Prof. James Schombert
Office: 461 Willamette, 6-5214
Office Hours: 9-10am M-F
email: js@abyss.uoregon.edu
Course Content:
The past 20 years has seen an explosion in our understanding of the contents, formation and evolution of the Solar System, mainly due to numerous NASA missions/probes to 8 of the 9 planets. The study of the characteristics of the other planets has provided tremendous insight into the understanding of how our own planet (Earth) operates and changes under Man's influence. The purpose of this course is to educate you on the basic science behind our exploration of the Solar System so you may make informed choices as future/current voters on issues of our environment and the future of science in this country.
The specific goals of this class are to:
Course Organization:
Most lectures in this course will be delivered electronically. The lecture pages will be on the Web in HTML (hypertext mark-up language) format so that they are accessible from any computer, either at home or on campus. All students are required to obtain computer accounts on gladstone (or any Internet server of your choice) since all the course material is in Web format. class is encouraged to use the Xterminal Lab in Willamette 112 to review the course notes. The address for this course is abyss.uoregon.edu/~js/ast221.
In addition, we will spend a significant amount of time working out mathematical exercises in class. If you miss class, please make sure you get the notes of the blackboard examples from a classmate since they will not be posted at the website.
Grading:
Grading will consist of the following:
The homework assignments (and their due dates) are at this web site. The homework is a vital part of the learning processes for this class. The assignments must be handed in on time and showing all your work in a neat and concise fashion. The homework will be graded and returned the next class (Thursday). You then have the option to correct your mistakes and resubmit the assignment for 1/2 the missing score by the next Tuesday (along with the next homework assignment).
I strongly encourage you to work in groups on the homework assignments (although you won't); however, the work you hand in should be your own analysis and writing. When returning work for correction points, your work must be your own and not taken from another student.
Note that the two exams are in class (the final is on the last day of classes). These exams are essay exams, eight questions each.
Textbook:
The textbook for this class is Zeilik and Gregory, Intro Astro and Astrophysics. The reading assignments are a follows:
| Lecture | Chapter |
|
Lectures 1-3 Lectures 4-9 Lectures 11-13 Lectures 14-16 Lectures 17-19 |
Chapters 1 and 2 Chapters 3 and 4 Chapters 5 Chapters 6 Chapters 7 |
Academic Honesty:
A recent survey of UOregon upperclassmen has indicated that 91% admit to cheating on a written assignment or exam. Every effort will be made in this class to deter dishonesty through classroom procedures. You are all welcome to work in groups on Homework assignments, however exams must be based on individual work only (i.e. don't look at someone else's exam). It is degrading to impose draconian security measures to enforce honesty. Instead, we will use the honor system in this course and allow each of you to uphold your personal standards of conduct. For those of you who have failed to develop your own ethics, the University has designed the Student Conduct Program.
Accommodations:
If you have a documented disability and anticipate needing accommodations in this course, please see me as soon as possible. And please request that the Counselor for Students with Disabilities (H. Gerdes, hgerdes@oregon) send a letter verifying your disability.
