Physics 10 (Cosmology), Winter 2009
This page last updated 03/12/2009 12:41:25 PM
A chat room has been created for this class. You can access it through MYUCDavis
Instructor: Prof. Andreas Albrecht
+++ Info sheet for Final Exam ++++
1st Day info handout. (To be reviewed in class Jan 6. Please print your own copy if you would like a hard copy to follow along and annotate.)
<> Reading: Chapters 1& 2 (Assigned Jan 5) Chapter 5 (Assigned Jan 8), Chapter 20 (especially 20.2 and 20.3, assigned Jan 20), CH 23 (Assigned Jan 22), Chapter 4, sections 23.1, 23.2, Sections 19.1, All Chapter 22 (Assigned Feb 5) All chapter 23 (Assigned Feb 17)
<> Homework 1 (Assigned Jan 6, Due Jan 13)
<> Homework 2 (Assigned Jan 13 Due Jan 20)
<> Homework 3 (Assigned Jan 20 Due Jan 27)
<> Homework 4 (Assigned Jan 27 Due Feb 5)
<> Homework 5 (Assigned Feb 3 Due Feb 10)
<> Homework 6 (Assigned Feb 10 Due Feb 17)
<> Homework 7 (Assigned Feb 17 Due Feb 24)
<> Homework 8 (Assigned Feb 24 Due Mar 5)
<> Homework 9 (Assigned Mar 3 Due Mar 10)
<> Homework 10(Assigned Mar 11, not graded, Solutions)
Link to my lecture notes
Course Description: Physics 10 courses cover different topics depending on the instructor's choice. This course has the special topic of "Cosmology". We will study the big bang, cosmic inflation, the formation of nuclei and galaxies, the "dark energy" and "dark matter" and other cosmological topics. The course is designed to be accessible to non science majors and it has no prerequisites.
FAQ:
Q: I am not comfortable with math/science. Will I be able to do well in this class?
A: A major goal of this class is to help people who feel uncomfortable with math and science feel better about these subjects. Many students come in with pretty low comfort levels with these topics. We expect the problems we assign to be accessible to those students and the TA and I also expect to give those students the support they need to do well. In terms of math the most advanced we get is basic algebra. In the past we have seen many students who come in feeling uncomfortable with math and science put in a good effort and end up doing very well. Students who are uncomfortable with the material are strongly urged to make full use of the sections and office hours.
Q: Are there any other texts I can use instead of the one listed below?:
A1: (New, updated Jan 4 2009) There are now two versions of the text listed below . The "Stars, Galaxies and Cosmology" version is smaller than the other version, but contains all the parts we use for this course. And the numbering of everything is the same in both. Choose the one that you prefer based on price, availability and your possible interest in the extra material in the larger version.
A2: Older editions of our text are not recommended. While there are a lot of similarities between editions, there will be differences in the specific of the homework problems, and possible great differences in the numbering of equations and problems. Also, the new editions are updated in ways that are important for parts of this class. If you try and get by with an older edition you will be responsible for resolving any discrepancies. The professor and TA will not be available to assist with that.
Q: Do I need to buy the CD's and online access to "Mastering Astronomy" (sometimes packaged as a "Media Edition)?
A: You are not required to have the CD's that come with the text or an account on the online part of the text called "Mastering Astronomy". I think these automatically come with new books, but you probably will not get them with used copies. However, I do use parts of the online "Mastering Astronomy" resources in my lectures, and you may find it occasionally helpful to access that feature to review and study for this course. You can buy an account for access online, or perhaps arrange to share with a friend. You will not need the online homework features of "Mastering Astronomy" for this class. If you are asked for a course identifying code when you log on, use MAALBRECHT27005: Phys 10 W08
See the discussion above to understand the differences between these two option for the text:
|
Required Text option 1: The Cosmic Perspective 5th Edition |
||
|
Jeffrey O. Bennett,
University of Colorado, Boulder
Publisher: Benjamin Cummings |
|
