Back
to ASTR380 Home Page There will be 40 multiple choice question worth 2.5 points each. For each one, choose the best answer from the available choices. In addition, there will be a short answer section with 5-7 questions worth a total of 100 points. A few of these may involve interpreting mathematical equations, however, any equations that you need will be given to you so you don't need to memorize them. No need to memorize numbers like the mass of the Sun either. Some questions may involve interpreting diagrams. Written responses to short answer questions will be graded on completeness and brevity. Write enough to fully answer the questions (and answer them well), but do not round out your answer with a lot of fluff that wanders off-topic. It is always a good idea to go back and re-read the question after you have finished to make sure that you have answered it as completely and concisely as possible!
The exam will cover all lecture topics covered this semester and the corresponding material in the book. The weighting will be roughly 50% on the new material since Exam II and 50% on the earlier material. If you have been keeping up in the class by attending lecture, reading and studying the lecture slides, reviewing your notes, and doing the lecture quizzes, you should be in good shape to take the final exam. It is a good idea to review this material again during the week before the exam so that it will be fresh in your mind. Don't just cram the night before!