| Originator: | Arac, Lale Status: Approved Department: AST Astronomy |
| Date Created: | 02/02/2015 Submitted: 02/02/2015 Completed: 03/11/2015 |
| Effective Semester: | Fall |
| Catalog Year: | 2015-16 |
| Course Prefix: | AST |
| Course Number: | 101 |
| Course Full Title: | Introduction to Astronomy with Lab |
| Reason for Evaluation: | Prerequisite Change |
| Current Credit: | 4 |
| Lecture Hours: | 3 |
| Lab Hours: | 3 |
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| If the credit hour change box has been marked, please provide the new credit hour: | |
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| SUN Course?: | No |
| AGEC Course?: | Yes |
| Articulated?: | Yes |
| Transfer: | ASU NAU UA |
| Prerequisite(s): | TRM 091 or MAT 101, and TRE 089, or appropriate score on assessment test |
| Corequisite(s): | AST 101L |
| Catalog Course Description: | An introduction to astronomical processes, theories, and features in the universe. Techniques and tools of the astronomer and astrophysicist are included. Topics covered include concepts in: dynamics of motion, properties of light, astronomical techniques for observation, solar system components, stellar and planetary formation, evolution and classification of stars, star clusters and nebula, galaxy structure and formation, chemistry, structure, and origin of the universe. Laboratory work is included to provide observational examples of the above topics and to learn techniques of data gathering and interpretation. |
| Course Learning Outcomes: | By the end of the semester, students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate the observational techniques used in astronomy. (2,3) 2. Explain the process of astronomical observations using the theories of physics. (2,3) 3. Explain the motions and characteristics of the solar system, earth, and moon.(2,3) 4. Explain the formation, processes, and evolution of stars. (2,3) 5. Explain galactic formation, structure, and evolution. (2,3) 6. Explain the theories of cosmology. (2,3) |
| Course Competencies: | Competency 1 Review the structure of the modem research telescope and the functions of its optical parts in a lab setting.
Objective 1.1 Compare telescope designs. Objective 1.2 Explain the use of spectroscopes in astronomy. Objective 1.3 Describe the reasons for radar techniques in astronomy. Objective 1.4 Compare astronomical data collection techniques. Objective 1.5 Appraise the advantages of electronic detectors and computer techniques. Competency 2 Apply theories of physics pertaining to astronomy. Objective 2.1 Describe the history of astronomy and scientific thought. Objective 2.2 Calculate the force of gravity in a laboratory environment. Objective 2.3 Apply properties of light to the operation of telescopes. Objective 2.4 Calculate the motion and forces that determine planetary orbits. Objective 2.5 Classify electromagnetic energy as it pertains to astronomy. Objective 2.6 Examine the theory of relativity in the relationship of time-space continuum. Competency 3 Characterize the structure and motion of the solar system. Objective 3.1 Describe the composition and structure of the inner and outer planets. Objective 3.2 Compare motions of the earth with its moon. Objective 3.3 Compare the satellite compositions and histories throughout the solar system. Objective 3.4 Describe the differences between meteoroids, asteroids, and comets. Objective 3.5 Explain the structure of the sun and its internal processes. Objective 3.6 Describe the formation of the solar system. Competency 4 Examine stellar formation. Objective 4.1 Describe the theories, processes, and features of stellar formation. Objective 4.2 Compare the processes of stellar evolution birth, and death. Objective 4.3 Explain the dynamics of multiple star systems and star clusters. Competency 5 Examine galactic formation, structure, and evolution. Objective 5.1 Explain the nature and chemistry of the interstellar medium. Objective 5.2 Describe the structure of spiral, elliptical, and irregular galaxies. Objective 5.3 Describe the processes of active galaxies and the affects of galactic collisions. Objective 5.4 Explain dense matter and dark matter. Competency 6 Summarize theories of cosmology. Objective 6.1 Describe the overall structure of the universe. Objective 6.2 Reflect on the impact of the space-time continuum. Objective 6.3 Explore the history of expansion of the universe using the Hubble Law. |