AY102 Lab Syllabus

--General Syllabus--

AY102 Introduction to Astronomy Laboratory

Lab Rooms: 310 and 313 Gallalee Hall

Course Description: One credit hour. Pre-requisite or co-requisite, AY101. Observation of sun, moon, and other daytime activities. Indoor exercises include stellar spectra, HR diagram, celestial sphere, and astronomical photographic analysis. See undergraduate catalog for more details.

Course Goals: To give experience in the process of making astronomical observations, processing the data and interpreting the results in terms of scientific hypotheses.

Text: AY 102 Astronomy Laboratory Manual. In addition you will need a scientific calculator, and a pencil is recommended.

Lab Attendance: All the labs must be completed and handed in during the lab period. It is thus essential to attend all labs and to get there on time. If you miss the explanation at the beginning of class, things will take longer; don’t expect the instructor to repeat explanations and instructions.

Quizzes and Grading: There will be 3 Major quizzes which will, in all, count for 30% of the total grade. To prepare for the major quizzes, study guides will be distributed for your review purposes. Asking questions about anything you do not understand and actively participating in group lab exercise work is essential for doing well on the quizzes.

Missed Quizzes and Laboratory Exercises: If you miss a quiz or lab on your scheduled lab day, then you must present your lab instructor with a valid doctor’s or other appropriate excuse within one week, otherwise credit may not be received. In the event that you are not able to attend your scheduled lab time, you should try to attend one of my other sections. It is possible to make-up one missed lab in the last week of the semester when a special make-up lab is scheduled. The make-up lab can be used as a replacement for your zero or lowest lab grade.

Academic Honesty: “Academic misconduct includes all acts of dishonesty in any academically-related matter and any knowing or intentional help or attempt to help, or conspiracy to help, another student commit an act of academic dishonesty; includes cheating, plagiarism, fabrication of invented or falsified citation of material, or misrepresentation or material related to academic matters.” (refer to the University of Alabama Student Handbook, pg 45)

Students with Disabilities: If you are registered with the Office of Disability Services, please make an appointment with the instructor as soon as possible to discuss any course of accommodations that maybe necessary. If you have a disability but have not contacted the Office of Disability Services, please call 354-5175 or visit Osband Hall to register for services.