Astronomy 0087

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Astronomy 0087

• Basics of Space Flight

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Astronomy 0087

• Instructor Prof. Dr. Regina E. Schulte-Ladbeck
• Teaching Assistant Voica Radescu
• The class meets T H 1100 am - 1215 pm
• The recitation meets T, 1220 - 1 pm

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Astronomy 0087

• Mission statement
• This is a class for non-science majors.
• The purpose of this general education class is to
  inform students who will not pursue a technical
  degree and/or undecided students about topics
  related to Space Flight.
• Most importantly, the purpose of a general
  education class is that you enjoy learning about
  a topic that is pretty much new to you!!!

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Astronomy 0087

• The textbook is the
  Basics of Space Flight
  Learners Workbook which is available on the WWW
  at URL
• http//www.jpl.nasa.gov/basics/

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Astronomy 0087

• NOTICE This is a course for non-science majors.
• It assumes high-school level knowledge of
  science, and expands on it in a conceptual way,
  and by using algebra and geometry.
• If you are planning to major in engineering or
  the sciences, this is not the right class for
  you Astronomy 0113 in your class.

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Astronomy 0087

• Other linked courses
• Astronomy 0089 Stars, Galaxies and the Cosmos
• Physics 0089 Physics and Science Fiction

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Astronomy 0087

• The class time is budgeted as follows
• Approximately 1 hour will be spent in lectures.
• Following the lectures, there will be a question
  and answer session.
• On Tuesdays, after the questions and answers,
  well move on to homework assignments and
  homework solutions.
• The recitation will go on as long as you have
  questions, but finish no later than 1 pm.

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Astronomy 0087

• Following the homework solutions, the Prof.
  and/or the TA will be available for your
  one-on-one questions about the course/material/
  assignments.
• Please, use this time for your questions, not the
  time before the class starts -- needed for
  set-up.
• Please refrain from sending E-mail. In a class of
  this size, E-mail correspondence is not feasible.

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Astronomy 0087

• The lectures will be a mix of power point
  presentations, videos, and lecture
  demonstrations.
• To succeed in this course
• attend all lectures,
• take notes during the lectures, BUT DO NOT TRY TO
  COPY DOWN EVERY SLIDE!!!
• think about questions to ask after class or in
  recitation,
• work through the workbook and answer the
  end-of-chapter questions.

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Astronomy 0087

• The homework assignments are strictly voluntary
  and will not be graded.
• Some of the exam problems will emulate the
  homework assignments, so it is to your advantage
  to attempt solving these on your own, before the
  recitation.
• Your only source for obtaining the solutions is
  in recitation class.

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Astronomy 0087

• Three topical areas will be covered in this
  course
• Basic Astronomy
• Basic Physics
• Basics of Space Flight

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Astronomy 0087

• In addition to studying the workbook, explore the
  WWW links recommended in the book.
• Additional books to use for studying basic
  astronomy
• Pasachoff Astronomy -- From the Earth to the
  Universe
• Arny Explorations -- An Introduction to
  Astronomy
• Chaisson McMillan Astronomy -- A Beginners
  Guide

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Astronomy 0087

• Copies of these and similar introductory
  astronomy books such as those by Kaufmann, Kuhn,
  Comins Kaufmann, Bennett, Impey Hartmann are
  in the Physics Library in OEH.
• If you didnt have physics in high school or need
  to freshen up, I recommend you look at
• Krauskopf Baiser The Physical Universe
• Hewitt, Suchocki Hewitt Conceptual Physical
  Science

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Astronomy 0087

• The Physics Library also stocks a large number
  and variety of college level introductory Physics
  texts.
• You may want to consult some of the above books
  in addition to studying your workbook and
  attending all lectures and recitations.
• Where to get additional help (after Labor Day)
• The Physics Resource Room, third floor, OEH.
• The Physics Table in CL.
• Ask in 100 AH for a tutor (grad. student, you
  pay).

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Astronomy 0087

• There will be NO COMPREHENSIVE FINAL.
• Instead, there will be two tests
• Test 1 is on October 12, 11 am - 1215 pm.
• Test 2 is on December 7, 11 am - 1215 pm.
• Each test will consist of 50 multiple choice
  questions totaling 50 points thus, there are
  100 points available in this class for an A.
• Your grade will be determined from the sum of
  points on the two exams.

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Astronomy 0087

• There is no extra credit.
• There are no make-up exams.
• The only exception for a make-up will be made if
  you have a valid excuse. A valid excuse is
  official University of Pittsburgh business (you
  must bring a letter from your coach, band leader,
  or supervisor), or illness (you must bring a
  letter from your doctor).

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Astronomy 0087

• 60-69.9 C
• 50-59.9 C
• 40-49.9 C-
• 30-39.9 D
• 20-29.9 D
• 15-19.9 D-
• 0-14.9 F
• This is an absolute scale an there will be no
  curving.

• The grade scale for this class follows the
  University of Pittsburgh QPA scale.
• 95-100 A
• 90-94.9 A
• 85-89.9 A-
• 80-84.9 B
• 75-79.9 B
• 70-74.9 B-

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• To determine your grade, add the number of points
  on Test 1 and Test 2.
• As the total adds up to 100 points, you are
  immediately on the percentage point scale for
  this class, and can read off your grade.
• To determine your expected grade after Test 1,
  simply double your points on Test 1 and look on
  the grade scale.
• Caution students often do worse in Test 2.

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Astronomy 0087

• The information just covered is available on our
  course web site under Course Information.
• Have a successful term and
• LETS GET STARTED !!!
• Http//courseweb.pitt.edu/courses/01139274/