ASTR C100: Introduction to Astronomy
Item | Value |
---|---|
Top Code | 191100 - Astronomy |
Units | 3 Total Units |
Hours | 54 Total Hours (Lecture Hours 54) |
Total Outside of Class Hours | 0 |
Course Credit Status | Credit: Degree Applicable (D) |
Material Fee | No |
Basic Skills | Not Basic Skills (N) |
Repeatable | No |
Open Entry/Open Exit | No |
Grading Policy | Standard Letter (S),
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Local General Education (GE) |
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California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) |
|
Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) |
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California State University General Education Breadth (CSU GE-Breadth) |
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Course Description
Origin; characteristics; and evolution of the solar system, the stars, the galaxies, and the universe. Historical milestones in the science of astronomy from ancient astronomers to current topics such as dark energy, dark matter, and cosmology. Transfer Credit: CSU; UC: Credit Limitation: no credit for ASTR C100L unless ASTR C100 is taken previously or concurrently.
Course Level Student Learning Outcome(s)
- Describe the solar system members and the physical processes pertaining to the individual planets.
- Compare and contrast nuclear fusion in different types of stars.
- Differentiate among possible models of the Universe.
Course Objectives
- 1. Describe the daily, monthly, and annual motions of the sun, moon, planets, and stars.
- 2. Describe how telescopes are used to gather light and how light can be analyzed to determine the physical characteristics of heavenly objects.
- 3. Describe the observational and physical properties of the sun and other stars, and explain the process of nuclear fusion.
- 4. Explain the evolution of stars from birth to death.
- 5. Summarize the basic properties of the solar system as they relate to the nebular theory of the formation of stars and planetary systems.
- 6. Explain the concepts of dark matter and dark energy and their role in modern cosmology.
- 7. Describe the necessary conditions for life as we know it as they relate to astronomy, and the search for extra-terrestrial life.
Lecture Content
The Sky The Cosmos-Size and Scale Major Structures Distance Scale Size Relationships Scientific Method, Scientific Notation, Theories, Natural Law Sky and Sky Cycle: Ecliptic and Celestial Equator Seasons, Equinoxes and Solstice's Retrograde Motion Celestial Sphere Constellations Moon Phases Eclipses Nodes Partial, Total, Annular Umbra and Penumbra History: Discoveries and Theories Hipparchus and Magnitude System Apparent Absolute Parallax Kepler's 3 Laws Galileo Newton's Laws of Motion and the law of Universal Gravitation Astronomical Tools Types of Radiation Nature of Light - Wave-like Behavior, Photons Inverse Square Law Kirchoff's Laws and Spectroscopy Emission Spectra Absorption Spectra, Fraunhofer lines Continuous Spectra Doppler Effect Radiation Laws Wien's Law = Color vs. Absolute Temperature Stefan - Boltzman Law - Intensity Telescopes Reflector Refractor Resolution and Light Gathering Power Non-Visible Observations Radio Telescopes Satellites Atmospheric Transparency IR, X-ray , UV. Space Telescope The Stars The Sun Appearance Photosphere Prominences Granules Sunspots Sunspot Cycle Zeeman effect Maunder minimum Flares Atmospheres Corona Chromosphere
Method(s) of Instruction
- Lecture (02)
- DE Online Lecture (02X)
- Video one-way (ITV, video) (63)
Instructional Techniques
A variety of instructional techniques will be employed to encompass different student learning styles. These may include, but are not limited to, lecture, discussion, and small group activities. Instruction will be supplemented, where appropriate, by PowerPoint presentations, videos, simulations, and other electronic resources and technologies.
Reading Assignments
Students will complete reading assignments from the textbook as well as any supplemental reading based upon handouts, Internet resources, and assignments from the Coastline Library.
Writing Assignments
Quiz and Test questions, and Discussions will require the student to demonstrate and communicate a qualitative understanding of scientific concepts.
Out-of-class Assignments
Outside of the classroom, students will do the required reading, study for quizzes and exams, and conduct research, where applicable, to prepare for discussions.
Demonstration of Critical Thinking
Students will demonstrate critical thinking through problem solving as well as written work such as active participation in class discussions.
Required Writing, Problem Solving, Skills Demonstration
Problem-Solving will be emphasized in the class through homework assignments, quiz and test questions, and testing predictions based on simulations. Writing and/or oral communication skills will be demonstrated by essay questions and participation in discussions.
Eligible Disciplines
Astronomy: See physics/astronomy Master's degree required.
Textbooks Resources
1. Required Bennett, J.O.; Donahue, M.O.; Schneider, N.; Voit, M. The Essential Cosmic Perspective, 8th ed. Pearson, 2020 Rationale: - 2. Required Fraknoi, A.; Morrison, D.; Wolff, S. Astronomy, ed. OpenSTAX, 2022
Other Resources
1. Coastline Library