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AST 199

I. TITLE:  Introductory Astronomy

II. CATALOG DESCRIPTION:  A descriptive examination of the principal objects of the universe, i.e. planets, moons, stars, and galaxies, the fundamental theories concerning them, with something of the means and methods which led to the known facts and accepted theories.

III. PURPOSE:  The purpose of the course is to provide students with an introduction to the solar System and universe in which we live. The course addresses profound questions concerning Earth‘s origin and its place in the cosmos, questions which people have pondered since the earliest civilizations. Observations in astronomy demonstrate that the physical world obeys rules called the laws of physics. To appreciate these rules more fully, the student must be equipped with certain mathematical tools for calculation and measurement. In the end, astronomy gives a broadened perspective of the world and an appreciation of our existence on this insignificant hut remarkably hospitable planet called Earth.

For many students, astronomy will be the only physical science course taken in college. It is therefore important that the course also serve as an introduction to science in general. Astronomy is literally a universal subject--its subject is the entire universe. It has a rich heritage dating back to the myths and legends of antiquity, and it is filled with historical characters whose discoveries brought conflict with the government, the church, and with the prevailing beliefs of the day. In this course, students are exposed to overwhelming change in the culture of western civilization brought about by the quest to understand the events in the celestial realm based on factual observation as opposed to cultural tradition. This historical development of astronomy serves as an excellent introduction to die development of scientific theories in general. Students learn what scientists mean when they refer to a theory, how theories are tested and accepted or rejected, and how theories form the basis for extensions of scientific thought.

Astronomy is in many ways an interdisciplinary study. Planets are described by their geology. Stars are characterized by the chemical elements present in their hot gases. Ultimately, however, all these roads lead to physics, which, as die most fundamental of the natural sciences, deals with the composition, creation, structure, motion, and interactions of all things physical. Because of its history, its appeal to man‘s curiosity and sense of wonder of die heavens, and its interdisciplinary nature, astronomy is an ideal introduction to science.

Students completing this course will: (1) engage in independent thought, expressing those thoughts orally in the classroom as well as in writing by means of required laboratory reports; (2) understand, appreciate, and utilize the critical and scientific methodologies that scientists employ to discover fundamental physical laws and perform experiments to test their validity; (3) learn to apply sound standards of critical analysis and evaluation to reach logical decisions. In astronomy, this usually involves observing die behavior of an object and accounting for that behavior with an explanation that is consistent with the known laws of physics; (4) gain an understanding of how applications of physical principles are important in the technological advances which are evident in our world. These applications include everything from telescopes to satellites to missions to Mars; (5) recognize that technology may be used responsibly or irresponsibly, depending upon the scientific literacy and level of understanding present in die educated population; (6) gain an understanding of the fundamental principles of astronomy and physical science which will prepare diem for additional study in their chosen major, provide diem with a sense of satisfaction as to their place in the universe, and form a foundation far life-long learning.

These six objectives correspond to six of die eight characteristics of the MSU graduate.

IV. COURSE OBJECTIVES:  The objectives of the course include providing students with an:
A. historical perspective of astronomy.
B. appreciation of the physical laws which may be used to describe the behavior of the universe and it components.
C. introduction to various observational tools used in astronomy.
D. introduction to the constituents of our solar system, including their descriptions and motions.
E. introduction to the motions and life-cycles of stars.
F. Introduction to the Milky Way galaxy and the Sun’s place within it.
G. introduction to the universe of galaxies, including formation theories.
H. introduction to simple measurements and observational techniques in the laboratory.

Objectives B, C, D, E, F, and G are intended to introduce students to fundamental concepts in astronomy, as required by criterion #8 for University Studies elective courses. Objectives A and D meet criterion #4 and are important in emphasizing the interdisciplinary nature of he course. For example, discussions of the history of astronomy point out the influence of popular culture and religion on the scientific thought of the era. Students are asked to consider if similar societal influences exist today. Also, a descriptive study of the constituents of our solar system brings in the related sciences of geology, chemistry, and physics. Objective A also emphasizes the international contribution to the development of astronomy as a science. This meets criterion #7 for University Studies elective courses. Criterion #6, use of Computer technology, is met in the lab and lecture by using computer programs to replace standard star charts and sky maps.

V. CONTENT OUTLINE:  Observations made from the earth since ancient times, observations with optical and radio telescopes, the planets, the sun, the nature and evolution of stars, galaxies, and the creation and future of the universe.

