SCCC 116 Course Syllabus - Spring 2006
Prof. Christina Lacey
General Comments
Astronomy is the process of finding out where we are and
where we are going.
In order to answer these questions, modern astronomy
incorporates many of the results and methods of the other sciences. All
sciences build models of the world. These models are often developed by
controlled experiments. Astronomers do not have the luxury of experiments. We
are forced to build many of our models with the constraint that we can look but
not touch.
All sciences discover and collect data. The set of data
are in themselves not the science. The science is the process. This is not to
say that we don't need to know any of the data. Some information must be at
your fingertips for the search. In this course, we will try to strike a balance
between information and process.
Materials Needed
For the course you will need, in addition to this
syllabus,
1.
Astronomy Today by Chaisson/McMillan, Fifth Edition;
2.
Laboratory Exercises in Astronomy for SCCC115-116, 1st
edition or higher by Safko;
3.
A calculator capable of trig and log functions such as the TI
30Xa (you are responsible for learning how to operate the calculator);
4.
A bound laboratory logbook. (such as Roaring Spring 77475 or
Apad26-251) It must be a separate volume from the class journal and fully
devoted to the lab.
Grading
This will not be a self-paced mastery-oriented course
such as ASTR 111. Your grade will be determined by the following:
Laboratory 25%
Exams (2
exams +1 Final) 30%
Homework 25%
Class
Participation 20%
0.25*Lab + 0.25*Homework + 0.30*Exam + 0.20*Participation
Laboratory
Most of the laboratories will be held at Melton
Observatory. Labs will start after sunset and the time will change after daylight
savings starts. There may be some
special astronomical events occurring, so meetings may also be held on a few
other nights. On cloudy nights you may meet in PSC 324. Dr. Overcash will be in charge of the
laboratories. At the end of the term, he will give me a numerical grade, which
will count for 25% of your course grade.
Homework
Homework will be assigned each Thursday and collected the
following
Thursday.
Tests and Final Exam
The tests will be cumulative, but concentrate on material
covered since the last test. The final will be cumulative. Questions will be
multiple choice, short answer, or have relatively simple calculations. The
purpose is to check understanding rather than memorization of information.
Class
Participation
Group exercises will be conducted every class
meeting. These exercises require
full class participation. Class
participation will be measured by a five-minute quiz given at the beginning of
each class over material on the syllabus scheduled for that dayÕs class.
Contact Information
Website:
http://boson.physics.sc.edu/~lacey/sccc116
Email:
lacey@sc.edu
Phone:
777-6089
Office:
Rm. 503, PSC
My office hours are Tuesday 2-4 pm in the Astronomy
Center (007), located in the basement of PSC, and Wed. 1-3 pm in Rm. 503.
During the first week, each of you must send me your
email address by emailing me at lacey@sc.edu.