Riverside Community College District
Integrated Course Outline of Record
Astronomy 1A
|
COURSE DESCRIPTION
|
|
1A Introduction to Astronomy
|
Units: 3.00
|
|
|
Prerequisite(s): None.
Advisory: High school algebra and geometry.
|
|
A descriptive survey of the universe; the earth, planets, moons, meteors, sun, stars, nebulae, and galaxies. Principles and methods of astronomical investigation are emphasized. 54 hours lecture.
|
|
|
SHORT DESCRIPTION FOR CLASS SCHEDULE
|
|
A descriptive survey of the solar system: history and methods of astronomy.
|
|
|
ADVISORY ENTRY SKILLS
None.
|
|
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:
|
|
Describe the basic aspects of the observable sky including the
ecliptic, meridan, celestial North and South, seasonal changes,
lunar phases, tides and eclipses.
Outline the basic historical observatons and explanations leading
to the current theories of planetary motion.
Describe the properties of light, matter and telescopes and how
astronomers use these to determine the properties of distant
objects.
Distinguish the primary similarities and differences in physical
properties between the planets and outline the currently accepted
theory for the formation of solar systems.
|
|
|
COURSE CONTENT
|
|
|
TOPICS
|
|
|
- Explanation of the distance and size relationships of the solar system, stars, galaxies, clusters, etc.. Introduction to standard astronomical units of distance and size, and scientific notation.
- Explanation of the basic coordinates and references systems, their definitions, and how each is used to measure and explain observed motions in the night sky.
- Explanation of how rotation, revolution, precession and inclination of rotational axis of Earth are verified scientifically, how the period of each motion is determined, and the observable effects of these motions including: seasonal changes in the observable sky and surface temperatures of Earth, changes in the relative position and orientation of the zodiac and ecliptic for any given time of year.
- Explanation of planet motion in reference to the stars including retrograde, prograde and definitions of inferior and superior planets.
- Explanation of why the eight classical phases of the moon are seen from Earth’s surface, and when and where the various phases are in view as see form Earth’s surface.
- Explanation of the tidal interactions of the gravitational fields of the sun and moon including, in general, Spring and Neap tides and astronomical high and low tides.
- Explanation of the physical factors that govern various forms of eclipses including unbral and penumbral shadows, the observable aspects of each form of eclipse, and eclipses predictions and the saros cycle.
- Outline of the historical figures responsible for the basic observations and explanations leading to current astronomical theories, and explanation of the reasoning in support of each of these observations and explanations.
- Explanation of the historical development of the laws of physics governing planetary motion, and description of how Newton’s laws and the basic principles of relativity explain observed planetary motions.
- Presentation of wavelength, frequency, photon energy and speed of electromagnetic radiation, and explanation of the similarities and differences in physical characteristics between the six basic regions of the electromagnetic spectrum including how astronomers measure electromagnetic radiation from celestial sources.
- Explanation of the basic principles involved with reflection and refraction, the components of reflective and refractive telescopes, and the basic properties of light gathering potential, resolution and magnification as they relate to various astronomical telescopes.
- Presentation of the basic atomic structure of matter specifically for the purpose of understanding spectroscopy. Explanation of the interactions governing emission, absorption and continuous spectra including the relationship of energy states and orbital levels specifically for the purpose of identifying elemental content of celestial objects.
- Outline the solar nebular theory of the formation of solar systems, and description of the physical laws and observations in support this theory.
- Presentation of the measured physical properties of each of the primary bodies in the solar system, and description of the fundamental similarities and differences in physical properties between these bodies and the physical laws that govern these observed properties.
|
|
|
|
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION
Methods of instruction used to achieve student learning outcomes may include, but are not limited to:
|
- Present class lectures/discussions/demonstrations in order to reinforce the relationships between astronomical observations and their theoretical explanation.
- Show videos/web images/slides in order to enhance the understanding of physical explanations of astronomical bodies and their interactions.
- Conduct in class exercises in order to reinforce the necessity of mathematical computation in predicting the result of the physical interactions involved with astronomical events.
|
|
|
METHODS OF EVALUATION
Students will be evaluated for progress in and/or mastery of learning outcomes by methods of evaluation which may include, but are not limited to:
|
- In class quizzes focusing on proper understanding of astronomical terms, physical interactions of celestial bodies, and problem solving.
- Tests involving synthesis of multiple concepts to solve astronomically related problems and proper understanding of astronomical concepts, and relationships between observations and explanations.
|
|
ASSIGNMENTS
|
Required Reading Assignments
Required Writing Assignments
Other Outside-of-Class Assignments
|
|
|
COURSE MATERIALS
All materials used in this course will be periodically reviewed to ensure that they are appropriate for college level instruction. Possible texts include:
|
-
Dynamic Astronomy. Robert T. Dixon. 4 ed.
any: Prentice-Hall, Inc., 0.
|
| 12/03 |
| 238 |