CATALOG DESCRIPTION: (3 hours) Prerequisite:  PHYS 2111, MATH 2450, or permission of instructor.  Corequisite:  PHYS 2212, MATH 2460, or permission of instructor.  A survey of modern astronomy and astrophysics for the serious science student.  Topics include celestial mechanics, stars and stellar evolution, the Milky Way Galaxy, and extragalactic astronomy and cosmology.  Includes three hours of lecture per week and at least one hour of observatory duty as a Telescope Operator.

INSTRUCTOR:
 

Dr. Joseph H. Jones
Office: 101 Rogers Hall 234 H&NS	Office hours: 1515-1615 W, 1300-1430 TR - Rogers, 1000-1040 MWF - Planetarium(note:  open door policy - other hours anytime if available, best by appointment, hours in bold = most available for this class)
Office phone: 706-864-1510	Planetarium phone (info announcements): 706-864-1471 Observatory phone (info announcements): 706-864-8642 Observatory Facebook, like us for opening status posts:
E-mail: jjones@ung.edu	Web: http://faculty.northgeorgia.edu/jjones/joneshome/jjones.html

CLASS SECTIONS:

SECTION A (CRN 5314) 0900-0950 MWF, 234 HNS (Planetarium)

NOTE:  The active link for Class Presentations are updated; Problem Assignments are updated; and Class Projects are not updated for Fall 2013.

SECTION TESTS (25%):  For Section 1 (including the introduction) and Section 2, a short test covering the topics, concepts & problem assignments of the section will be given at the end of the section.  For Section 3 (the "seminar" section), a grade based on the number of presentations you attend and evaluate will be used for the "Section 3 Test".  The average of these 3 grades will count 25% of the course grade.  Updated dates for tests 1 & 2 are:  Test 1: F - Oct 4; Test 2: W - Nov 13

NOTE:  For Test 2 we have added a 10% curve; the curve begins with a score of 100 with -2pts for absences during Sec. 2, +2pts for completing A1010-20 exo-class labs.  This was added in consultation with students for F2013.

PROBLEM ASSIGNMENTS (15%): Each student will complete several problem assignments (5 to 7 during the 1st 10 weeks) related to the lecture topics.  Due dates will be set for each problem assignment.  Grade penalties will be assessed for assignments turned in after the due date.  In-class participation and attendance may be considered as a component of this grade.

CLASS PROJECTS (15%): 3 or more class observing and/or data analysis projects related to the lecture topics will be attempted using the available instrumentation and data analysis software at NGAO.  Grades are determined by participation and performance in the projects we attempt.  You must participate in at least 2 projects.

TELESCOPE OPERATORS (20%): Each student will be responsible for helping to opening the observatory at least one night a week for the introductory astronomy students and general public.  The grade is determined from the evaluated reliability and competence of the TO.  Extra credit will be given for attendance on unassigned nights.

CLASS PRESENTATIONS (25%): Each student will give a 20 minute presentation to the class on an astrophysical topic mutually agreed on by the student and the instructor.  The final deadline for the choice of topic is Monday, Oct. 28th and each student must schedule a review of their 1st draft with the instructor at least 2 weeks prior to presenting.  The presentations will begin (2 per class period) on M, Nov. 4th and continue through F, Nov. 22 (Friday before Thanksgiving break).  The presentation will be evaluated in a manner similar to Senior Seminar presentations with input from classmate evaluations.

METHOD OF EVALUATION: 25% section tests,15% problem assignments, 15% class projects, 20% TO duties, 25% class presentations

A = 90 to 100; B = 80 to 89; C = 70 to 79; D = 60 to 69; F < 60

TEXTBOOK: Introductory Astronomy and Astrophysics (4th Ed.) by Zeilik, Gregory & Smith, Saunders, 1998.

NGCSU Integrity Code:  On my honor, I will not lie, cheat, steal, plagiarize, evade the truth or tolerate those who do.

Penalty for cheating will be a grade of F for the class.  Lesser penalties may be applied at the discrestion of the professor.

Class Evaluations:  Class evaluations at NGCSU are now conducted on-line through Banner. Evaluation of the class is considered a component of the course and students will not be permitted to access their course grade until the evaluation has been completed. The evaluations will be accessible beginning one week prior to Final Exam week.

Disability Services:  This university is committed to equal access to its programs, services, and activities, and welcomes otherwise qualified students with disabilities.  Students who require accommodations and services must register with Disability Services and submit supporting documentation. Disability Services provides accommodation memos for eligible students to give to their instructors.  Students are responsible for making arrangements with instructors, and must give reasonable prior notice of the need for accommodation.

Check out the SUPPLEMENTAL SYLLABUS PAGE for more info about Disability Services, Academic Integrity Policies, On-line class evaluations, and more.