Physics 1311 (Section 801)

Elements of Astronomy

Course Information

• Lecturer: Professor John Cotton
• Lecture Times: WF 3:00-3:50PM
• Discussion and questions: W 4:00-4:50PM
• Lab Times: M 1:00-2:50PM, 3:00-4:50PM
• Lecture Room: 158 Fondren Science
• Laboratory Room: 32 Fondren Science
• Office: 203 Fondren Science
• Office hours: After class any class day
• Contact:
  • Call or leave a message at (214) 768 4096 (SMU)
  • Call or leave a message at (214) 428-5555 x1388 (Museum of Nature and Science), or
  • Leave a note in the Physics Department Office - 106 Fondren Science, or
  • send me e-mail. To avoid spammers I'm going to use a graphic:
    
• Text: Chaisson & McMillan, Astronomy, $97.50
• Lab Manual: $19.75 available in the SMU Book Store.

  Nature of the course: This is a descriptive survey of astronomy from the Sun to the outer galaxies. The course makes minimal use of mathematics but does require reasoning and some calculation. You will need a small scientific calculator that you know how to use. PH1311 meets the lab science requirement.

• Laboratory: You must register for one of the laboratory sections:
  • N10 - Monday 1:00-2:50pm in 32 Fondren Science (Cotton)
  • N11 - Monday 3:00-4:50pm in 32 Fondren Science (Cotton)

  In the lab sessions you will make measurements and use some real astronomical data to find out more about the universe. The lab exercises are designed so that you will finish the write-up in thelab and hand it in as you leave.

• Semester schedule
• Course policies
• Official University Calendar
• Students with Disabilities
• Policies Regarding Absences
• Useful and interesting links
• Web sites useful for labs
• Notes on writing a lab report
• Year 2008 Calendar
• Extracurricular Activities
  • SPS - The Society of Physics Students