Astronomy 321 Course Information Fall 2007

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Course Description This is a laboratory course designed primarily for physics majors who are concentrating in astronomy and astrophysics. It is also suited to physics and non-physics majors who are interested in technical aspects of astronomical observing. Students will learn to plan, carry out, and analyze astronomical observations ranging from those made with the naked eye to those taken with orbiting observatories. Weather permitting, students will have opportunities for significant hands-on experience with SFSU Observatory telescopes and CCD cameras. The skills and concepts developed in this course are critical components of an astronomer's toolbox. The goal of the course is not just to become familiar with these tools, but to master them so that they become part of your own personal astronomical toolkit.

Prerequisites: Astronomy 320 or the equivalent. Students who have not taken the standard prerequisites must show evidence of equivalent experiences and get instructor approval.

Meeting time and place:

 Astronomy 321 (schedule # 12470)
  Tues 6:00 - 9:45 pm 
  411 Thornton Hall (initial meeting in TH 325) 

Instructor:

 Dr. Adrienne Cool
  Department of Physics and Astronomy
  Office: 416 Thornton Hall
  Email: cool@sfsu.edu
  Phone: (415) 338-6450
  Web: http://www.physics.sfsu.edu/~cool

Office Hours:

 Tuesdays 1:10 am - 2:00 pm

Required materials (bring to every class):

* text: "Telescopes and Techniques" by C. R. Kitchin,

ISBN 3-540-19898-9 (softcover; Springer-Verlag)

  * planisphere ("star wheel"; $6 from PAC) 
  * laboratory notebook; pencil and eraser for taking notes
 * 3-ring binder for keeping course handouts organized and accessible
  * warm clothes (it gets cold on the roof!)

Grading: Grades will be based on a combination of in-class lab exercises, detailed lab reports, homework assignments, quizzes, and class participation. There is no final exam in this course.

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