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### PHY 251, INTERMEDIATE ASTRONOMY, SPRING 2012 SYLLABUS

If you want to make an apple pie from scratch, you must first create the universe. - Carl Sagan

Description PHY 251, Intermediate Astronomy, covers the physics of the Sun and stars - their properties, energy- Description PHY 251, Intermediate Astronomy, covers the physics of the Sun and stars - their properties, energy- making processes, formation, and life histories.

Instructor Instructor : Phone : E-mail Office Hours Prof. Alan Hirshfeld : Group II-208B (enter from the atrium off the main hallway) Instructor Instructor : Phone : E-mail Office Hours Prof. Alan Hirshfeld : Group II-208B (enter from the atrium off the main hallway) Office : 508-999-8715 or extension 8715 from an on-campus phone : ahirshfeld@umassd.edu (This is the surest way to get in touch with me outside of class.) : T/Th 10:00-11:00, 12:30-2:00, or after 5:15 pm by appointment. Hours

Prerequisites PHY 251 is a follow-up to PHY 151, Introductory Astronomy. However, there is limited overlap between Prerequisites PHY 251 is a follow-up to PHY 151, Introductory Astronomy. However, there is limited overlap between the courses; any necessary background material from PHY 151 will be re-introduced here. Lectures, exams, and class assignments will involve the use of basic mathematics, including scientific notation, algebra, geometry, and simple trigonometry. Mathematics tutorials are available upon request - just ask me.

Required Materials Notes www.astronomynotes.com : Strobel, , web-text at (free online). Required Materials Notes www.astronomynotes.com : Strobel, , web-text at (free online). Materials Any basic scientific calculator (must have trigonometry keys SIN, COS, and TAN).

Reading Assignments I will announce the reading assignments in the Strobel web-text as we proceed through the topics. Reading Assignments I will announce the reading assignments in the Strobel web-text as we proceed through the topics. Assignments I will also periodically email you lecture notes that you can use as a guide to what we are covering in class. The readings and notes provide the fundamental vocabulary, definitions and general information; lectures provide further explanation and context of the material. Feel free to ask questions during or outside of lecture about any reading material you don't understand.

Class Attendance : Because of the format of this course, with its emphasis on in-class work, class attendance is . Class Attendance : Because of the format of this course, with its emphasis on in-class work, class attendance is . Attendance Frequent absences will pull down your grade.

####### In-Class In-Class Work

- • Whenever possible, class periods are divided into two parts: lecture/discussion and team -based activity time. Instructions for the day's activity will be distributed in class. The activity must be completed and turned in before the end of that clas s. However, if you are not done, you may ask me for an extension. Otherwise, late activities are graded as a zero.
- • If you do not understand any part of an activity, feel free to ask me for help.

• There are for missed in-class activities or quizzes for any reason; however, you are permitted to miss no make-ups ONE activity and quiz during the semester without penalty. After these 'freebies,' each missed quiz or activity counts as ONE a zero. Do not ask for exceptions to this policy!

- • If you miss an activity, you should complete it anyway on your own (with my help, if you need it). General concepts from the activities will appear on the tests.
- • Use of laptops, cell phones, or other electronic devices is prohibited in the classroom. It's distracting to me and to your fellow students.

Exams There will be 3 tests during the semester on the dates indicated on the schedule below. The tests will be based on Exams There will be 3 tests during the semester on the dates indicated on the schedule below. The tests will be based on material covered in the lectures, reading assignments, and in-class work. Most of the test questions go beyond mere memorization of facts and are designed to test your conceptual understanding of astronomy and the underlying science. Missed tests must be made up within 1 week by individual arrangement with me; after that, a zero is assigned for the test. Approximately 3 quizzes will be given, some without prior notice. There is no final exam.

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