Whether you take this class on-campus or online, you might find that the hardest part is not the material - instead, it is staying current, and working at a steady, consistent pace throughout the term. And whether this is your first online class or not, you may find Astronomy to be especially hard to understand, with the tremendous vastness of space, and enormous variety of strange objects. Here are some tips that might help you be even more successful in this class:

1) Set a schedule. Decide when you will study for the class, and stick to that schedule! In a normal 16-18 week semester, plan for at least 12 hours per week of work, including lectures or online content review (2 hours a week), reading the text (2-3 hours), doing homework (2-3 hours), doing labs (2-3 hours), reviewing for exams (1+ hours), talking with me via the phone or email, etc.

2) Let me help you! Talk to me between visits to the Physics lab, using email or the phone; and if you are on campus, drop by! One secret to staying motivated in the class is to talk about what you are learning.

3) Involve your friends and family! If you cannot talk with me, talk with someone else about what you are learning. Practice explaining your essay question answers; see if your friends who are not in the class can understand you.

4) Use your resources! Use the publisher's website to help you review material. (http://www.physicsplace.com )

and last, but certainly most important...

5) Go outside at least two-three times each week, and just look at the world! The text and videos are full of interesting information about science, but even so, part of the fun and beauty of the class is revealed personally, as you look at the world around and abovce you.

but....  If you do find that your schedule will not permit the necessary time to pass the class, or you find the material too difficult, please contact me by phone, note, or email, and let's discuss methods that might help your study. At least, please me know that you will withdraw from the class. Note that it is your responsibility to submit a drop card or drop a class via the telephone (510) 781-1300.