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Center for Curriculum and Transfer Articulation
Introduction to Solar System Astronomy
Course: AST111

First Term: 2010 Fall
Lecture   3 Credit(s)   3 Period(s)   3 Load  
Subject Type: Academic
Load Formula: S


Description: Introduction to astronomy for the non-science major. History of astronomy, properties of light, instruments, the solar system and nearby stars.



MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Apply the scientific method and other critical thinking models to astronomical phenomena for hypotheses development, experimental design, data acquisition, and data analysis. (I- XIII)
2. Explain the application of fundamental physical principles to various astronomical phenomena. (I-XIII)
3. Outline the history of astronomical thought. (I, II)
4. Describe in terms of energy, wavelength, and frequency the various portions of the electromagnetic spectrum. (III)
5. Describe instruments used to detect radiation from the various portions of the electromagnetic spectrum. (III, IV)
6. Compare the physical properties of the earth with its moon. (V, VI)
7. Give an overview of the components of the solar system. (VII)
8. Compare and contrast the physical properties of the major planets. (VIII-X)
9. Describe the minor components of the solar system. (X)
10. Explain possible models of solar system formation. (XI)
11. Describe the physical properties of the sun. (XII)
12. Compare solar system dimensions with nearby stars dimensions. (II, XIII)
MCCCD Official Course Competencies must be coordinated with the content outline so that each major point in the outline serves one or more competencies. MCCCD faculty retains authority in determining the pedagogical approach, methodology, content sequencing, and assessment metrics for student work. Please see individual course syllabi for additional information, including specific course requirements.
 
MCCCD Official Course Outline
I. Early History of Astronomical Thought
   A. Sky at night
   B. Astronomical scales
   C. Celestial sphere
   D. Apparent motions of celestial objects
   E. Eclipses
   F. Geocentric universe
   G. Ancient astronomy
II. Birth of Modern Astronomy
   A. Scientific method
   B. Heliocentric universe
   C. Copernican revolution
   D. Impact of Galileo, Kepler, and Newton
   E. Solar system dimensions
III. Radiation
   A. Evidence of the wave nature of radiation
   B. Electric/magnetic field relationships
   C. Electromagnetic spectrum
   D. Evidence of the particle nature of radiation
   E. Radiation laws and the Doppler effect
   F. Model of the atom
   G. Spectral line formation and analysis
IV. Telescopes
   A. Optical telescopes
   B. Resolution
   C. Radio telescopes and interferometry
   D. Full-spectrum radiation detectors
V. Earth
   A. Bulk properties
   B. Hydrosphere
   C. Atmosphere
   D. Magnetosphere
   E. Interior
   F. Earth-moon effects
   G. Plate tectonics
VI. Earth+s Moon
   A. Bulk properties
   B. Orbit and rotation
   C. Surface features
   D. Cratering and volcanism
   E. Surface composition
   F. Interior
   G. Origin and history
   H. Exploration
VII. Overview of the Solar System
   A. Overall layout
   B. Terrestrial and Jovian planets
   C. Planetary configurations
   D. Interplanetary debris
VIII. Comparative Planetology: Terrestrial Planets
   A. Bulk properties
   B. Orbit and rotation
   C. Surface features
   D. Cratering and volcanism
   E. Surface composition
   F. Internal structure
   G. Atmosphere
   H. Temperatures
   I. Magnetic properties
   J. Moons
   K. Spacecraft exploration
   L. Possibilities of life
IX. Comparative Planetology: Jovian Planets
   A. Bulk properties
   B. Discovery
   C. Orbit and rotation
   D. Composition
   E. Atmospheric features
   F. Internal structure
   G. Temperatures
   H. Magnetic properties
   I. Ring structure
   J. Moons
   K. Spacecraft exploration
X. Pluto and Solar System Debris
   A. Discovery of Pluto
   B. Bulk properties of Pluto
   C. Moon of Pluto
   D. Origin of Pluto
   E. Asteroids
   F. Comets
   G. Meteoroids
XI. Formation of the Solar System
   A. Role of modeling
   B. Solar system formation models
   C. Modeling problems
XII. Sun
   A. Bulk properties
   B. Interior
   C. Visible surface
   D. Atmosphere
   E. Solar activity
   F. Energy production
XIII. Nearby Stars
   A. Distances
   B. Motions
   C. Magnitudes
 
MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date:  12/8/2009

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.