Course Syllabus

Independent Study in Idaho

ISI Website | indepst@uidaho.edu | 208-885-6641 

PHYS 1153 Descriptive Astronomy Laboratory

Sponsoring Institution: Idaho State University

1 Credit 

Instructor Information 

Course Instructor:  Bryan Barclay

Dr. Bryan Barclay grew up on a dairy farm in South Eastern Idaho (West of Blackfoot). He received a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Brigham Young University, then worked for Boeing, the commercial airline company, in Everett, Washington. While at Boeing, he earned a master’s degree in physics at the University of Washington.

After Boeing, he worked for Morton-Thiokol in Utah. Two years later, he began his teaching career at Salt Lake Community College. In another two years, he went back to graduate school and earned a Ph.D. in physics from Utah State University (USU) in 2001. While working on his doctorate, he taught math and physics part-time for USU and Weber State University. He is currently teaching for the College of Technology at Idaho State University as well as for the departments of mathematics and physics. His research involves astrophysics and the title of his dissertation is “Probing Void Structure Using Galaxy Number Count Techniques.” He enjoys camping, bike riding, and playing his banjo. He is married and has three kids.

Course Description 

Use of astronomical equipment, telescopes, cameras, etc.

In this course you will learn the general operation of an observatory through CLEA’s VIREO (Virtual Education Observatory) simulations. You will use the virtual observatory to locate and study different astronomical objects. You will also use Internet resources to find star information.

ISU students: With Phys 1152, satisfies Goal 5 of the General Education Requirements.

It is recommended that this course be taken in conjunction with or following Phys 1152.

Course Learning Outcomes 

In this course you will learn about the tools and techniques that astronomers use to study moons, stars, and clusters. You will learn the importance of the Hertzsprung-Russell (H-R) diagram and how to use spectrometers and other observational tools.

Required Materials 

  • Project CLEA software and online manuals
  • Textbook for Physics 1152: Descriptive Astronomy (Companion course to Physics 1153: Descriptive Astronomy Lab)
    • Arny, Thomas T., and Stephen E. Schneider. Explorations: An Introduction to Astronomy. 6th Boston: McGraw-Hill, 2010. Print. ISBN-13: 978-0-07-351217-4.
    • Please note: The student should have already purchased the required textbook, Explorations, for Physics 1152. It will be important to the lab work required in Physics 1153.

Explorations textbook supplements. Select the 6th edition.

Recommended Course Materials

Astronomy Interactives (McGraw Hill)

Course Rules and Requirements 

  • 5 graded lessons, 1 exam.
  • Students may submit 1 assignment per week.
  • Wait for grades and feedback on lessons prior to submitting subsequent lessons.
  • Keep a copy of every lesson submitted.
  • Write your name and V Number on every submission.
  • Students may submit lessons via Canvas. Students will receive graded lessons via Canvas.
  • You will typically receive graded lessons within two weeks after the date of the receipt by the instructor

Study Hints

  • It is assumed you have taken or are concurrently taking Physics 1152.
  • You will be given a brief overview for each lesson. Be sure you have studied the corresponding materials in the Physics 1152 textbook.
  • Complete all assigned readings.
  • Set a schedule allowing for completion of the course one month prior to your desired deadline. An Assignment Submission Log is provided for this purpose.
  • Web pages and URL links in the World Wide Web are subject to change. If you cannot access a link that has been listed in this course guide, use your favorite search engine (such as Google) to locate the site. To seek assistance or provide any updated information, contact your instructor.

Exams Overview                

  • Make sure you keep copies of your lessons to use at the final examination, which is open book and notes.
  • See Grade Information for specific information on lesson/exam points and percentages.
  • Wait for grades and feedback on lessons prior to taking exams.
  • Take your textbook - exam is open book.
  • ALLOWED use of calculator, copies of submitted lessons, and one (1) page (8.5 x 11”) of written notes (both sides)– submitted with completed exam.
  • Graded exams will not be returned to you

Email Standards

Place questions or comments for the instructor in the body of the email.

  • In the email's subject line include: Your name, V number, course subject and number
    • Example: Joe Vandal, V01234567, BUS L321

Grade Information 

The final course grade is issued after all lessons and the exam have been graded. The course grade will be based upon the following considerations:

Each lesson will count towards 15% of the grade (75% total). The final exam will count towards 25%.

Grade Scale

Percent

Letter Grade

93 – 100% 

 A

90 – 92.9%  

A-

87 – 89.9% 

B+

83 – 86.9% 

B

80 – 82.9% 

B-

77 – 79.9% 

C+

73 – 76.9% 

C

70 – 72.9% 

C-

67 – 69.9% 

D+

63 – 66.9%

D

60 – 62.9%

 D-

Below 60

 F

 

Acts of academic dishonesty, including cheating or plagiarism are considered a very serious transgression and may result in a grade of F for the course.

Course Policies 

Refer to the ISI website's Current Students page for the most current policies and procedures, including information on setting up accounts, student confidentiality, exams, transcripts, course exchanges, refunds, academic integrity, library resources, disability support and other services.