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Center for Curriculum and Transfer Articulation
Introduction to Solar System Astronomy Laboratory
Course: AST113

First Term: 2010 Fall
 Laboratory   1 Credit(s)   3 Period(s)   2.4 Load  
Subject Type: Academic
Load Formula: S


Description: Astronomical observations and exercises to supplement AST111.



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-II)
2. Demonstrate ability to follow directions in completing laboratory exercises. (I-II)
3. Demonstrate ability to properly and safely use laboratory tools, e.g. calculator, computer, rulers, protractors, cameras, telescopes, photometers, magnifiers, maps, etc. for data acquisition, data analysis, or simulation. (I-II)
4. Demonstrate ability to work effectively in collaborative groups. (I-II)
5. Write accurate and meaningful reports analyzing experiments, both qualitatively and quantitatively. (I-II)
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. Scientific Method and Critical Thinking Models
II. Possible Laboratory Topics
   A. Celestial motions
      1. Sky at night
      2. Kepler+s laws of planetary motion
      3. Geocentric model versus the heliocentric model
      4. Solar system dimensions
      5. Telescopic observations
      6. Astrophotography
      7. Astrometry
      8. Parallax
      9. Celestial coordinate systems
   B. Radiation
      1. Electromagnetic spectrum
      2. Radiation laws
      3. Doppler effect
      4. Spectroscopy
   C. Telescopes
      1. Optical telescopes
      2. Resolution
      3. Photometry
      4. Astrophotography
   D. Earth
      1. Surface features
      2. Earth-moon effects
      3. Plate tectonics
      4. Seasons
      5. Astronomical systems of time
   E. Earth+s moon
      1. Orbit and rotation
      2. Surface features
      3. Cratering and volcanism
      4. Telescopic observations
      5. Astrophotography
   F. Comparative planetology: the planets
      1. Orbit and rotation
      2. Surface or atmospheric features
      3. Cratering and volcanism
      4. Moons
      5. Ring structure
      6. Telescopic observations
      7. Astrophotography
      8. Photometry
   G. Solar system debris
      1. Asteroids
      2. Comets
      3. Meteoroids
      4. Telescopic observations
      5. Astrophotography
      6. Photometry
   H. Sun
      1. Solar activity
      2. Telescopic observations
      3. Astrophotography
 
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.