You need to buy
one of these two texts -- if you have a strong physical
science background, then the
Kutner book is
best. If you are not a science/technical major then the
Chaisson and McMillian
Final course grades will be
based upon 2 exams, a cumulative final exam, and class
participation during in-class exercises.
In-class writing will be done every other week, usually in
the last half of class, and will be turned in at the end of
that class. The topics will vary from "what did I
learn in class today?" to expressing your opinions about
astronomy related public policy issues. Grammar and
spelling are important, but more important is how clearly
you express yourself and your ideas.
Letter grades will be assigned as follows:
A
|
>=95%
|
A-
|
>=90%
|
B+
|
>=87%
|
B
|
>=82%
|
B-
|
>=77% |
C+
|
>=73%
|
C
|
>=69% |
C-
|
>=66% |
D+
|
>=62% |
D
|
>=58% |
D-
|
>=55% |
F
|
less than 55%
|
Contacting
Me
The best way is by e-mail,
since I don't check my voice mail very often. Coming
to office hours is also good, and any time my door is
open, please come in.
Attendance:
Attendance is not mandatory,
but is highly
encouraged. If you miss an informal writing
exercise, then you receive zero points for it, which will
be reflected in your course grade.
Make up
Exams:
I will announce exam dates
at least 2 weeks in advance of the exam. If you have
a conflicting activity that cannot be rescheduled, you must see me at least 2
days before the exam. If you don't, there will be
no opportunity to make it up. You must bring me
documentation of your conflicting activity (i.e. if you
have jury duty that day, show me the form they sent
you. If you have a brain transplant scheduled, bring
me a note from the surgeon).
Math:
Algebra is required in this
course. I plan the exams so that you cannot get an A
if you get all the math problems wrong. However, if
you get every math problem wrong, but get everything else
right, you can still get a B
Calculators are allowed on the exams. Smart phones,
flip phones or other devices with math functions are not
allowed.
Cell phone:
Please turn your cell phone
to vibrate before class starts. Cell phones that
ring in the middle of class are disrespectful to your
fellow students, and to me. If your cell phone goes
off in class and it is a call you must take, please go
into the hallway to answer it.
Cheating:
The faculty of the Department of Physics and
Astronomy do not tolerate academic dishonesty.
Falsification of data, copying, unauthorized
collaborations, plagiarism, alteration of graded
materials or other actions (as described in, but not
necessarily limited to the CSUS Policy Manual) will
be promptly reported to the Office of Student
Affairs. The offending student
will be penalized on the assignment in
question. Serious infractions will
result in course failure and a recommendation for
administrative sanctions
Anyone
caught plagiarizing on their course writing assignment
will fail this course. You can find
more information on plagiarism and how to avoid it by
going to the CSUS
library web site and clicking on the "Plagiarism
Information" link.
Students with
disabilities:
Please see me before the end
of the first week of class.
Chris Taylor
: ctaylor (at) csus.edu