Topics and Content:
    Exploration of the Solar System
    The Earth as a Planet
    Evolution of the Earth’s Atmosphere
          Global Change
    Armageddon
    Search for Life on Mars
    Rendezvous with a comet
    Search for Extra-Solar Planetary Systems

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EXAMS AND GRADING POLICY: The grade will be determined by a weighted combination of grades on in-class exams, homework, the written and oral project reports, and the final exam. There will be two in-class exams and a three-hour final. Final letter scores will be based on the curve system, which will "kick in" only if the raw-score class average is less than 67.  Questions about the course content or policies may be sent to me any time by e-mail

The written report is expected to be 5 pages (typed), not including figures and diagrams (at least 2 figures or diagrams must be included).  The grade includes the oral presentation in class.  Topics can include any aspect of planetary astronomy, but must be approved by the instructor.

Homework

I will try to put the answers on the web with a link from the course home page 2 days after the due date.  If not possible they will be displayed elsewhere.  Problems will also be done in class if needed or as examples.  You may submit homework by email if desired.  Late homework will be penalized.
 

Your final raw score will consist of the following:
1. Homework ; 20%; (emphasis: derivations/calculations)
2. Research Project With Oral Presentation (10 min): 20% (emphasis: originality)
3. Each of 2 in-class exams: 17.5% (total 35%).
4. Final exam: 25%. (emphasis: physical insight)
5. Lack of attendance can result in grade deflation.

GRADING DETAILS:
If the class average is below 2.7 (out of 4), the scores are adjusted until the average is equal to 2.7 (B-), or 67.5 %.
(A=4.0-3.7,A-=3.7-3.3,B+=3.3-3.0,B=3.0- 2.7,B-=2.7-2.3,C+=2.3-2.0,C=2.0-1.7,C-=1.7-1.3,D+=1.3-1.0,D=1.0-0.7,D-=0.7- 0.4,F=0.4-0).

 
EXAMPLE: Suppose your final raw score is 60. This is a percentage score of 60%. If the class average was 56%, then the multiplier to use on your raw score is 67.5/56=1.205. Your adjusted score is then 1.205 x 60=72.3 %. We then multiply this number by 4 to get your letter grade - 4 x 0.72.3 =2.89. Looking at the values above, this is a B. If the class average had been 67.5% or above, there would be no multiplier, and your grade would be 4 x .60 =2.4, or B-. You will end up with a % grade, which is determined by a weighted average as described above. Extra credit is tacked on last, so that it is possible to end up with a final grade higher than 100% (A ++!). If all of this is not crystal clear, please ask me about my policy. I hope you will not be overly concerned about grading. The important thing is to learn and talk about really interesting stuff!

I invite students to suggest topics for class.  I have left time for these near the end of the semester.  Please e-mail me with your suggestions.