PHYS 1130 – Astronomy
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I. COURSETITLE: Astronomy
COURSENUMBER: 1130CATALOGPREFIX: PHYS
II. PREREQUISITES: Math 101 or Math 106 or Math 1106 or equivalent
III. CREDITHOURS: 3LECTUREHOURS: 3
LABORATORYHOURS: 0OBSERVATIONHOURS:0
IV. COURSEDESCRIPTION:
A descriptive course dealing with the general principles of astronomy as well as recent discoveries in the realm of cosmology.
V. ADOPTEDTEXT:
Astronomy The Solar System and Beyond
6th Edition, 2010
Michael A. Seeds & Dana Backman
Cengage Learning
ISBN# 0-495-56203-3
VI. COURSEOBJECTIVES:
The student will demonstrate a knowledge of the relationship between astronomical observations and theoretical concepts such as stellar evolution, the Big Bang, the expanding Universe, planetary system formation and black holes. The student willalso describe the structure of the Solar System, the Milky Way galaxy and other galactic system types. The student will define and differentiate among terms in common use in astronomy such as, but not limited to; nebula, nova sypernova, variable star, Hubble constant, Doppler shift, spectral lines, HertzsprungRussel Diagram, parallax, proper motion, refracting telescope, reflecting telescope, interferometry, Quasar, Pulsar, comet, meteor, asteroid.
VII. COURSE METHODOLOGY:
The course design provides instruction and materials to support the course objectives. Classes may consist of a variety of means to accomplish this including but not limiting to: lectures, class discussions, small group projects, supplemental materials, and outside assignments. Practice is an important part of the learning process. For every one hour of class time, two additional hours of study time should be expected.
VIII. GRADING:
Grading will follow the policy in the catalog. The scale is as follows:
A: 90 – 100
B: 80 – 89
C: 70 – 79
D: 60 – 69
F: Below 60
IX. COURSEOUTLINE:
Part I: THE SKY
1. Here and Now
2. The Sky
3. Cycles of the Sky
4. The Origin of Modern Astronomy
5. Light and Telescopes
6. Atoms and Starlight
Part II: THE SOLAR SYSTEM
7. The Solar System: An Overview
8. Terrestrial Planets
9. Jovian Planets, Pluto, and the Kuiper Belt
10. Meteorites, Asteroids, and Comets
11. The Sun
Part III: THE STARS
12. The Family of Stars
13. The Formation and Structure of Stars
14. The Deaths of Stars
15. Neutron Stars and Black Holes
Part IV: THE UNIVERSE OF GALAXIES
16. The Milky Way Galaxy
17. Galaxies
18. Active Galaxies and Supermassive Black Holes
19. Modern Cosmology
Part V: LIFE
20. Life on Other Worlds
X. OTHERREQUIREDBOOKS, SOFTWARE,ANDMATERIALS:
None
XI. EVALUATION:
Assignments will be evaluated according to instructor directives. Several field trips for evening observations may be scheduled depending on weather conditions and unusual observing opportunities. Attendance at these sessions will be a grade determinant.
XII. SPECIFIC MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS:
Suggested pace for the course by chapter:
Week 1:1. Here and Now
2. The Sky
Week 2:3. Cycles of the Sky
4. The Origin of Modern Astronomy
Week 3:5. Light and Telescopes
Week 4:6. Atoms and Starlight
Week 5:7. The Solar System: An Overview
Week 6:8. Terrestrial Planets
Week 7:9. Jovian Planets, Pluto, and the Kuiper Belt
Week 8:10. Meteorites, Asteroids, and Comets
Week 9:11. The Sun
Week 10:12. The Family of Stars
13. The Formation and Structure of Stars
Week 11:14. The Death of Stars
15. Neutron Stars and Black Holes
Week 12:16. The Milky Way Galaxy
Week 13:17. Galaxies
Week 14:18. Active Galaxies and Supermassive Black Holes
Week 15:19. Modern Cosmology
20. Life on Other Worlds
Week 16: Finals
XIII. OTHER INFORMATION:
FERPA: Students need to understand that your work may be seen by others. Others may see your work when being distributed, during group project work, or if it is chosen for demonstration purposes.
Students also need to know that there is a strong possibility that your work may be submitted to other entities for the purpose of plagiarism checks.
DISABILITIES: Students with disabilities may contact the Disabilities Service Office, Central Campus, at 800-628-7722 or 937-393-3431.