Fundamental Astronomy

Fundamental Astronomy

Instructor: Thushara Perera
Office: C007C in CNS
Office Hrs: MWF 2-3 PM and R 9-10 AM and 2-3 PM. But feel free to drop by or schedule an appointment by email at any time
email: tperera
Phone: 556-3888

Course Meeting Times

Class: C 101 in CNS from 1 to 1:50 on MWF

Lab: At the Evans Observatory or the Buck Memorial Library from 1 to 3 or 3 to 5, on T or R

Telescope Observing: On clear nights at the Evans Observatory, as announced

Required Items

Text: Astronomy: A Beginners Guide to the Universe (7th Edition) by Eric Chaisson and Steve McMillan

Scientific Calculator: You cannot use graphing calculators or share calculators during exams.  If you don't have one already, buy the most basic model under the "scientific" category.


Course Description and Objectives

In this class, we will broadly cover what astronomers have learned up to now about our universe, what they hope  to learn going forward, and what they hypothesize about the nature, origin, and fate of our universe. We will start with an exploration of physical ideas and techniques fundamental to astronomy and the scientific method. Then we will venture out starting with our immediate surroundings - planet earth and the solar system - and proceed systematically to study stars, our galaxy, other galaxies, and the universe as a whole. While you will get to know some facts about the above topics, my main expectation is that you learn about the methods, the thinking, and the ingenuity that goes into uncovering those facts. In other words, this class is about general principles and ideas in astronomy and about how science works, not about memorizing names and numbers. It is also important that you actively participate in your own learning and treat my teaching as a tool that helps you do that. You will get a more concrete feel for what I mean after a few classes.

Breakdown of Grades

Exams: Three one-hour midterms during the term and one comprehensive final. We will have a review class before each exam, where you can ask questions about what we have covered. I will not provide any "review sheets." In the exams, you can be asked about any of the material covered in class. 3 x 10% + 20 = 50%
Quizzes: Most Fridays over assigned reading and Moodle participation quizzes 15%
Lab exercises and homework: Late homework will be penalized at a rate of 20% per day 25%
Observing Assignments: Based on completeness and clarity of notes. I will be handing out some guidelines on what to observe and how to take notes, early on in the course. 10%

Course Policies

Attendance for labs and exams is mandatory. You will only be allowed to make up exams or labs in cases of grave illness or emergency, documented in a letter by a doctor or official. In those cases, it will be easier to convince me if you alert me to the situation prior to your absence. One unexcused absence from a lab will cause your final grade to drop by one full letter (e.g. A- to B-). Two such absences will cause you to receive a grade of F, in accordance with university policy.

Attendance in class is highly encouraged but not mandatory. In the class schedule, the sections assigned for prior reading are general indicators of what we will cover. It is only by attending that you will find out about additional material we cover or textbook material we leave out. And everything we cover in class is fair game for exams. I will also have some learning activities in class that will help you retain and understand the material covered. So, come to class and stay alert!

If you miss class, it is your responsibility to find out about any homework that was assigned. If you anticipate missing a Friday quiz and have a good reason, contact me about arranging a make-up quiz. Feel free to let me know if extra-curricular campus activities or other issues keep you away from class or interfere with making progress in the course. I will be happy to discuss and help resolve those problems.

General Advice

This is an exciting subject. You should allow yourself to be captivated by astronomy (if you are not, already) by actively participating in classes and labs. Here are some practical guidelines that will help you do well in the course.

If you have problems or questions, feel free to drop by during my office hours or email me to set up a special time that is convenient.

Online Resources

Look up this page often because the schedule (below) is likely to change substantially depending on how things are going. Homework and Powerpoint slides of my lectures will also be posted on Moodle.

Tentative Reading Schedule

Subject to change.  Currently only available through midterm 1.  The schedule for the rest of the semester will be posted before midterm 1.