Websites:
Synopsis:
The topics covered in this course outline the properties of stars
and galaxies that can be observed and the physics necessary to
interpret these observations. It includes a brief introduction to
planets, exotic stars, and cosmology. Using lectures and
laboratory sections, it provides an astronomy background and
introduction to the scientific method. It ranges from introductory
physical background to considering current research problems. This
course is mainly descriptive, taught at a qualitative level, with
simple arithmetic and trigonometry used frequently. A few special
sessions at Glenlea Observatory and the Lockhart Planetarium introduce
the student to constellations and scientific method.
Students are expected to read material before coming to class.
Readings will be assigned at lectures. General topics are listed below.
Textbook :
- Astronomy Today by Chaisson and McMillan, the 8th
Edition. Note that the textbook is secondary to the material covered in lectures.
- For the laboratory and assignments: Items to be described by Mr. Cameron.
Grading
The final grade consists of the following components:
- 25% based on 1 term test (1 hour).
- 45% based on the final examination (2 hours).
- 30% based on a combination of laboratory exercises, one evening observing assignment at the Glenlea Astronomical Observatory, and one observing project.
In order to receive a grade for missed or
late assignments, these must be submitted by the next laboratory
session. Contact Mr. Cameron for details.
Test and Exam Information
Instead of focusing on the textbook, test and the final exam will be
based on material presented in the lecture. No textbooks, cell phones
or PDAs are permitted. Only specific non-programmable calculators can
be used:
- Sharp EL-240SAB
- Sharp EL-510RNB
- TI-30XZ
- TI-30X IIS
Synonymous Sharp calculators are without the B on the end of sthe model name.
These are available in the Bookstore. Other calculators are not allowed.
Also see General Test and Exam
Information for other information.
Mid-term test:
- Scheduled Date:
Wednesday, Oct 22, 2014.
- Time: 6pm.
Duration: 1 hour.
- Location: 306 Tier
- Value: 25%.
There will be no deferred or rewrite term test under any
circumstance. In the case that a doctor's note provides a reason
for missing a test (illness, funeral, etc.), then a mark for the test
will be assessed from the final exam. This will also hold for a
student representing the university at an event (e.g. sports) given a
coach's note (the coach must consult with the instructor beforehand).
For conflict with another non-deferred test, contact Dr. English
before the midterm test date. Your other instructor MUST contact Dr. English before the test.
Final Examination:
- Duration: 2 hours.
- Held during the exam period at the end of the fall term
(between Dec. 8-19th). These details are decided by the
administration (not the instructors) and posted close to the date.
- Value: 45%.
Deferred exams are arranged by the student with their faculty, not
with the instructor of the course.
- The exam
will
cover the material that follows after the material examined on
the second term test. Note that one needs to review the material from earlier lectures relevant to this later section of the course.
Tentative Topic Outline:
Constellations, eclipses, and other features of the observable night
sky will be covered in the tutorial and lab sections using the Robert
J. Lockhart Planetarium and the Glenlea Astronomical Observatory.
(See Mr. Cameron's
Observing
Sessions website.)
Material from parts of the following chapters, along with additional
material, will be presented in class.
| Topic | References |
| Overview and Mathematics Background
| Chapter 1 |
| Distances in Astronomy and Charting the Heavens; Constellations. |
Chapter 1; the Planetarium |
| Gravity, including General Relativity (GR) | Chapters 2, 7.6, part of 22.6 (GR). |
| Radiation, Spectroscopy and an Overview of
Telescopes | Chapters 3, 4, 5 |
| Our Solar System System and Planetary System Formation | Chapters 6, 8.8, 15.2. |
| Other Planetary Systems | Chapter 15 |
| Our Sun | Chapter 16 |
| Stars and Stellar Evolution | Chapters 17-21, 23.3 (Stellar populations) |
| A Brief Introduction to Black Holes | Chapter 22 |
| The Milky Way Galaxy | Chapter 23 |
| Hubble Classification and Hubble's Law | Chapter 24 |
| Galaxies and Dark Matter | Chapter 25 |
| An Introduction to Cosmology | Chapter 26 |
| Possibly other topics of interest | Supplemental material |
Academic Policies
The Faculty of Science asks us to inform you that academic dishonesty
has serious consequences. To learn how to avoid fraud, plagiarism, and inappropriate collaboration,
as well as the consequences
please visit:
Academic Dishonesty Guidelines and Penalties at
http://umanitoba.ca/faculties/science/undergrad/resources/webdisciplinedocuments.html
Penalties for Academic Dishonesty. at http://umanitoba.ca/faculties/science/resources/Acad_Dishon_TABLE_RevCSS_AdminC_Jul2012_WEB.pdf
The Student Discipline Bylaw may be accessed http://umanitoba.ca/admin/governance/governing_documents/students/student_discipline.html
Student Affairs also has a page:
Honesty and Integrity at http://www.umanitoba.ca/student/resource/student_advocacy/index.html
How to avoid cheating and plagiarism -- take the Academic Honesty Quiz
at http://umanitoba.ca/student/resource/student_advocacy/academic_honesty_quiz.html
And see the Course Credit and Changes to Fee Cancellation Policy and Practices document (last 2 sections).
Want to do more astronomy? Then check out: