Description
This course is an introduction to the astronomical universe including planets, our Sun and Solar System, stars, galaxies, cosmology, and the universe. The focus is on the structure, evolution and dynamics of the physical universe and how properties of light can be used, for example, to determine distance, temperature, composition, and relative speed of nearby stars.
Prerequisites
Qualified for MATH 100.
Designation
Diversification: Physical Sciences — DP
Course Student Learning Outcomes (CSLOs)
- Describe, classify, and compare celestial objects (i.e. movement, spin, size, brightness, temperature, composition, energy, distance from Earth, etc.).
- Explain fundamental physics concepts, astronomical principles and processes used to figure out the information in SLO#1 (for example, explain how scientists know the composition, temperature, and distance of celestial objects without direct sampling).
- Describe the formation and fate of celestial objects (e.g. mainly stars but also Earth, other planets, moons, asteroids, comets, our solar system, galaxy, and universe).
- Characterize the guiding principles of modern science.
- Critically evaluate proposed explanations or ideas in astronomy.