Chabot College/Las Positas College
November 1995
Replaced Fall 2006
Course Outline for Astronomy 20
INTRODUCTION TO ASTRONOMY: STARS AND THE UNIVERSE
Catalog Description:
20 - Introduction to Astronomy: Stars and the Universe
3 units
Introduction to the study of stars, galaxies, and cosmology. Includes motions of the sky,
constellations, the nature of light, telescopes, spectroscopy, stellar formation and evolution,
galaxies, quasars, and cosmology. Designed for non-majors in mathematics or a physical science.
A companion science lab, Astronomy 30, is also available. May be offered in Distance Education
delivery format.
3 hours.
Expected Outcomes for Students:
Upon completion of the course the student should be able to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
review and explain the scientific method, as it applies to astronomy;
demonstrate a basic knowledge of the nature of light as electromagnetic radiation;
demonstrate a basic knowledge of telescopes, spectrographs, and other astronomical tools
used in astrophysics;
describe the properties of our sun;
demonstrate a basic knowledge of the age, type, composition, and evolution of stars;
identify the constituents and properties of the interstellar medium;
describe the Earth's position in the universe by comparing the scale and structure of the
solar system, galaxies, and universe;
demonstrate an overall understanding and appreciation of the contents of the universe and
its possible beginnings and end states;
identify at least 10 different seasonal constellations and bright stars.
Course Content:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Scale of solar system and nearby stars, and the observable universe.
Principles of telescopes
Atomic spectra
The sun as a star
Star formation and stellar evolution
a.
composition of the interstellar medium
b.
principles of star formation and stability
c.
fusion
d.
end states of stars (including neutron stars and black holes)
Stellar systems - clusters and galaxies
Chabot College
Course Outline for Astronomy 20
November 1995
Course Content: (continued)
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
Structure of the universe
Cosmology
Constellations
Motions of the Sky and Seasons
Phases of the Moon
Methods of Presentation:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Lecture and discussion.
Slides, movies, audio presentations.
Planetarium demonstrations.
Distance Education Video lessons.
Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
1.
2.
3.
Short quizzes and homework assignments may be given each week
Two to three examinations are given during the term, and a final exam.
The student's final grade will be made on the basis of the:
a.
quiz averages
b.
homework averages
c.
examination results
d.
optional term papers
Textbook(s) (Typical):
Horizons, Seeds, W. C. Brown & Company Publishers
Special Student Materials:
None.
SH/al 9/2000
a:ASTRO20CO.CON
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