Special Topics in Astrophysics 29:235 - Fall 2012

Extragalactic Astronomy

Instructor: Prof. Philip Kaaret
Office: 702 Van Allen Hall
Phone: 335-1985
E-mail: philip-kaaret [at] uiowa.edu
Web: http://astro.physics.uiowa.edu/~kaaret
Office hours: see class web site

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Department of Physics and Astronomy
DEO: Prof. Mary Hall Reno
Office: 203 Van Allen Hall
Phone: 335-1686

Special Topics in Astrophysics is a graduate level course and this semester will cover extragalactic astronomy. The topics to be covered will include normal and active galaxies, large scale structure, the early universe, and cosmology. The course will assume an undergraduate preparation in physics, but no prior training in astronomy. The course will include a research project component.

General Information

Lectures are Monday and Wednesday, 1:30-2:45 pm, in room 358 of Van Allen Hall.
The textbook for the course is Extragalactic Astronomy and Cosmology by Peter Schneider, which is available in electronic form via the UI library. Students will be expected to read assigned sections from the textbook before class and come to class ready to discuss the material. Two other books are available on reserve for 3 day loan in the library: Galaxy formation and evolution by Mo, van den Bosch, and White, and How did the first stars and galaxies form? by Loeb.
The grade in the course will be determined from the problem sets (50%) and from a research project (50%).
Homework will be due at the beginning of class on the assigned date. Students are allowed to work on the homework in small groups. However, each student should be sure to understand each homework problem. Students should feel free to come during office hours to discuss the homework assignments.
For the research project, students will work in groups of 2. If there is an odd number of students in the class, there will be one group of 3. Each group will choose a topic in extragalactic astronomy then analyze data and write a paper describing the motivation for the analysis, the analysis work done, and an interpretation of the results. Each group will also give two 15 minute presentations of the analysis work during class. Questions, directed to particular group members, will be asked during the presentation.

UI and CLAS Policy and Procedures

Absence from Class: To make up a class missed for medical reasons, the student must fill out the "Absence from Class Form" available at the Registrar's Page of Forms for Students. It is prefered that the student go to health services or see a doctor. If the student does not, then section 5c must be filled out by a person who is not another student.

Administrative Home: The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is the administrative home of this course and governs matters such as the add/drop deadlines, the second-grade-only option, and other related issues. Different colleges may have different policies. Questions may be addressed to 120 Schaeffer Hall, or see the CLAS Student Academic Handbook.

Electronic Communication: University policy specifies that students are responsible for all official correspondences sent to their University of Iowa e-mail address (@uiowa.edu). Faculty and students should use this account for correspondences. (Operations Manual, III.15.2. Scroll down to k.11.)

Accommodations for Disabilities: A student seeking academic accommodations should first register with Student Disability Services and then meet privately with the course instructor to make particular arrangements. See www.uiowa.edu/~sds/ for more information.

Academic Honesty: The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences expects all students to do their own work, as stated in the CLAS Code of Academic Honesty. Instructors fail any assignment that shows evidence of plagiarism or other forms of cheating, also reporting the student's name to the College. A student reported to the College for cheating is placed on disciplinary probation; a student reported twice is suspended or expelled.

Making a Suggestion or a Complaint: Students with a suggestion or complaint should first visit the instructor, then the course supervisor, and then the departmental DEO. Complaints must be made within six months of the incident. See the CLAS Student Academic Handbook.

Understanding Sexual Harassment: Sexual harassment subverts the mission of the University and threatens the well-being of students, faculty, and staff. All members of the UI community have a responsibility to uphold this mission and to contribute to a safe environment that enhances learning. Incidents of sexual harassment should be reported immediately. See the UI Comprehensive Guide on Sexual Harassment for assistance, definitions, and the full University policy.

Reacting Safely to Severe Weather: In severe weather, class members should seek appropriate shelter immediately, leaving the classroom if necessary. The class will continue if possible when the event is over. For more information on Hawk Alert and the siren warning system, visit the Public Safety web site.