Course:   Introductory Astrophysics I (ASTR: 3771)
                Fall 2024
                TTh 9:30 - 10:45 am           VAN 63

      Professor:  Dr. Kenneth Gayley
                  A.B. degree: 1983, Princeton Univ.
                  Ph.D.: 1990, U. C. San Diego
                  25 Years at U. Iowa
                  Research is in stellar atmospheres and winds

      Office Hours:   T Th 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm  VAN 615
      E-Mail:   kenneth-gayley@uiowa.edu
      Phone:    541 - 6408
      Textbook:  optional 
                (suggest Carroll and OStlie, Intro to Modern Astrophysics)

      Course URL:
http://physics.uiowa.edu/~kgg/teaching/astrophysicsI

Course Objectives:
      The goal of this course is to increase the mathematical and physical
      sophistication of the way we treat a range of basic astrophysics
      problems relating to solar systems and stars.  The objective is to
      give students a deeper technical mastery of the tools of astrophysical
      theory, both so they can do theory research, and so they can use a
      conceptual understanding of the theory to better plan and interpret
      observations.

Class Procedure:
      The class material will be conveyed in lectures, assigned reading, and 
      class discussions.  Although the course is lecture-based, questions 
      during class are encouraged, as not only a useful, but essential part
      of the educational process.  Principles will be described, and examples
      will be given to elucidate how the principles work and what mathematical
      tools are useful for applying them.   The grade will be based on homework
      that is taken home and submitted electronically, and in-class exams.
      For homeworks, you are encouraged to work together.  For exams, you must
      work alone.  The goal of both is twofold: to assess your understanding, 
      and also to get you to use your knowledge in a useful way to attack problems.
       
Course Requirements:
      Exams:  There will be four quizzes, one midterm, and one final exam
      Homework:  Problem sets will be assigned about every two weeks to
              help the students keep up with the material and see examples
              of the principles.  The best 5 out of 6 count.
      Class participation:  to promote an interactive learning environment,
              come to class and ask questions, or propose answers to the questions
              I give you.  Much of the learning will be active and involve class discussion.

Fairness Policy:
      I would like to hear from anyone who has a disability which may
      require some modification of seating, testing, or other policies
      of the course, so that appropriate arrangements may be made to
      eliminate unnecessary disadvantages. Please do not hesitate to 
      see me after class or during office hours, or call, or E-mail.
      My number is 335-3282, and email is kenneth-gayley@uiowa.edu.

Grading:
      Total for the best 5 (of 6) homeworks:       20%
      Total of 4 quizzes:                          32%
      midterm:                                     20%
      final exam:                                  28%





General Information:
University guidelines indicate students should expect to spend six hours per
week outside of class, and that is never more true than in a challenging
physics class.

Academic Fraud
Plagiarism and any other activities that result in a student presenting work
that is not his or her own are academic fraud. Academic fraud is reported to
the departmental DEO and then to the Associate Dean for Academic Programs and
Services in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
www.clas.uiowa.edu/students/academic_handbook/ix.shtml

Making a Suggestion or a Complaint
Students have the right to make suggestions or complaints and should first
visit with the instructor, and if the problem remains unresolved then with the
departmental executive officer (Dr. Reno, 203 VAN).  Complaints must be made
within six months of the incident.  For more details, see
www.clas.uiowa.edu/students/academic_handbook/ix.shtml#5

Accommodations for Disabilities 
A student seeking academic accommodations first must register with Student
Disability Services and then meet with a SDS counselor who determines
eligibility for services. A student approved for accommodations should meet
privately with the course instructor to arrange particular accommodations. See
www.uiowa.edu/~sds/

Understanding Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment subverts the mission of the University and threatens the
well-being of students, faculty, and staff. Visit
www.sexualharassment.uiowa.edu/ for a description of the full policy.

Administrative Home of the Course
The administrative home of this course is the College of Liberal Arts and
Sciences, which governs academic matters relating to the course such as the
add / drop deadlines, the second-grade-only option, issues concerning academic
fraud or academic probation, and how credits are applied for various CLAS
requirements.  For questions, please visit your academic advisor or the staff
in 120 Schaeffer Hall. The CLAS Academic Handbook may be found at:
www.clas.uiowa.edu/students/academic_handbook/index.shtml

Rights and Responsibilities: All students in the college have specific rights
and responsibilities. These are detailed in the Schedule of Courses and in the
College's Student Academic Handbook
(http://www.clas.uiowa.edu/students/academic_handbook/).