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Apr 28, 2024
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2022-2023 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
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ASTR 102H - Stellar and Galactic Astronomy (Honors)
PREREQUISITES: MATH 023 - Essentials of Algebra or MATH 080 - Mathematical Principles with Algebra and demonstrated competency through appropriate assessment or earning a grade of “C” or better in ENGL 093 - Introduction to College Writing and ENGL 083 - Reading Strategies for College or ENGL 095 - Integrated Reading and Writing , and admission into the Honors Program.
PROGRAM: Physical Sciences
CREDIT HOURS MIN: 3
LECTURE HOURS MIN: 2
LAB HOURS MIN: 2
DATE OF LAST REVISION: Fall 2018
Survey of the types and properties of stars, birth and life cycle of stars, including white dwarfs, neutron stars, and black holes, structure and dynamics of galaxies, galactic evolution, cosmology, birth and fate of the universe, and life in the universe. Includes lab.
MAJOR COURSE LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Upon successful completion of this course the student will be expected to:
- Apply the scientific method to astronomical models and data. Be able to discuss how astronomy uses scientific ways of knowing to advance our knowledge of the universe and distinguish between scientific and non-scientific evidence and explanations.
- Discuss the general scale and distance units of the cosmos. Understand how the cosmic ladder is used to calculate distances of various celestial objects.
- Identify functions and uses of astronomical instruments as they pertain to stellar and galactic observation. Be able to discuss the usefulness and limitations of various instruments used by astronomers (resolution, accuracy and precision).
- Summarize the various properties of stars and describe techniques for measuring those properties.
- Describe the birth, life and death of stars and explain how we know.
- Examine the structure, kinematics, and dynamics of our Milky Way galaxy.
- Discuss the formation and evolution of galaxies, including elliptical, spiral, barred spiral and other types and examine evidence that supports existing theories.
- Compare and Contrast the Milky Way Galaxy to other galaxies.
- Explain physical cosmology.
- Discuss possible fates of the universe including dark matter and theories of time and space.
- Critique the search for extraterrestrial intelligence and the probability of life around other stars.
- Locate reliable sources of scientific evidence to construct arguments related to real-world issues.
- Examine and explain how astronomical information is obtained from light spectra.
COURSE CONTENT: Topical areas of study include -
- Structure and Evolution of Stars
- Neutron stars
- White dwarfs
- Pulsars
- Black Holes
- Milky Way Galaxy
- Cosmology
- Extraterrestrial Life
- Big Bang Theory
- Dark Energy
- Dark Matter
- Nebulae
- Interstellar medium
- Spectral analysis
Course Addendum - Syllabus (Click to expand)
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