes (10%).

OFFICE HOURS: You are strongly encouraged to come to our office hours for help with the course material, or to ask any questions you may have about astronomy & astrophysics. If you cannot make appointed times, please make an appointment.

Learning Outcomes: