Astronomy is a wonderful subject just for the pleasure of perusal, and the variety of exotic phenomena in the sky makes it a life-long interest for many people. However, the goal of the discipline of astronomy is to understand the great variety of observations in terms of the rather few principles of physics.
Understanding astronomical observations from physics turns out to be a two-way street. Some of the principles of physics — for example, Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation — or that neutrinos change type as they travel — were deduced from astronomical observations in combination with laboratory physics experiments. The relationship is so close that the field is now often called "astrophysics" and it can be considered a specialty of physics, like condensed matter physics or particle physics.
The associated laboratory course (Physics 91) will have roughly about five Wednesday indoor labs where physics experiments (light, optics, spectroscopy, the Doppler shifts and gravitation) are performed, and about five Wednesday outdoor labs where you will learn to operate and make observations with the College's telescopes. Refer to the Astronomy Laboratory Syllabus for more details.
Necessarily, the class will use mathematics — specifically, algebra and geometry. This is integral to the modern scientific method. Every physics theory that we are confident of, we are confident of precisely because it has been tested quantitatively as well as qualitatively. Theories that are motivated principally by esthetic considerations, or that only give qualitative answers, have generally turned out to embarrassingly far off in the weeds. As we use them, we will review high school math and science subjects such as scientific notation, algebra and trig functions, the periodic table, and others.
The interplay between astronomical observations, physical principles and quantitative predictions is an excellent example of what the Core Curriculum refers to as "Mathematical and Scientific Understanding" — one of the Core’s four pathways to knowledge. This course is designed for you to acquire a new-found or deepened understanding of that pathway while simultaneously having the pleasure of studying the most spectacular phenomena that nature has to offer.
For the Spring Semester we are allotted 14 weeks, not counting the additional week reserved for the Final Exam Schedule. Subtracting one week for Easter break, there remain 13 weeks available to cover the five units:
Five units in 13 weeks means that our pace will be a little faster than 3 weeks per unit. There will be an exam after each of the first four units, and a final exam that is cumulative and cover the fifth unit.
The exam dates are:
Detailed, daily schedules for each unit will be retrospectively maintained.
To go along with the free textbook, there is an on-line homework system (the publishers have to make some money somehow!). Registration in the system is $32.50. This is far less than the traditional textbook cost. Expect an email from me explaining how to sign up for Expert TA. All homework will be assigned through this system.
The College's summary of what constitutes Mathematical and Scientific Understanding states as its overall learning goal that students "will develop quantitative, observational, and problem-solving abilities." In addition, it states that "students will examine mathematics and science as a creative endeavor," and "they will also consider the social and ethical issues of scientific inquiry and application."
The course is designed to address those overall learning goals and five more specific outcomes enumerated in the mathematical and scientific pathway to knowledge:
35% for assignments, 10% on each unit exam (totaling 40%), 25% final.
Most or all exam problems will be multiple choice. Carefully compare your work with the detailed solutions whenever solutions are discussed in class or handed out.
Late assignments are accepted for reduced credit but not later than the beginning of the next class! If you have to miss a class, rely on your classmates, their notes, and any handouts. I simply can’t re-deliver lectures to the many students who experience shows will likely miss one or more of them.
Saint Mary’s has a center for students taking STEM classes in Assumption Hall, Room 200. The STEM Center provides several services, including free tutoring in math, chemistry, physics, and biology. Please be very respectful of the Assumption Hall residents. Physics and math tutors will usually be able to help with introductory astronomy problems.
The Saint Mary's Academic Honor Code (AHC) is applicable to this (and all) Saint Mary's courses. You are responsible for familiarizing yourself with it: AHC Website.
Accommodations that take into account the context of the course and its essential elements for individuals with qualifying disabilities are extended through the office of Student Disability Services (SDS). Information regarding the services available may be found on the SDS Office Website.
Return to Physics & Astronomy Home