ASTR 104 Elementary Astronomy
Students develop an overview of the field of astronomy focusing on the structure and evolution of astronomical systems ranging in size from planets through galaxies. Students learn to use a variety of diagrams (e.g. HR diagram, Earth-Moon-Sun diagrams, stellar spectra) and algebraic calculations (e.g. Newton’s laws, Kepler’s laws, luminosities) to solve problems. Prominent topics include seasons, Moon phases, formation and structure of our Solar System, types and life cycles of stars, and galactic dynamics. This is a lecture/discussion course designed for non-science majors. For Elementary Astronomy Laboratory, see ASTR 114.
Hours Weekly
3
Course Objectives
- Analyze common astronomical diagrams (e.g. HR diagram, Earth-Moon-Sun diagrams, EM spectra diagrams) to solve problems.
- Explain how the relative positions of the Earth-Moon-Sun relate to the phases and rising and setting times of the moon.
- Explain the consequences of the tilt of Earth’s axis that combine to produce the seasons we observe on Earth and describe other planets (real and hypothetical) having different axial tilt or orbital properties that (would) result in seasonal characteristics different from those experienced on Earth.
- Describe the overall structure of our Solar System and how the Nebular Hypothesis of Solar System formation accounts for similarities and differences between planets.
- Apply scientific reasoning and mathematical calculations to solve problems involving continuous spectra and absorption and emission lines and evaluate the reasonableness of the results for different stars.
- Compare and contrast different types of stars and explain the life cycle of stars using appropriate symbols, notation, and vocabulary.
- Explain the dynamics of galaxies and galaxy clusters and relate this behavior to contemporary astronomical ideas (e.g. Big Bang, dark matter, dark energy).
- Demonstrate increased attention to and appreciation of the patterns, organization, and vastness of the Universe exhibited in the night sky.
Course Objectives
- Analyze common astronomical diagrams (e.g. HR diagram, Earth-Moon-Sun diagrams, EM spectra diagrams) to solve problems.
This objective is a course Goal Only
- Explain how the relative positions of the Earth-Moon-Sun relate to the phases and rising and setting times of the moon.
This objective is a course Goal Only
- Explain the consequences of the tilt of Earth’s axis that combine to produce the seasons we observe on Earth and describe other planets (real and hypothetical) having different axial tilt or orbital properties that (would) result in seasonal characteristics different from those experienced on Earth.
This objective is a course Goal Only
- Describe the overall structure of our Solar System and how the Nebular Hypothesis of Solar System formation accounts for similarities and differences between planets.
This objective is a course Goal Only
- Apply scientific reasoning and mathematical calculations to solve problems involving continuous spectra and absorption and emission lines and evaluate the reasonableness of the results for different stars.
Learning Activity Artifact
- Other (please fill out box below)
- Final Exam Questions
Procedure for Assessing Student Learning
- Scientific Reasoning Rubric
- Compare and contrast different types of stars and explain the life cycle of stars using appropriate symbols, notation, and vocabulary.
Procedure for Assessing Student Learning
- Scientific Reasoning Rubric
- Explain the dynamics of galaxies and galaxy clusters and relate this behavior to contemporary astronomical ideas (e.g. Big Bang, dark matter, dark energy).
This objective is a course Goal Only
- Demonstrate increased attention to and appreciation of the patterns, organization, and vastness of the Universe exhibited in the night sky.
This objective is a course Goal Only