ASTR 124 SECTION 3

Introduction to Stars, Galaxies, and the Universe

Instructor: Mark Whittle

This gives an overview for ASTRO 124 Section 3 Introduction to Stars, Galaxies, and the Universe, Fall 2004. Professor Whittle is available at :

dmw8f@virginia.edu
Phone: (804) 924-4900
Fax: (804) 924-3104
Office: 216 Astronomy Building .

Last modified August 28, 2004

About this course:

This is a descriptive course that covers the nature and evolution of stars, galaxies and the universe as a whole. Topics include the nature of light, the Sun, stars, neutron stars and black holes, galaxies, and the big bang. The level of mathematics required is basic algebra. Required course work includes 2 midterm exams, a final, and a constellation lab assignment to be completed sometime during the semester.

The syllabus for this course describes course policies. For further information about the astronomy department, go to its home page: http://www.astro.virginia.edu. You will also find links to other astronomical web resources there.
The text for the course is Foundations of Astronomy, by Seeds.
This course covers the material in Chapters 6.1 and 7 - 18 in the text. The topics follow the course outline and a list of the major concepts encountered on the course can be found here .
The exams are true/false, multiple choice and short answer. (Professor Hawley has written up some hints on taking multiple choice exams, to see these click here.) The exams are not cumulative, and cover topics presented in class since the previous exam. The final is cumulative with additional emphasis on the material since the previous (second) exam.

Test Dates:

Test Date

First Test Thursday Sept. 30

Second Test Thursday Nov. 11

Final Exam Tuesday Dec. 14 (9am-noon)

Other important dates:

Sept. 2 First class
Sept. 6 Constellation Quizes and Telescope Observing Labs Begin
Sept. 15 Last Day to Drop Class
Sept. 17 Last Day to Add Class
Sept. 20 Telescope Observing Labs Begin
Oct. 1 Start of decreasing maximum credit for constellation quiz
Oct. 8 Fan Mtn. Open Night (tickets from Astronomy Secretary)
Oct. 12 Fall Reading Break, no class
Oct. 27 Last Day to Withdraw from Class
Nov. 25 Thanksgiving Break, no class
Dec. 9 Last Class
Dec. 9 Last Day to take Constellation Quiz and Telescope Observing Lab
Dec. 10 Last Day for TA Help hours

Further Information TA OFFICE HOURS are held in room 268 in the Astronomy Building. The TA office hours are Monday 5-8pm, Tuesday 9-noon, Wednesday 4-7pm, Friday 2:30-5:30pm. See the TA Schedule Page for further information.

Information about the CONSTELLATION QUIZ ( required) and the TELESCOPE OBSERVING LAB ( the optional extra credit lab) can be found on the Lab Info Page.

Further Information	TA OFFICE HOURS are held in room 268 in the Astronomy Building. The TA office hours are Monday 5-8pm, Tuesday 9-noon, Wednesday 4-7pm, Friday 2:30-5:30pm. See the TA Schedule Page for further information.
	Information about the CONSTELLATION QUIZ ( required) and the TELESCOPE OBSERVING LAB ( the optional extra credit lab) can be found on the Lab Info Page.