CCCOnline LogoCourse Snapshot for AST102 - Astronomy I: GT-SC1

The information listed below is subject to change. Please review the course syllabus within your online course at the start of class.

Course Competencies

The competencies you will demonstrate in this course are as follows:

  1. Define each of the related vocabulary words.
  2. Recognize the appropriate symbols used.
  3. State the concepts introduced.
  4. Distinguish between different concepts within a topic.
  5. Interpret tables or graphs.
  6. Collect and organize data in a systematic manner.
  7. Present data by construction of charts and graphs.
  8. Evaluate the relevancy of data.
  9. Write a formal report.
  10. Set up and solve problems using geometry, algebra, and trigonometry as required.
  11. Apply concepts to new situations.
  12. Demonstrate the ability to select and apply contemporary forms of technology to solve problems or compile information.
Learning concepts for this course are enchanced using illustrative models, video, and online discussions.

Module Outcomes Mapped to Competencies

Module 1 Learning Outcomes

 Mapped to Course Competencies (above)
  1. Give a rough approximation of the scale of the universe in both space and time; starting with you and including the Earth, the Solar System, the Galaxy and Universe as a whole.
  2. Explain the concepts of energy, mass, gravity.
  3. Explain how mass and energy can each be created from the other.
  4. Explain Newton's three laws of Motion and the Universal Law of Gravitation.
  5. Define and explain: electromagnetic radiation, electromagnetic spectrum, wave properties of light, speed of light, wavelength, the energy of a photon.
  6. Explain how understanding light applies to your everyday experience.
  7. Explain how light has properties of both a wave and a particle.
  8. Explain how to use the light from distant objects to determine their composition and temperature.
  9. Explain why one element is different from another.
  10. Explain the basic idea of atoms, including their size, what they are made of and how their energy levels can vary.
  11. Define spectroscopy and how it is used to learn about astronomical objects. Define the Doppler Effect and explain how we use it to determine how stars move.
 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,10,11,12

Module 2 Learning Outcomes

Mapped to Course Competencies (above)

  1. Discuss the evolution of stars of various masses from the main-sequence to their demise.
  2. Explain where stars come from and why they are born.
  3. Detail the stages of star formation for stars of various masses.
  4. Explain the process of nucleosynthesis and explain how it makes heavier atoms inside stars
  5. Detail the life-stages of low, medium and high mass stars.
  6. Delineate the deaths of low mass and high mass stars.
  7. Explain, detail and differentiate white dwarf stars, neutron stars and black holes.
  8. Define and explain the following terms: gravitational condensation, protostars, main-sequence stars, red giants, supernovae, black holes, clusters and nebulae.
 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,10,11,12

Module 3 Learning Outcomes

Mapped to Course Competencies (above)

  1. Delineate the structure of the Milky Way Galaxy.
  2. Explain where stars form in our galaxy.
  3. Describe the nucleus and spiral arms, of the Milky Way.
  4. Explain how the Milky Way formed.
  5. Describe the reasons for concluding that a black hole lies inside the nucleus of our galaxy.
  6. Outline the basics of galaxy classification.
  7. Describe the distributions of Galaxies.
  8. Explain how we measure distances to galaxies.
  9. Describe how galaxies form and evolve.
  10. Describe Quasars.
1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8, 10,11,12

Module 4 Learning Outcomes

Mapped to Course Competencies (above)

  1. Discuss the Hubble law, and its significance and implications for the age and evolution of the universe.
  2. Describe dark matter and give the evidence for its existence.
  3. Describe dark energy.
  4. Discuss the possible fates of the universe.
  5. Describe the 3° K cosmic microwave background radiation; include its characteristics, what it is, where it came from, what it means.
  6. Describe the Big Bang. Use a timeline with important events explained.
  7. Give the evidence that the big bang occurred.
  8. Explain how the abundances of the elements is evidence for the Big Bang.
 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,10,11,12

Course Time Commitment and Expectations

For every credit hour, students should plan to spend an average of 2-3 hours per week for course-related activities in a 15-week course. For example, a 3 credit hour course would average an average 6-9 hours per week to read/listen to the online content, participate in discussion forums, complete assignments, and study the course material. For 10  and 6-week courses, the amount of time per week will be higher so all course competencies, module outcomes, and assignments will be covered.

Aside from typical reading assignments, this course has the following (Please Note: This list is subject to change based on the discretion of the instructor facilitating this course.):

Assignment

Points

Mastering Astronomy Assignments (14 assignments) 105
Laboratory Exercises (10 @ 25 points and 1 @ 75 points)
 325
Module Discussions (15 @20 points) 300
Exams (4 Module@ 50 points each, Midterm and Final @ 75 points each) 350
TOTAL 1080

 

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