PHYSICS/ASTRONOMY 1060-2
THE UNIVERSE
CLASS SYLLABUS - SPRING 2008

LECTURES: M W 6:00-7:15 p.m. at 101 JFB.
INSTRUCTOR: Prof. Anthony P. Pantziris, Office: INSCC 205
Phone: 585-7653, e-mail: app@physics.utah.edu
COURSE WEBSITE: www.physics.utah.edu/~app/astro106/astro106.html
SCOPE: Astronomy/Physics 1060 presents in one semester a selfcontained, modern scientific view of the Universe. The course takes the students on a "cosmic voyage" starting from our familiar Sun (an ordinary star) and then explores other fascinating objects, such as white dwarfs, red giants, supernova explosions, neutron stars, and black holes. We then "go" on to much larger distances and explore our Milkyway, other galaxies, clusters and superclusters of galaxies, and quasars. Finally we look at the universe as a whole, its shape, its past and future: the Big Bang and the Big Crunch(?) There are no prerequisites for this course. Credit Hours:3.
OBJECTIVES: The main objective of the course is not factual memorization but an understanding of the general features and concepts used to describe our Universe. The course is also intended to acquaint the students with the scientific methodology.

LECTURES: The lectures form the core of the course and define its subject matter and areas of emphasis. Most homework questions will be answered during the course of the lectures so attendance is highly recommended.

STAR PARTIES: We will use the department's telescopes for stargazing and star parties which take place every wednesday night at the roof of the South Physics building. Participation is optional and you can bring friends and family.

TEXTBOOK: Astronomy Today 6th Edition (full version, not volume I or II) by Eric Chaisson and Steve McMillan, available at the University Bookstore. Earlier editions are fine.

OFFICE HOURS: I will be available for questions and discussion on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 10:30-11:30 a.m., before and after class, and by appointment.

GRADES: There will be no final exam. Instead there will be four tests given during regular class hours. The format of the tests is a combination of Essay-type and True-False questions. The lowest score test will be dropped so only three tests count. Students must take all tests. Also there will be 6 homeworks assignments, which must be typed, the lowest score of which will be dropped, i.e. only 5 homeworks count. The grading is based as follows: Three tests at 25% each for a total of 75%; 5 homeworks at 5% each for a total of 25%.

IMPORTANT DATES: Last day to drop class: January 16. Last day to add class: January 22. Last day to withdraw from class: February 29. No classes on January 21, February 18 and March 17-21.

SCHEDULE OF TESTS:

HOMEWORK DUE DATES:

LECTURE TOPICS AND APPROXIMATE TIMELINE:


IMPORTANT INFORMATION: The University of Utah seeks to provide equal access to its programs services and activities for people with disabilities. If you will need accommodations in the class, reasonable prior notice needs to be given to the Center for Disability Services, 162 Union Building, 581-5020 (V/TDD). CDS will work with you and the instructor to make arrangements for accommodations.