PHYS 1150 Survey of Astronomy

Description

Survey of Astronomy covers a general overview of the science of astronomy. Topics include the history of astronomy, the nature of science, celestial motion, phases of the moon, gravity, Kepler’s Laws, light and spectroscopy, the Solar System, stars, galaxies, and cosmology. There will be lab activities to accompany many of the topics.

Credits

3

Prerequisite

MATH 1107, placement by Multiple Measures, or instructor permission

Corequisite

None

Topics to be Covered

1. History of astronomy

2. Motions on the celestial sphere

3. Seasons

4. Phases of the Moon

5. Kepler’s Laws of planetary motion

6. Newton’s Laws and gravity

7. Spectroscopy and light

8. Telescopes

9. The terrestrial worlds

10. The Jovian planets and their satellites

11. Comets and asteroids

12. The Sun

13. Stellar Properties

14. Stellar remnants

15. Star clusters and Galaxies

16. The structure and history of the Universe

Learning Outcomes

1. Illustrate the current scientific understanding of the physical universe.

2. Combine multiple techniques of the scientific process to various aspects of astronomy.

3. Demonstrate models of physical behavior as it relates to our knowledge of the universe.

4. Examine astronomical topics and their impacts on past and current society.

Credit Details

Lecture: 2

Lab: 1

OJT: 0

MnTC Goal Area(s): Goal Area 03 - Natural Sciences

Minnesota Transfer Curriculum Goal Area(s) and Competencies

Goal Area 03: Natural Sciences

1. Demonstrate understanding of scientific theories.

2. Formulate and test hypotheses by performing laboratory, simulation, or field experiments in at least two of the natural science disciplines. One of these experimental components should develop, in greater depth, students’ laboratory experience in the collection of data, its statistical and graphical analysis, and an appreciation of its sources of error and uncertainty.

3. Communicate their experimental findings, analyses, and interpretations both orally and in writing.

4. Evaluate societal issues from a natural science perspective, ask questions about the evidence presented, and make informed judgments about science-related topics and policies.