Download Introduction of Astronomy Course No.: AST 1010 No. of Credit Hours

MASTER SYLLABUS
Course Title: Introduction of Astronomy
Course No.: AST 1010
No. of Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: MTH 1040 or MTH 1080 or
placement; plus RDG 0800 or
placement
Course Description:
Students study the sun, moon, planets, stars and nebulae, galaxies, and evolution of the universe. AST 1010 fulfills the
General Studies science requirement. Credit for this course may be earned through DANTES.
Core Learning Areas:
The Core Learning Areas represent a common body of skills and knowledge to which all graduates with associate’s degrees should be exposed and
for which the college may determine certain levels of competency which will be assessed through the general education curriculum.
Scientific reasoning is the process of solving problems and learning about the world through the quantitative and qualitative analysis of empirical
data.
In this course the following competencies are taught, emphasized and assessed.
16. Evaluate reasoning as generally scientific or non-scientific.
17. Critique the degree of scientific validity in the reasoning applied to the collection and interpretation of data.
18. Explain the difference between an hypothesis and a theory as the terms are used by scientists.
19. Construct a valid hypothesis.
20. Conclude whether a given set of data supports a particular hypothesis or theory.
Performance Objectives (outcomes)
The successful student, upon completion of this course should be able to:
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Define important astronomical terms;
Explain the current scientific model to describe the origin of the solar system;
Describe how scientific models are constructed and used;
Explain the details of the heliocentric model of the solar system;
Describe the gross composition, relative sizes and locations of the planets, asteroids, comets and major moons of the solar system;
Rev. 2/13
 Articulate the current scientific model that describes the life cycle of stars;
 Explain the basics of the current theory of the age, origin and evolution of the universe;
 Explain the difference between theories and hypotheses as the terms are used in astronomy;
Outline of Topics
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Our place in the universe
Discovering the universe for yourself
The science of astronomy
Making sense of the Universe: understanding motion, energy and gravity
Light: the cosmic messenger
Formation of planetary systems: our solar system and beyond
Earth and the terrestrial worlds
Jovian planet systems
Asteroids, comets and dwarf planets: Their nature, orbits, and impacts
Our star
Surveying the stars
Star stuff
The bizarre stellar graveyard
Our galaxy
Galaxies and the foundation of modern cosmology
Dark matter, dark energy, and the fate of the universe
The beginning of time
Life in the Universe
Learning Activities
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Rev.
Taking Quizzes
Taking Exams
Working Problems in the text
Working optional problems
Reading the textbook
Small group collaboration
Optional extra credit activities
Taking notes during lecture
In-class viewing of video tape or CD-Rom segments
Supplemental Handouts
2/13
Instructional Delivery
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Lecture
Question and Answer sessions
Problem solving
Video tapes and CD-Rom clips
Supplemental Handouts
Demonstrations
Activities done in small groups
Web
Online homework
Online assessments
Online assignments
General Education Skills and Categories of Knowledge
Upon the completion of this course students should be able to:
Mathematics
15.compute accurately using basic mathematical operations;
16.make estimates and approximations and judge the reasonableness of results;
17.interpret graphs, tables, charts;
18.comprehend prose which contains mathematical information; and
19.utilize appropriate mathematical models that might be encountered in the physical, natural, or social sciences including
awareness of their assumptions and limitations.
Interpersonal Communications
52.recognize valid and invalid reasoning;
54.draw reasonable conclusions from information found in various sources (written, spoken, tabular, and graphic);
57.identify, evaluate, and solve problems;
58.compare, contrast, and classify information and concepts
59.recognize cause and effect
Natural/Technological
69.understand methodologies of natural science;
Rev. 2/13