Courses Taught

Starting in the Fall of 2007 I began teaching at Coastal Carolina University. This page briefly describes the courses I've taught. The course descriptions are cut-n-pasted from the course catalog listings and occasionally do not truly represent what we covered in the course.

| 2007 | 2008 |

Fall 2008

  1. ASTR 101: Conceptual Astronomy
    Section 01
    An introduction to contemporary astronomy that explores our current understanding of the Cosmos and the unique methods employed to study astronomical objects. Topics include the history of astronomy, observed motions of celestial objects, the solar system, stellar evolution, galaxies, and cosmology. The course material is designed primarily, but not exclusively, for non-science majors.

  2. ASTR 101L: Conceptual Astronomy Lab
    Sections 01, 02
    Using laboratory equipment and exercises, students will investigate subtopics in astronomy. The labs will be a combination of indoor activities and the occasional nighttime sky viewing. While there is not a formal mathematical prerequisite, competency in high school algebra and geometry is expected.

Summer 2008

  1. ASTR 101: Conceptual Astronomy
    Section E01
    An introduction to contemporary astronomy that explores our current understanding of the Cosmos and the unique methods employed to study astronomical objects. Topics include the history of astronomy, observed motions of celestial objects, the solar system, stellar evolution, galaxies, and cosmology. The course material is designed primarily, but not exclusively, for non-science majors.

  2. ASTR 101L: Conceptual Astronomy Lab
    Section E01
    Using laboratory equipment and exercises, students will investigate subtopics in astronomy. The labs will be a combination of indoor activities and the occasional nighttime sky viewing. While there is not a formal mathematical prerequisite, competency in high school algebra and geometry is expected.

Spring 2008

  1. ASTR 112: Descriptive Astronomy II
    Section E01
    An introduction to basic astronomical principles and their development, with emphasis on stars and stellar systems; stellar evolution; interstellar matter, dust, and nebulae; galaxies; cosmology and cosmogony; and life in the universe. A combination of three hours lecture and demonstration designed primarily, but not exclusively, for nonscience majors.

  2. ASTR 112L: Descriptive Astronomy II Lab
    Section E01
    A series of laboratory experiments and exercises (in and outdoors) to accompany Astronomy 112. Students will have the opportunity to do some night sky viewing (naked eye as well as telescope viewing). A sample of exercises: Spectral classification, the Spring sky, distance to stars, the Andromeda galaxy, the rate of expansion of our Universe, etc. No college mathematics prerequisite, but competency in high school algebra and geometry is expected.

  3. PHYS 302: Electricity and Magnetism
    Section E01
    A more advanced treatment of the concepts of electricity and magnetism. Electrostatics, magnetostatics, dielectrics, Maxwell's Equations with applications, radiation, reflection, and dispersion.

Fall 2007

  1. ASTR 111: Descriptive Astronomy I
    Section E01
    An introduction to basic astronomical principles and their historical development, with emphasis on some of the major objects in the Solar System. A description of physical processes and the methods used by astronomers, will be presented. A combination of three hours lecture and demonstration designed primarily, but not exclusively, for non-science majors.

  2. ASTR 111L: Descriptive Astronomy I Lab
    Sections E01, E02, E03
    A series of laboratory experiments and exercises (in and outdoors) to accompany Astronomy 111. Students will have the opportunity to do some night sky viewing (naked eye as well as telescope viewing). A sample of exercises: Phases of the Moon, the sky in Autumn, comparative planetology, rotation of the rings of Saturn, etc.