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ASTR 0005 - Introduction to Stars, Galaxies, and the Universe

http://catalog.sierracollege.edu/course-outlines/astr-0005/

Catalog Description DESCRIPTION IS HERE: Advisory: Completion of ENGL N with grade of "C" or better Hours: 54 lecture Description: General principles and fundamental facts of astronomy emphasizing stars, galaxies, and the universe. Includes historical developments of astronomy, basic principles of astronomical observations and analysis, and general concepts for interpreting the night sky with charts. Particular detail given to structure and evolution of stars, general characteristics of deep sky objects (star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies), large-scale structure of the Universe, and cosmology. (CSU, UC) Units 3 Lecture-Discussion 54 Laboratory By Arrangement Contact Hours 54 Outside of Class Hours Course Student Learning Outcomes Analyze basic science and core physics, to discover how they apply to astronomy. Relate core concepts in basic science to stellar astronomy, assessing the various factors that are important to stellar evolution. Synthesize information from various sources (classroom instruction, online resources, etc.) to produce a coherent understanding of galactic/extragalactic astronomy. Evaluate concepts in cosmology, relating concepts in underlying physics and observations to scientific frameworks of our universe's formation and evolution. Course Content Outline I. Overview of the Universe II. Terminology,the Celestial Sphere, Seasons and the Moon III. Historical Developments in Stellar and Galactic Astronomy IV. Physical Principles Relevant to the Science of Stars and Galaxies V. Telescopes, Observatories, and Spacecraft VI. The Sun – One Star VII. The Properties of Stars VIII. Stellar Evolution IX. Stellar Remnants: White Dwarfs to Black Holes X. The Milky Way Galaxy XI. Galaxies: Properties, and Evolution XII. The Large Scale Structure of the Universe XIII. Cosmology Course Objectives Course Objectives Through tests, assigned tasks, classroom discussions, etc., the student will: 1. Discuss a variety of historical developments that have led to important discoveries in the science of stars and galaxies 2. Identify 20-30 celestial objects and/or groupings associated with stars and galaxies and found in the night sky and provide descriptive information about each 3. Apply physical principles (mechanics, gravitation, electromagnetism, atomic structure) to the natural behavior of stars and galaxies 4. Discuss the physical principles behind the overall structure and appearance of the Sun 5. List the principle properties of stars and the various techniques used to measure them 6. Describe the general physical processes associated with a given star as it evolves from its birth to its death 7. State the possible end states for stars 8. Draw a detailed picture of the overall structure of the Milky Way Galaxy and its content 9. Compare and contrast the various types of galaxies and their possible evolutionary associations 10. Describe the observed large-scale structure of the Universe 11. Use a star chart and a planisphere to determine the time and date of a variety of celestial events associated with stars and a variety of deep sky objects 12. Solve problems involving spatial relationships with regard to the stars and galaxies found on the celestial sphere 13. Use application software to retrieve and evaluate information and data of significance to stellar and galactic systems 14. Compute various performance measures of telescopes and other astronomical instrumentation Methods of Evaluation Classroom Discussions Objective Examinations Problem Solving Examinations Reading Assignments 1. Reading from assigned text on a weekly basis. Example: Read chapter on cosmology. Prepares student for upcoming lecture. 2. Reading from supplemental handouts (included in required student handbook) on a regular basis. Read "The Celestial Sphere and the Star Charts" handout. Prepares student for the Third Hour. Writing, Problem Solving or Performance 1. Weekly online homework exercises in a multiple-choice, matching, ranking and short-answer format and directed at problem solving skills. Example question: In which part of the Milky Way Galaxy are Population I stars most likely to be found? 2. Two midterm-level exams, a sky quiz, and a final exam to demonstrate acquisition of critical thinking skills and astronomical knowledge. Example demonstration: A student uses a planisphere to determine what time the Andromeda Galaxy rises on September 4. Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.) 1. In-class peer-led assignments on a weekly basis. Example group task: Students gather and plot velocity/distance data of galaxies and determine the Hubble constant. Methods of Instruction Lecture/Discussion Distance Learning Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course. 1. "Sierra College Astronomy 005 Student Handbook", updated each semester with supplemental reading materials and course assignments 2. Star Maps SC-001 (Equatorial Region) and SC-002 (North Circumpolar Region), both epoch 2000 3. A planisphere