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/).