Course Syllabus (with links to Lectures, Homeworks, Answers to homeworks, Quizzes, Exams, etc. when appropriate -- UserID and Password will be needed after 21 April 2009)
Ferris, T. Coming of Age in the Milky Way --- I found this book to be a truly enjoyable book about galaxies and cosmology -- highly recommended. (Q125.F425 1988)
Kirshner, R. P. The Extravagant Universe: Exploding Stars, Dark Energy, and the Accelerating Cosmos --- I have not read this book myself, but I know Kirshner is a good writer and he was at the forefront of these discoveries.
Greene, B. The Elegant Universe: Superstrings, Hidden Dimensions, and the Quest for the Ultimate Theory -- A must read at the popular level for those interested in multidemensions (QC794.6.S85 G75)
Greene, B. The Fabric of the Cosmos: Space, Time, and the Texture of Reality -- 2004 book with good discussion of space and time, including relativity, quantum mechanics, multidimensions, etc. (TBD)
Shu, F. The Physical Universe --- This book is introductory astronomy geared for physics majors and would be a good resource who want more advanced material than that in Universe. (QB43.2.S54 1982)
Rees, M. Our Cosmic Habitat --- This is written for the popular level and should thus be fun and easy.
Smolin, L. The Life of the Cosmos --- This book is written for a popular level and presents an interesting view of how the universe of Universes evolve to produce one that has life such as our own. (QB981.S694 1997)
Guth, A. H. The Inflationary Universe --- This is a popular account from the originator of the inflationary scenario. (QB991.I54 G88 1997)
Bartusiak, M. Archives of the Universe: 100 Discoveries that transformed our Understanding of the Universe --- This is a popular account of history of cosmology and should be a wonderful read -- let me know what you think, since I have not read this one yet, but her previous books were wonderful.
Written Report & Oral Presentation:
The course will also require a five page written report, worth 20% of your total grade on a scientific article, an idea of your own, a small research project, or whatever topic that each of you and I agree to by Thursday 30 April 2009 . The purpose of these reports is to enable each student to explore a relevant topic of their own choosing, to give a personal account of that exploration (why topic, how explored, what reactions, etc), and to communicate your ideas clearly in written form. These reports are NOT to be dumps of information from books or internet. I will be grading these reports partly on their quality of presentation and writing and will down-grade if not a personal account of the exploration. These reports will be due by Thurs 28 May 2009 3rd to the last class; late reports will be given only partial credit, 10% less per weekday until 50% by 5 pm of the last class day on Thursday 4 June 2009. Reports received after this date and time will not be accepted. In addition, any student may volunteer to give a 5 minute oral presentation of their report during the last class on Thursday 4 June 2009, which will count 3% extra credit toward the total grade.
One midterm and one final exam will be given, worth 20% and 30% of your grade, respectively Although the exams are closed book and notes, all essential equations will be provided so you do not need to memorize them. No calculators will be allowed or needed. The final exam will be cumulative in the coverage of the course materials, so that it will cover the entire course, but with a heavier emphasis on the materials since the midterm exam. The midterm exam will be aimed for the full 90 minutes of a class. Some class time will be provided before the midterm to permit any last minute questions. The final will use the entire 3 hours.
2) 5 Page Report (20%)
5 min Report presentation (3% EXTRA
CREDIT) ......
3) Best 2 of 3 pop-quizzes (10%)
4) Closed-Book Exams (midterm 20% + final 30% = 50% ) ......
The course may be taken on a pass/no-pass but the default is for a grade. Nominally, 70% will be considered to be passing, i.e. equivalent to a grade of C. There is no reason that anyone should fail or get a no-pass in this class if you do the homeworks, take the quizzes, and keep up with the lectures and reading, and study for the exams. This is especially true since extra credits will be possible. For example, if you feel the need for some extra credits to make up for a bad midterm exam, come see me and we can arrange something. BUT the specification of the extra credit work must be agreed upon with me, i.e. specified by Thurs 14 May 2009 and will be due by the next to last class Tuesday 2 June 2009. These extra credits are limited to help a student pass (no-pass to pass) or to improve a grade by one sub-unit (C+ to B- , B- to B, B to B+, or B+ to A-, etc.) and are not intended to move by larger amounts such as from a C to B-, B+ to A, etc.
Lecture 11 Notes -- 5 May 2009
FINAL EXAM : MONDAY EVENING 8 Jun 2009 E&MS B214 4-7PM
Making
a Spectroscope - Homework 2 Due 23 Apr 2009