Outline of Physics 440, "Astrophysics I"

Course material can be found online at URL

http://spiff.rit.edu/classes/phys440/phys440.html

Instructor

Michael Richmond
Building 76, Office 1274
Office phone: 475-2538
E-mail: mwrsps@rit.edu

Class hours

   Monday    10:00 - 10:50 pm   08-2154  
   Tuesday   10:00 - 10:50 pm   08-2154  
   Thursday  10:00 - 10:50 pm   08-2154  
   Friday    10:00 - 10:50 pm   08-2154

Office Hours

   Monday    11:00 - 12:00 am    76-1274
   Tuesday    1:00 -  2:00 pm    in the Physics Study Center
   Thursday  11:00 -  noon       76-1274
   Friday     2:00 -  3:00 pm    76-1274

You may call to make an appointment. If my office door is open, feel free to enter.

Grading

There are several components to the final score in this course. The list below is not definitive, but a rough guide to the importance of each component.

   20  percent  class participation
   50  percent  homework 
   30  percent  final exam 
   -----------
  100  percent

Course grades are based on a total of 100 percent.

At the end of the course, I shall calculate the total score for each student. Based on the overall distribution of scores in the class, I may use the traditional means of assigning letter grades to scores ("A" for greater than 90%, "B" for 80% to 90%, etc.); or I may slide the grade boundaries downward to some degree.

If you know in advance that you will have to miss a test, you may request a makeup test. However, you must provide a letter explaining the reason for your absence, which must be signed by you, your academic advisor and the head of your department. Without such a letter, you will receive a score of zero for the test.

I will deduct some credit from homework which is turned in late; after two weeks, no credit will be given for homework.

Textbook

An Introduction to Modern Astrophysics, by Carroll and Ostlie. You may purchase copies in the bookstore. This is the same book which will be used for the "Astrophysics II" course, SPSP 441.

Other resources

There is a Physics Study Center on the first floor of the College of Science. A schedule posted outside the room lists times at which someone will be available to help with questions. You may also contact the Learning Development Center, in the Eastman Building, second floor. The Office of Special Services can arrange one-on-one tutorial sessions for qualified students.

If my office door is open, please feel free to visit.

If you have any special needs, you must inform me during the first week of classes. Otherwise, I may not be able to make arrangements in time to help you. Please contact me after class or at my office.

This page maintained by Michael Richmond. Last modified Dec 12, 2003.