Cosmology  Syllabus

Cosmology

http://www2.smumn.edu/deptpages/~physics/cosmology/cosmology.htm

• Meetings:     Tuesday and Thursday 10:45a – 12:00
• Text:              Wrinkles in Time by George Smoot and Keay Davidson, Avon Books 1993, ISBN:0-380-72044-2
• Description:  Cosmology investigates the origin and evolution of the universe from the scientist's point of view.  How did our universe start?  How did it arrive at its present state?  What cosmological models are most consistent with the present experimental knowledge of the contents of our universe?  What do quasars, pulsars, and radio galaxies have to tell us about the evolution of our universe?  There are some of the questions that will be explored in this course. 

Course Goals    This course is designed to assist students to:

• Understand and explain the nature of the universe. 

• Understand and explain how scientists learn about the universe.

• Learn on their own.

• Think Critically. 

 Learner outcomes      Upon successful completion of this course, students will:

• Begin to understand and be able to explain the nature of the universe. 

• Begin to understand and be able to explain how scientists learn about the universe.

• Take responsibility for their learning.

• Think Critically. 

Assessment opportunities/activities    Students will be able to demonstrate these learner outcomes in the following ways:   

• In-class Discussions

• Homework / Quizzes

• Tests.

• Final Exam 

  Quizzes / Homework	20 points
  In class Test	30 points
  Final Exam	50 point
  TOTAL	100 points

 Evaluation    Students' performance will be evaluated using the following procedures, methods, and criteria:

• Homework / Quizzes

• Tests.

• Final Exam

• Office Hours: My schedule is posted outside my office door.  Students who have questions or are experiencing difficulty are strongly encouraged to make an appointment or simply stop by.

• Grading:         There will be several quizzes, a test and a final exam.
  If you need to miss the test let me know as soon as possible before the test. Quizzes can not be made up. 
  Quizzes/ Homework =  20 points;     Test = 30 points;    Final Exam = 50 points;  Total = 100 points
  The normal grading system (where 93 – 100 = A, 92 - 88 = AB, 83-87 = B, etc) will be employed.

Attendance:     Class attendance is very important. Please attend all sessions.

Reading:     Assigned readings are to be read before class. Even on the day following the test!! I will discuss in class those topics that seem difficult. Please feel free to ask questions in class if any point seems unclear to you. Unless I indicate otherwise, all assigned material in the text is to be considered part of the course.

Warning:     It is very important that you keep up day to day, and last minute cramming can be hazardous to your grade. Small quizzes and in-class exercises are designed to encourage reading of the material and to stress important points.
   

Date	Day	Reading Assignment
Feb. 20	T	Intro
Feb. 22	R	Chapters 1 and 2
Feb. 27	T	Chapters 3 and 4
Mar.  1	R	Chapters 5 and 6
Mar.  6	T	Chapters 7 and 8 TEST
Mar.  8	R	Chapters 9 and 10
Mar. 13	T	Chapters 11 and 12
Mar. 15	R	Chapters 13 and 14
Mar. 20	T	Review
Mar. 22	R	Final Exam

Policy on Academic Dishonesty:  Refer to student Handbook

Policy for Students with Disabilities:  The University is committed to ensuring facility and program access to students with either permanent or temporary disabilities through a variety of services and equipment.  The Academic Skills Center (ASC) coordinates academic accommodations for enrolled students with documented disabilities.  Accommodations are determined on a class-by-class basis and may include classroom relocation, sign language interpreters, recorded course materials, and note taking services.  Requests for accommodation or services must be arranged in advance and require documentation of the disability, verifying the need for such accommodation or service.  Please speak to your instructor at the beginning of the semester if you have a disability which may affect your performance in this course. 

Policy for missed Labs.  Labs are seen as an integral tool for experiential learning as well as an assessment and evaluation tool.  For this reason the lab experience is required for the class and absence from more than one lab session will have a substantial impact on ones grade.     

This syllabus is subject to change