Essay About Graded Projects And Weekly Projects

Physics
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1 OVERVIEW
Purpose
Welcome! This course focuses on our Solar System, its future, and our exploration of
it–including the search for life. You will also be introduced to astronomical observing,
and the practice of science.
Lectures
Physical Sciences Room PS 141 TR 10:30a-11:45a
Coursework Return
Graded projects and exams will be returned in class the first week after they were due
or administered. If you dont retrieve them in class, obtain them from the astronomy
Teaching Assistants, either during their office hours or by appointment.
Astro Web Page
Announcements, TA information, test statistics, and sky viewing dates will be posted
on the Astro Web Page at
often! Copies of course handouts and study aids are also downloadable from there.
Professor
Dr. Peter Shull [email protected] 405-744-5785
Office Hours: in PS 150, TWR 9:30a-10:20a, or by appointment
Teaching Assistants
The two astronomy TAs names, e-mail addresses, and office hours are posted on the
Astro Web Page. Visit them in basement room PS 052 during their office hours to get
help with your weekly projects and to collect any graded projects and exams you didnt
pick up in class. Set up appointments if you cannot make their office hours.
Sky Viewings
Optional sky viewings will be scheduled during the semester. Details will be
announced in class and on the Astro Web Page.
Required Texts
Astronomy, 6th edition, by Dinah Mochй, ISBN 0-471-26518-7
Exploring the Universe with Voyager III, 2007-08 edition (“star trails” cover), ISBN 1-426-
62970-2, by Brian Monson and Peter Shull
Books and Magazines of Interest (most available in the OSU library)
Nortons Star Atlas, 20th edition, ed. Ian Ridpath, Pi Press (great star charts)
Observers Handbook 2007, ed. Patrick Kelly, U. of Toronto Press (the years events)
Three popular, monthly magazines: Astronomy, Night Sky, and Sky & Telescope
2 GRADING
Point Values
Up to 1000 points can be earned as listed below. Unannounced, extra-credit quizzes
may be given from time to time. Note that we drop the lowest two projects.
Comprehensive final exam 300 pts
3 one-hour exams @ 150 pts each 450 pts
Top 10 of 12 weekly projects @ 25 pts each 250 pts
Grading Scale
Semester grades will be assigned according to the tentative point scale below. These
grade “floors” may be shifted slightly upward or downward for the sake of fairness.
A: 750 pts B: 650 pts C: 550 pts D: 450 pts
Project and test scores are reported as percentages. It is easy to convert percentages to
points. For example, 60% on a project equals 60% Ч 25 pts = 0.60 Ч 25 pts = 15 pts.
To predict your semester grade at any time, use the equation below to estimate your
semester point total, then refer to the grading scale above.
Point prediction = (average project %) Ч (250 pts) + (average exam %) Ч (750 pts)
For example, if your project average is 80% and your exam average is 60%, your point
estimate is 650 points, which is a B. Warning: not doing any projects will typically
yield a semester grade of D or F. Why? Although the exams are worth 750 points, the
average exam score is 60% (450 points, just barely a D).
Make-up Policy
NO MAKE-UP OR EXTRA-CREDIT WORK OF ANY KIND WILL BE GIVEN. If you
anticipate any problems not covered by the following provisions, discuss your situation
with Dr. Shull in advance. (1) Your two lowest project scores are automatically dropped,
and projects may be submitted early. (2) If an unexpected emergency causes you to
miss an exam, contact Dr. Shull immediately. If you present him acceptable
documentation (such as a physicians note), your score for one missed exam will be set
equal