PHY lO56-G Principles of Astronomy Laboratory -Spring 2009

Instructor: Mr. N. Ilic Email: nilic@eiu.edu

Office: 1164 Physical Sciences Phone and voicemail: 581-2221

Office Hours: Tuesdays:11:00-12:00 and Wednesdays: 10:00-11:00

Other times by appointment

Text: None is specified. Written materials for experiments will be distributed in class.

Class Meets: Wednesday 02:00 PM - 03:50 PM in room 2167

(We will also meet some Wednesdays 8 PM - 10 PM)

This lab course includes both indoor lab exercises and outdoor observations. Our activities will usually be conducted during our daytime meeting slot. Occasionally, we will meet during our evening time slot for nighttime observing activities. We will finish about 12 indoor labs and 3 outdoor activities.

Catalog Description: Experimental work demonstrating astronomical principles and techniques and their applications. PHY 1055G must be taken concurrently.

Indoor Experiments: Bring a scientific calculator and pencil with you to each class. At the beginning of class, I will introduce that week's lab and provide you with printed instructions that you are to follow to complete the activity. Note that you are responsible (in the lecture course. PRY 1055) for material you are exposed to in this (lab) course.

Course Grading is based on your attendance at Nighttime Observations,

and on the lab reports turned in for Daytime Labs

A: 86%-100%

B: 70%-85%

C: 60%-69%

D: 50%-59%

F: < 50%

Absence from 3 activities will result in a reduction in the final grade of one letter grade. Absence from more than 3 activities will result in a failing course grade.

No make-up labs will be given, except at the discretion of the instructor. Note that a rescheduling of the lab is sometimes possible if the student makes prior arrangements with the instructor.

On some labs, you will be asked to form into groups. However, each of you will be required to submit a separate report - even if you do work in groups. For indoor activities, the lab reports are due at the next Wednesday.

Grading of Observations: Your attendance will count toward this course, and a short essay about your observing experience will count toward your lecture course grade. The essay will be due at the start of the next Wednesday lab. Observations will be worth 25% of grade.

Final Exam: There will be no final exam for this course.