Astronomy 228 Stars and Galaxies

Syllabus
Spring 2016
Instructor:
Course Location:
Course Time:

Jason Young Office Hours:

Fayerweather 117
T Th 10-11:20pm Office:

M 4-5, W 11-12
or by appointment
Merrill 224

Course Content
Course Website: https://lms.ats.amherst.edu/login.php
Course description: This is the first in a series of three astrophysics courses
designed to equip you with the basic tools of astronomy. We will also learn
about the physics and mathematics of stars and galaxies and the investigative, evidence-based nature of science using astronomy as an example.
Textbook: The required textbook for this class is Astronomy: A Physical Perspective. As we go through the course, I will list in class and post
on Moodle the chapters in the textbook that correspond to the material that
we cover each class period. Additionally, I strongly encourage you to take
notes in class your own notes will be one of your best resources!
Course Conduct: Please turn off cell phones before you enter the classroom. It is a discourtesy to your fellow students if you arrive late or leave
early. (Let me know if you will need to leave class early on a particular
occasion.) Please follow Amherst College rules regarding food, beverages,
newspapers, etc.

Description of Grade Components

Component % of Total Score
Homework
20%
Midterms (3)
20%
Participation
5%
Semester Project
15%
Semester Project
15%

Total Score
97%
93%
90%
87%
83%
80%
77%
73%
70%
60%

Letter Grade
A+
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD

Homework: We will have homework assignments roughly once per week.

Homework assignments are administered through the courses Moodle page.
You can resubmit answers as many times as you like within the limitations
of the assignment (please check before you submit). You will be graded on
the most recent answers that were submitted prior to the deadline.
Exams: We will have three midterms, two at midpoints and one at the end
of the semester during finals week. None of the midterms will be cumulative.
All of the midterms will be take-home exams to be completed on your own
without the assistance of note, textbooks, electronic devices, or other people.
Participation: We will spend some time in class working on in-class activities. This may involve group problem solving, computer labs, and collaborative research. Participating in these activities will be a critical part of your
classroom experience.
Semester Project: You will choose between two possible projects, both
involving gravity as a tool to measure the masses of celestial bodies. Both
options are designed as group projects for 2-4 partners; let me know which
project you choose and who your partners are by February 15th. The final
project report is due April 15th.
2

Option A: Measuring the Mass of Jupiter You and your partners will
take photographs of Jupiter and several of its moons and use the data that you
collect along with Newtons Law of Gravity to determine the mass of Jupiter.
Well be using the historic Wilder Observatory Telescope and, depending on
demand and availability, telescopes on other Five College campuses. The
data collection should take one night only.
Option B: Measuring the Mass of a Galaxy You and your partners
will have access to spectroscopic data on a select galaxy; using this information, along with Newtons Law of Gravity, you will determine the distribution
of mass within this galaxy.

Academic Integrity
All Amherst College policies regarding ethics and honorable behavior apply to
this course: https://www.amherst.edu/campuslife/deanstudents/acadhonesty.
Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating, plagiarizing,
fabricating of information or citations, facilitating acts of academic dishonesty by others, having unauthorized possession of examinations, submitting
work of another person or work previously used without informing the instructor, or tampering with the academic work of other students. For any
material or ideas obtained from other sources, such as the text or things you
see on the web, in the library, etc., a source / reference must be given. Direct
quotes from any source must be identified as such. All exam answers must be
your own, and you must not provide any assistance to other students during
exams.

Course Schedule
Date
Topic Chapter
January 26 (Tue) Introduction, Flux and Luminosity
2
January 28 (Thr)
Flux and Luminosity
2
February 2 (Tue)
Thermal Radiation
2
February 4 (Thr)
Thermal Radiation
2
February 9 (Tue)
Stellar Spectra
3
February 11 (Thr)
Stellar Spectra
3
February 16 (Tue)
Review, Exam 1
February 18 (Thr)
HR Diagram
3.5
February 23 (Tue)
Stellar Masses
5
February 25 (Thr)
Lifecyle of Stars
9, 10
March 1 (Tue)
Lifecyle of Stars
9, 10
March 3 (Thr)
Lifecyle of Stars
9, 10
March 8 (Tue)
Lifecyle of Stars 9, 10, 11
March 10 (Thr)
Review, Exam 2
March 15 (Tue)
Spring Break
March 17 (Thr)
Spring Break
March 22 (Tue)
TBD
March 24 (Thr)
Interstellar Gas & Dust
14
March 29 (Tue)
Interstellar Gas & Dust
14
March 31 (Thr)
Star Formation
15
April 5 (Tue)
Star Formation
15
April 7 (Thr)
TBD
April 12 (Tue)
The Milky Way
16
April 14 (Thr)
The Milky Way
16
April 19 (Tue)
Normal Galaxies
17
April 21 (Thr)
Normal Galaxies
17
April 26 (Tue)
Active Galaxies
19
April 28 (Thr)
Active Galaxies
19
May 3 (Tue)
TBD
May 5 (Thr)
Review, Exam 3