Chabot College
October 1999
Replaced Fall 2006
Course Outline for Astronomy 10
INTRODUCTION TO ASTRONOMY: THE SOLAR SYSTEM
Catalog Description:
10 - Introduction to Astronomy: The Solar System
3 units
Introduction to history and physical principles of astronomy, focusing on our Solar System. Includes
view of the heavens, historical development of scientific models of the sky, telescopes, formation
and evolution of the solar system, and the possibilities for life in space. Designed for non-majors in
mathematics or physical science. A companion science lab, Astronomy 30, is also available. May
be offered in Distance Education delivery format. 3 hours.
Prerequisite Skills: None
Expected Outcomes for Students:
Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to:
1.
explain the Scientific Method, as it applies to astronomy;
2.
describe the celestial sphere, coordinate systems;
3.
explain the daily and annual motions of Earth and moon, including tides and eclipses;
4.
describe the development of astronomical models throughout history, from Ancient Greece
to the present, including models of other peoples like the Mayans, Chinese, Arabs, or Native
Americans;
5.
explain the fundamentals of light and the functions of telescopes;
6.
explain the formation and structure of the solar system, and describe the sun, each of the
planets, comets, meteors, and asteroids;
7.
describe the requirements for life in space and scientific attempts to locate signs of
intelligent life.
8.
identify at least 10 different seasonal constellations and bright stars.
Course Content:
1.
Scale of the solar system
2.
Celestial sphere models
3.
History of astronomy
4.
Principles of telescopes
5.
The Solar System
a.
The sun, its atmosphere, and general properties
b.
Physical structures of each of the planets
c.
Atmospheric composition and motions
d.
Satellite and ring systems
e.
Comets, meteors, and asteroids
f.
Formation and evolution of the solar system
6.
Nature of life in the solar system (and beyond)
7.
Search for extraterrestrial intelligence
Methods of Presentation:
1.
Lecture & discussion.
2.
Slides, movies, audio presentations.
3.
Planetarium demonstrations.
Chabot College
Course Outline for Astronomy 10, Page 2
October 1999
Typical Assignments:
1.
Reading assignments
2.
Optional term papers
3.
Homework exercises
Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
The student’s final grade will be made on the basis of:
1.
Quiz averages
2.
Homework averages
3.
Examination results
4.
Optional term papers
Textbook(s) (Typical):
Astronomy The Evolving Universe, Zelik, 1998
Special Student Materials:
SH/hp 2/94
a:ASTRO10CO.CON
None