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* * *  Astronomy 124 - Structure and Dynamics of Galaxies - Winter 2009  * * *
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Course website:  http://www.astro.caltech.edu/~george/ay124/

Instructors: George Djorgovski, george 'at' astro, 395-4415, 221 Robinson
             Andrew Benson, abenson 'at' its, 395-4301, 164 W. Bridge

         TA: Elisabeth Krause, ekrause 'at' astro, 395-?, rm.
             Office hours: by arrangement

Times and location: Mon 2:30 - 4 in 012 Rob., and Wed 10:30 - 12 in 106 Rob.

Textbook: "Galactic Astronomy", by J. Binney & M. Merrifield, QB857.B522,
          Princeton Univ. Press, ISBN 0-691-02565-7

Strongly recommended: "Galactic Dynamics", by J. Binney & S. Tremaine,
          QB857.B524, Princeton Univ. Press, ISBN 0-691-08445-9

          Supplemental readings will be linked to the class webpage.

Grading:  40% homeworks, 20% midterm, 30% final, 10% class participation

          Late homework penalty:  -50% per day or fraction thereof.  We will
          give indulgences only for really good reasons (sickness, if you have
          a note from the doctor; death in the immediate family; being abducted
          by a UFO, with a convincing proof; etc.).  No late exams will be
          accepted, except maybe for -very- serious health related reasons.

Collaboration policy:  NO collaboration is allowed for the final and midterm
          exams.  For the homeworks, you can discuss the problems with other
          students, but only in general terms, and you have to derive your
          own solutions.  You CANNOT use any old homework solutions from
          anyone or anywhere or anywhen.

The honor code applies.