[Get the Syllabus as PDF file ]

NOTE ON OLDER EDITIONS: these Fourth Edition, 4/E, Media Update are practically identical to the 2006 Fourth Edition, 4/E editions, ISBNs 0805392696 and 0805392955, respectively, that you should be able to find used.
There are no changes to the textbook itself, just modest updates to the accompanying media, that we are not really using for the course. Editions older than 4/E are significantly different.

The classroom, HBH227, has been recently renovated, and its new layout and furniture allow for two wheelchair accessible places.

• Ten homework assignments. Basic problem sets taken from the book (or at the same level of those collected in it), or related class activities. Homework problems will be due typically 1 week after being assigned. You may discuss general concepts with fellow students and you are encouraged to do so.
  However, the specific homeworks have to be done individually, and the honor code applies. Collectively, homeworks will count for 40 % of your course grade.
  Please see also the ``Homework Guidelines'' posted on the website.
• Three in-class tests. Each exam will consist of multiple-choice questions (some involving short calculations in order to recognize the correct asnwer). Collectively, these count for 50 % of your course grade. They will be closed-book, closed notes, (non-programmable) calculator allowed. For the tests a handwritten one page ``cheat sheet'' may be allowed (and it will be turned in together with the test). Check with the instructor each time!
• Web-research or observing project(s), worth 10 %.
  The goal of the projects is to give you the opportunity to learn more about some of the topics discussed in the course, and for us to assess your understanding by the quality of your analyses and discussion, and ability to connect the class material with the project topic.
  • Observing Project: It will consist of performing a few observations of solar system objects, assisted by the instructor and/or other people, mainly using the Rice Campus Observatory.
    In-depth information and updates will be posted on the class website. Check regularly
  • Web-research Project: a report and analysis on a recent news article pertaining to some discovery or event in Solar system astronomy. The report may be submitted in the form of an accessible web page, or PDF (or printed) paper (not MS Word or other word processor formats). Details will be forthcoming in September, but keep an eye and ear tuned to the news to catch any interesting topics before September comes around.
    You will need to check with the instructor whether the article you have in mind is suitable.
    Updates will be posted on the class website. Check regularly
  • Extra credit may be attained by doing both an observing and a web project: the total maximum ``grade'' for the combination of observing+web projects is ``15 points''.

  Information about the honor code application to the projects will be posted in their dedicated web pages. Here we only emphasize that the honor code will apply to the project-related papers and activities, and to stress in particular that plagiarism and data-forgery will not be tolerated.
  Your work should be clearly distinguishable from your sources, and it is expected to be original, in the sense that it should be the fruit of your own understanding of the issues. Please review Rice's Honor Council online documents, in particular this one.
  A related webpage will be posted on the class website.

• Extra-credit opportunities (possible).
  • During the course of the semester, there may be a few opportunities to earn extra credit for special problems, speakers, or web-based activities available at the Mastering Astronomy website.
    
  • Moreover, each homework will be worth more than its nominal 40/10=4 % share of the final grade.
    So, the points available over the 10 homeworks will be approximately 45. This can help make up for another homework where you lost points. However, only a maximum of 40 points will count toward the grade (i.e. there is going to be a cap)..
  • Similarly, for each in-class test, extra points may be available on any given test but only 50 will count towards the total.
• Grades.

  90% ≥   A-/A/A+ 80% -- 90% B-/B/B+ 70% -- 80% C-/C/C+ 60% -- 70% D-/D/D+   < 60% F

  You can get the grade you ``want'' without having much of a scientific background yet. You will find, however, that you may have to work hard and regularly to achieve good grades. I recommend to always read the book between each lecture, and make use of the helpful tutorials and other materials available on the textbook website!

  Also, be warned that you will get an F if you end up with less than 60% of the available points.
  The earned points will not be rescaled at the end of the course.

  I will post online an updated gradesheet as soon as each HW or test is graded. Together with your current earned points, the gradesheet will report a projection of your final grade if you continue on the same track until the end of the class.