VI. INSTRUCTIONAL ACTIVITIES:  Classroom activities include lecture, discussion, questions, demonstrations, audio-visual materials, and examinations.
A.  This course is designed to give students an appreciation for the magnitude and complexity of our solar system, while at the same time reinforcing die idea that nature obeys physical laws which are constant and predictable. Students are asked to read material from die text which is also explained in detail by the instructor, and use this knowledge base to understand die physical laws which govern the motion and behavior of celestial objects. Students are asked questions which require a solution using this knowledge base along with rudimentary mathematical skills. The instructor will encourage questions and will ask questions which provoke thought and discussion. Classroom time is not strictly lecture, but is enhanced by multimedia presentations from videotape, laserdisc, and Computer simulation. There is a wealth of astronomy-related material available at the internet and in the Teacher Resource Center at the Waterfield Library. These support materials are used liberally to capture student attention and engage their interest.

B. Active participation in experimentation, observation, data acquisition, mathematical modeling, and graphing are emphasized in the required laboratory which accompanies the course. Students work in groups of 3-4, collaboratively testing the scientific concepts which undergird those topics discussed in die classroom. The laboratory experience helps the student visualize real physical systems whose behavior can be quantified and predicted. Each laboratory promotes reading, writing, and critical thinking. Students are asked to read introductory materials for each lab, and each project requires the student to form conclusions based an the acquired data. These conclusions are expressed in written form as part of a laboratory report that is submitted at the end of each lab period.

C. Students are introduced to the department Computer laboratory, where software is available which locates the sun, moon, planets, and stars at various times of the year. This Night-Sky program is useful in illustrating the passage of constellations through the sky over a period of months, or in determining the times of sunrise and sunset at a particular location an a given date. This laboratory is now being hard-wired for internet access, so that students will be able to visit the multitude of websites which house images of galaxies, nebulae, and the latest views from die Martian surface. Use of the Night-Sky program is required in one meeting of the laboratory.

VII. FIELD, CLINICAL, AND LABORATORY EXPERIENCES:  Students are required to spend two hours per week in the laboratory.  Laboratory activities include demonstrations, observations, and examinations.

VIII. GRADING PROCEDURES:
Specific grading procedures vary slightly by instructor. However, all sections of astronomy base their grades on the results of regular hourly examinations, the final examination, and the laboratory performance. Expectations are rigorous but fair and reasonable. Due to the size of the large lecture classes, frequent multiple-choice exams are administered. Many of the questions are designed so that the student must apply methods of analytical and critical thinking to answer correctly.

Student performance in the laboratory is evaluated in the areas of: Laboratory Technique: 25%
Includes preparation prior to lab period, ability to follow instructions, active participation in lab experiment (no passive observers accepted), and clean-up of workstation at the end of the period.

Content of Written Lab Report: 75%
Includes accuracy and completeness of responses to questions posed in the lab manual Written responses should be answered in complete sentences with proper grammar and punctuation. Data should be presented in tabular or graphical form, identified and labeled with correct units of measure.

Typically 11-13 labs are performed during the semester. A lab report is required at the end of each lab period. The grades on each lab report are averaged, with the average grade determining laboratory component of the course grade as explained below.

A. Approximately 4-8 exams will be given, typically comprising 80% of the course grade..
B. The final grade will be based upon an average of the exams and the laboratory grade.
In this average, the laboratory grade typically counts as 20% of the course grade. The instructor is given the latitude to adjust the final average based on his/her particular attendance policy. All attendance policies are in keeping with university policy.
C. The final letter grade will not be more stringent than a 10 point scale.
D. If an exam is missed, the instructor is to be notified before the exam time, by phone, if necessary. In an emergency situation, the instructor is to be notified as soon after the exam as possible. Do not simply wait until the next class period!
E. No extra credit may be earned through additional projects.
F. No one will be permitted to drop with no grade, drop with a grade of W, or change CREDIT to AUDIT, after the appropriate deadline has passed.
G. To change from CREDIT to AUDIT, a student must have a permission form with full signatures of he student‘s advisor and the instructor in this course. The student must also confer with the instructor to learn the conditions which must be met for auditing the course. These conditions will include prompt and regular daily attendance of the class. Otherwise the student will receive a grade of E instead of AUDIT.

IX. ATTENDANCE POLICY:  Students are expected to be prompt and regular in class attendance.  Absences will
be recorded at each class meeting.  You must be present when role is taken to be counted present.  Absences for officially sponsored university functions or serious illness for which documentation is provided will not be counted against you unless the number of absences is excessive.  In any case, it is course policy that students absent in excess of 25% of class periods or 25% of laboratory meetings receive a failing grade.

X. ACADEMIC HONESTY POLICY
Students are expected to be prompt and regular in class attendance. Poor attendance can affect the student‘s final average and, consistent with university policy, missing in excess of 25% of classes for any reason may result in automatic failure of the course.

XI. TEXT:  In Quest of the Universe, by Karl Kuhn

XII. PREREQUISITES:  There are no formal prerequisites for this course.  However, students should be willing to learn to solve simple algebraic equations.

Last updated February 14, 2000. Designed and maintained by Kyosung Koo