2/1/12: Sign up for one observing orientation session (details in class.)
Observatory Supervisor
Dr. Steven Souza
(ssouza@williams.edu)
Office: 117 TPL
Office Hours: TBA
Phone: x 3210
Class Meetings
Monday and Thursday: 1:10 pm - 2:25 pm in TPL 203.
Text
Your Cosmic Context, by Duncan & Tyler;
Pearson Addison-Wesley, 2009. The text is available at Water Street Books,
or at online outlets.
Syllabus
Click here for the course syllabus.
Observing
All astronomy is ultimately based on observations of the sky, and you will observe, too. Our Observing Deck is located on the 4th floor of TPL. Observing is a mandatory course component: in addition, it counts 10% toward your final grade.
There will be a series of observing orientation sessions during evenings of the second week of classes. You are required to attend one; signup sheets will be available in class.
Homework/Quizzes
There will be occasional homework assignments that will give you an opportunity to demonstrate what you are learning and will also be helpful preparation for exams.
General homework rules: I request that you type (word-process) your homework if at all possible, making it easier for me to read and to grade efficiently so that I can get it back to you as quickly as possible. You may work with others as long as you include the names of your co-workers on your paper, which must be written in your own words. Finally, be sure to show all your work: simply writing down a numerical answer (even if correct), will not receive full credit.
There will also be occasional quizzes on the day's reading.
Course Requirements and Grading
Midterm Exams: Each counts 25% toward the the final grade. Formulas will be provided; bring a calculator.
Final Exam: TBA. The final exam counts 30% toward the final grade. Formulas will be provided; bring a calculator.
Observing: counts 10% toward the final grade. Three observations are required; at least one must be completed prior to Spring Break. Details will be provided in class.
Homework/Quizzes: count 10% toward the final grade.
Attendance: Attendance in class is assumed. Though I won't take attendance regularly, I reserve the right to take it into account when assigning the final grade.
No laptop, tablet, or phone use during class: If you need to take notes electronically as an accommodation, see the disabilities statement below.
Honor System
Students are reminded of the honor system as described in the Student
Handbook. No collaboration at all is allowed on exams. Students may work together on homework assignments, but submitted writeups must be done individually. If you are in any doubt about how the honor system applies to a
particular part of the course, please ask me.
Disabilities Statement
Students with disabilities who may need disability-related classroom accommodations for this course are encouraged to meet with me as soon as possible and to contact the Dean's Office so that the proper arrangements can be made.
Course Material Links
Here is a page with great links relevant to
this course as well as links of general astronomical interest; I
update them so check them periodically.
Back to Astronomy Department home page.