Astronomy 2E03: Planetary Astronomy - Winter 2006

Intructor: James Wadsley

Text:
Planetary Science
Imke de Pater and Jack J. Lissauer Cambridge University Press (2001 1ed), reprinted (2005)

This is an excellent text and purchase is recommended for Majors in physics/astronomy. There will be reserve copies in Thode.

The course covers the planets with attention to their physical features, how they form and physical processes behind their on-going evolution. There will supplemental material on the newly discovered extra-solar planets, prospects for water and life of Mars, new "planets" in the solar system beyond Pluto and related theoretical ideas. The course emphasis will be on applying physics to understanding solar systems and planets. Relevant physics and astronomy such as the equations of fluid motion and orbital motion will be introduced as needed. Students will be expected to become familiar with physical concepts discussed and distinguishing features of planets and other components of the solar system.

The most up to date information including handouts and assignments is on WEB-CT.

You can also refer to the official calendar listing and the astronomy course timetable

Academic dishonesty consists of misrepresentation by deception or by other fraudulent means and can result in serious consequences, e.g. the grade of zero on an assignment, loss of credit with a notation on the transcript (notation reads: "Grade of F assigned for academic dishonesty"), and/or suspension or expulsion from the university.

It is your responsibility to understand what constitutes academic dishonesty. For information on the various kinds of academic dishonesty please refer to the Academic Integrity Policy, specifically Appendix 3, located at http://www.mcmaster.ca/senate/academic/ac_integrity.htm

The following illustrates only three forms of academic dishonesty:

1. Plagiarism, e.g. the submission of work that is not one's own or for which other credit has been obtained. (i.e. You must not take solutions to problems from the web or another external source. In general homework problems are self-contained and only course material should be used to obtain solutions.)
   
2. Improper collaboration in group work. (e.g. Discussion of homework problems is ok. However, you may not copy the work of another student. The TA's will be alert for this.)
   
3. Copying or using unauthorized aids in tests and examinations.