SCIE102 Astronomy
Department of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics: Science
- I. Course Number and Title
- SCIE102 Astronomy
- II. Number of Credits
- 3 credits
- III. Number of Instructional Minutes
- 2250
- IV. Prerequisites
- Reading Placement Test score Level 3 or READ110 (C or better) or COMP108 (C or better); and Math Placement Test score of 5 or higher or MATH095 (C or better)
- Corequisites
- None
- V. Other Pertinent Information
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This course meets the General Education requirement for Scientific Literacy.
This course meets the General Education requirement for Quantitative Literacy. - VI. Catalog Course Description
- Astronomy provides a survey of our knowledge of the structure, formation, and evolution of Earth, the solar system, the stars, and the galaxies. The course focuses on the logical development of ideas and concepts within the framework of science.
- VII. Required Course Content and Direction
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Course Learning Goals
Students will:
- describe the general development of objects within the universe, including galaxies, stars, and planets;
- identify the observable and experimental bases of science and relate them to the basic scientific discipline of astronomy [Scientific Literacy];
- explain the scientific method of analysis and apply it in a variety of situations [Scientific Literacy]; and
- analyze, interpret, and apply quantitative information as it relates to astronomy [Quantitative Literacy].
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Planned Sequence of Topics and/or Learning Activities
The following topics are presented:
- foundations: seasons, constellations, Copernican revolution, Kepler's Laws, Newton's Laws
- light and matter: basic atomic structure, properties of light, spectra, Doppler effect, telescopes
- our planetary system: Earth and its Moon, the terrestrial planets, the Jovian planets, asteroids, meteors, comets
- stars: the Sun, properties of stars, H-R diagrams, lives and deaths of stars
- galaxies and the universe: Milky Way Galaxy, galaxy types, Hubble's Law, big bang theory, dark matter and dark energy
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Assessment Methods for Course Learning Goals
Exams, quizzes, class participation, and projects as specified in the individual instructor's syllabus are utilized. -
Reference, Resource, or Learning Materials to be used by Student:
Text, laboratory and demonstration equipment, internet resources, library, science learning center. Please refer to syllabus for specific information.
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Review/Approval Date - 12/07; Core Goals/Objectives added 11/04; New Core 8/2015