Introduction
Welcome to Astronomy 111. This course is designed to give you an overview of the solar system and the methods of astronomy. It has been developed for non-science majors who wish to gain a better understanding of the universe around them. A mathematical background including high school algebra, geometry, and trigonometry is necessary to do well in this course. The associated laboratory course, ASTR 112, is strongly recommended, but it is not a required part of this course.
EXAM 1 Review... EXAM 1 Solutions... EXAM 1 Scores
EXAM 2 Review... EXAM 2 Solutions... EXAM 2 Scores
EXAM 3 Review... EXAM 3 Solutions... EXAM 3 Scores
COURSE GRADES AFTER FIRST 3 EXAMS
Some other useful links...
ASTR 111 2011 Lecture Schedule
On-Line Student Code Calculator
Latest Developments in Astronomy
Other interesting links...
The Scale of the Universe Flash App
Hubble Space Telescope Pictures
The Search for Extrasolar Planets
GMU Observatory and Observatory Construction Photos
Space Sciences Research at GMU
The Northern Virginia Astronomy Club
By the end of the semester, you will have learned about the following subjects:
The evolution of the solar system, the planets,
and their properties.
The history of astronomy from prehistory to the present.
The scientific method and critical thinking.
The nature of light and the principles of telescope
design.
Grading
There will be three exams during the semester, and a comprehensive final exam. Each of these exams carries equal weight, and I will drop the lowest exam grade when computing each student's point total. Letter grades will be determined from the point totals as follows:
A = 90 - 100
A- = 85 - 90
B+ = 80 - 85
B = 75 - 80
B- = 70 - 75
C+ = 65 - 70
C = 60 - 65
D = 50 - 60
F = 0 - 50
All grades will be posted on the ASTR 111 website using a private identification number, calculated by dividing the full student ID number by 5, and taking the 5 digits immediately to the left of the decimal point. To access the on-line student code calculator, click here.
The lectures will closely follow the text, ``Astronomy Today,'' 7th edition, Volume 1, by Chaisson & McMillan, with additional demonstrations and audio/video presentations. I will also be utilizing the latest images obtained by Hubble, Galileo, Pathfinder, Chandra, and the Mars Rovers, as well as other U.S. and international space missions. The lectures will clarify and emphasize the important points in the text. The exams will be based upon the material in the lectures and the required reading in the text. I will provide extensive review problems and sample questions taken from the book and lecture materials to help students study for each exam.
Office Hours
I will generally be available in my office on Mondays and Wednesdays from 1 PM - 2 PM. Meetings at other times can be arranged by appointment. Additional office hours will be announced before tests if there is need. My office is located in room 101B of Science & Technology 1, and my phone number is 993-3619. My email address is pbecker@gmu.edu.
Other Help
Study questions, review materials, and practice exams can be accessed electronically through this website. In addition to myself, a graduate student will also be available to answer general questions related to this course. If a great deal of help is needed outside class, the university has a tutoring service available for a relatively small fee. Additional assistance may also be obtained through the physics help room. Please don't wait until you are hopelessly lost before asking for help.
Academic Honesty Policy
You are encouraged to study and work together on the review problems. However, exams must be completed without aid or collaboration of any kind. If you are caught cheating during a test, you will be brought before the academic honesty council. If convicted, you face possible expulsion from the university.