ASTR 2004 - Survey of the Universe

Description
A basic study of the solar system, stars, galaxies and the rest of the universe. Topics include physical science foundations, celestial motion, planets and planetary formation, stellar and galactic properties, stellar and galactic evolution and cosmology. Daytime and nighttime observing with telescopes and indoor exercises on selected topics will be included. Several night sessions are required. Three hours lecture and three hours lab weekly.

Pre-Requisite
Completion of MATH 0053 or any higher-level math course with a grade greater than or equal to C or recieved appropriate placement test scores.

4 Credit Hour(s)

Contact Hours
45 lecture contact hours; 45 lab contact hours

5 Faculty Load Hour(s)

Semesters Offered
Fall, Spring, Summer

ACTS Equivalent
PHSC1204 (ACTS) - Introduction to Astronomy

Grade Mode
A-F

Learning Outcomes
Students completing this course will:

Define physics and astronomy terms essential to understanding planetary formation, stellar evolution, cosmology, space-time and gravity.
Describe and calculate planetary motion, momentum and force including electromagnetism, gravity and solar flux.
Interpret composition, structures, stellar and galactic features using remote sensing data equipment, images and computer simulations.
Compare and contrast dynamics of the Earth, Sun and Moon to other astronomical bodies
Integrate new knowledge and scientific reasoning into a framework useful to understanding problems facing the scientific community and society
Use scientific reasoning to comprehend, evaluate and solve problems pertaining to course content.

General Education Outcomes Supported
Students develop higher order thinking skills.

Students demonstrate information literacy.
Students can write clear, coherent, well-organized documents, which are substantially free of errors.

Standard Practices
Topics list

Measuring positions of celestial objects
Science and history of Astronomy
Motion, energy and gravity (Newton’s and Kepler’s Laws)
Light and matter
Telescopes and optics
Formation of the Solar System
Earth Systems
Planetary geology of Solar System objects
Planetary atmospheres, Greenhouse effect and Jovian planet systems
Other planetary objects and prospects for life in the Solar System or Universe
Our Sun
Properties of stars
High- and low-mass stellar evolution
Star birth and death
Our galaxy
Universe of galaxies
Galaxy evolution
Dark matter and dark energy
Cosmology. Learning activities
Courses must, at a minimum, cover the core learning outcomes for each topic. Faculty may add to these outcomes but may not omit any of them.
Laboratory exercises should average between 2-3 hours a week and include phases of the Moon, Kepler’s laws, examination of planets, moon and rings, low- and high-mass stars, along with galaxies and black holes.

Assessments

Varied forms of assessment including, but not limited to, lab and lecture exams.
A pretest and posttest assessment.
A required information literacy assessment will be given with results submitted to the coordinator. Results will be used as part of the college’s process to assess mastery of the general education outcomes.

Grading guidelines

At least 50% of the class points need to be proctored either in person or using a videomonitoring system, where the student responds without referring to others or external resources.
Lab activities/exams should comprise approximately 25% of the overall grade.