ASTRONOMY

ESC115 --- Fall 2001 Syllabus

Physics Department --- Mercer University

Class Meetings: MW 3:00-4:15, WSC 101; and Labs:  M 6:00-8:40 p.m. (sec.001) and W 6:00-8:40 p.m. (sec.002) WSC 108.

Instructors:  Dr. Randall Peters, Lectures, Office: Willet Science Center 115 and Mr. Rod Armour, Labs (see http://physics.mercer.edu/people/faculty.html)

Office hours: 8:30-9:25 M-F or by appointment

email: peters_rd@mercer.edu, phone: 301-2747

Physics home page at http://physics.mercer.edu.

Material Treated:  Major topics of the textbook, as indicated in the schedule (weblink at top of page).

Expectations:  The course has no formal mathematical or other prerequisite, but you will need to use some math to successfully complete the course; i.e., arithmetic and simple algebra. You will also be responsible for correct spelling and grammatical use of words and terms learned.

It is strongly advised that you attend all lectures since many textbook details will not be part of the tests and final exam.  If you should have to miss for some reason, be sure to ask a classmate or the instructor what was covered on that day and add it to your notes.

As goals of this course, you should:

1. Better recognize the importance of science to society,

2. Learn to think logically--both in categorizing information as well as in solving conventional problems,

3. Develop and expand your physical intuition,

4. Begin to understand that the universe is predictable rather than magical, and

5. Obtain a perspective on the history of science and technology.

Grading: In determining your final grade, the tests, Labs, and final exam will be weighted as follows:

Tests (four in number, all equal): 60%

Labs: 25%

Final Exam: 15%

Grade Scale: The following grade scale will be used to determine the letter grade:

60 - D - 70 - C - 80 - B - 90 - A - 100

1. Tests for which no alternate arrangements were made beforehand may be made up only if there is an official excuse: e.g., a note from a Dean's office, or a doctor’s note.  There is no provision for a missed lab.

2. There will be no dropped grades. All work done in the course will be counted.

3. There will be no extra-credit work.

4. The College of Liberal Arts' academic misconduct policy will be followed. In addition, all students are bound by the Mercer University Honor Code. Any students who violate it, e.g., by cheating in any aspect of the course, will fail the entire course.

5. Students are strongly encouraged to discuss with the instructors their work during the course, regardless of their grades. Questions about point awards should be brought up as soon as possible, as all grades will be final one week after the materials are graded and returned to the students.

6. Students who believe that they possess disabilities for which reasonable accommodation is required must so inform the instructor at the close of their first class meeting. They must then identify their disability and the accommodation requested. The instructor will refer them to the office of the Dean of Students for evaluation, documentation of their disability, and a recommendation as to the accommodation, if any, to be provided. Students who do NOT consult with the instructor and follow up at the office of the Dean of Students, as provided above, will thereby waive any claim to a disability and the right to any accommodation pertaining thereto. All requests for reasonable accommodation are welcome also in regard to absence from class for school representation (i.e., athletic or other events) or personal/family problems. Let's talk about it...

7. Out of courtesy for all those participating in the learning experience, all cell phones and pagers must be turned off before entering any classroom, lab, or formal academic or performance event