MAUI COMMUNITY COLLEGE
COURSE OUTLINE
1.
ALPHA AND NUMBER:
Astronomy 110L
ASTR 110L
COURSE TITLE:
Observational Astronomy Laboratory
CREDITS:
One ( 1 )
DATE OF OUTLINE:
August 15, 2005
2.
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Introduces instrumentation and methods
used in astronomical observations and
research. Demonstrates astronomical
principles through laboratory observations
and analysis of astronomical data, and
provides experience using instrumentation
and software for observations, data
collection and analysis, and image
processing.
3.
CONTACT HOURS/TYPE:
Three ( 3 )/week; Laboratory
4.
PREREQUISITES:
ASTR 110 with a grade of C or better or
concurrent enrollment in ASTR 110.
MATH 23 or higher with a grade of C or
better or placement at MATH 25 or 100.
COREQUISITES:
RECOMMENDED
PREPARATION:
APPROVED BY
ICS 100 or equivalent
DATE
5.
GENERAL COURSE OBJECTIVES:
To provide hands-on experience using various types of astronomical tools and
instrumentation, and to develop observational skills. To explore various
technologies utilized in modern astronomical observations and to provide an
introduction to astronomical work being done in Hawaii in general, and on Maui
in particular. To develop an understanding and appreciation of the scientific
method, including formulating questions, collecting, analyzing, and interpreting
data, and developing explanations from evidence for presentation in a variety of
formats.
ASTR 110L fulfills the Natural Science laboratory requirement for A.A. and A.S.
degrees at Maui Community College. This course also fulfills the University of
Hawai’i at Manoa General Education Core requirements for Diversification,
Natural Sciences, Physical Sciences, Science Laboratory (DY; 1 credit) by
meeting the following Diversification Hallmarks for a laboratory course:
a) Uses the laboratory methods of the physical sciences by providing handson experience using tools, equipment, and instrumentation commonly utilized
in physics and astronomy to make measurements and collect data
b) Involves processes and issues of design, testing, and measurement by
providing inquiry activities and guided laboratory and research projects that
require students to generate their own questions, create, test, and assess
different experimental designs needed to answer those questions, and to
collect data making appropriate measurements using an experimental design
best suited for a given research question
c) Demonstrates the strengths and limitations of the scientific method by
developing an understanding and appreciation of the processes involved in
formulating research questions, developing experimental designs that will
answer those questions using available equipment and instrumentation to
collect data, and how the analysis of this data is used to develop explanations
for presentation
For detailed information on how ASTR 110L focuses on the Maui Community
College general education standards, see the attached curricular grid.
6.
SPECIFIC COURSE OBJECTIVES, COMPETENCIES, AND STUDENT
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
(For assessment purposes these are linked to #7, Recommended Course Content.)
Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:
a.
Describe the general movements of objects in the sky, the significance of
the ecliptic, and the use of sky charts and software to locate and map
objects in the sky.
b.
Explain telescope tracking and slewing, demonstrate how to locate
celestial objects using a telescope, and use a telescope or other
instrumentation to make measurements on select celestial objects.
c.
Describe how light propagates through optical systems and draw ray
diagrams for various optical configurations.
d.
Describe various configurations for telescope design, the
advantages/disadvantages of each, and the importance of angular
resolution for astronomical imaging and data analysis.
e.
Identify the major regions of the electromagnetic spectrum, explain how
colors of light in the visible spectrum are related to wavelength, and explain
how color filters can be used as tools for image formation and analysis.
f.
Identify different types of spectra and use reference spectra for determining
the composition of various gases.
g.
Explain the characteristics of digital images and describe various methods
used in processing and analyzing digital images for astronomical
applications.
h.
Describe how photometry is used in astronomy and explain how the H-R
diagram is used as an astronomical tool for determining various properties
and characteristics of stars.
i.
Analyze and interpret data, plot graphical relationships, prepare a poster,
and give an oral presentation on a selected topic.
j.
Describe some of the astronomical research occurring on Maui, the
infrastructure supporting this research, and some of the internship
opportunities available to students in various high-tech or astronomyrelated fields.
k.
Describe how the Earth’s atmosphere affects light from celestial objects
reaching the surface of the Earth and how adaptive optics systems are
constructed and used to correct for wavefront aberrations.
l.
Describe the Faulkes Telescope project and the opportunities available for
students to use the telescope for internship/research projects.
m.
Formulate a basic strategy and plan for an observing project, collect and
analyze data, organize and synthesize collected data, and write a report,
prepare a poster presentation, and/or give an oral presentation explaining
the results.
n.
Demonstrate the ability to work as a member of a team on an assigned
project.
7.
RECOMMENDED COURSE CONTENT AND APPROXIMATE TIME
SPENT ON EACH TOPIC:
(Linked to #6, Specific Course Objectives, Competencies, and Student Learning
Outcomes.)
1 Week:
Orientation to the Night Sky (a)
1 Week:
Introduction to Telescopic Observations and
Measurements (b)
1 Week:
Geometric Optics, Image Formation, Telescope
Design and Function (c, d, n)
1 Week:
Light, Color, and Filters (e, n)
1 Week:
Astronomical Imaging, CCD Cameras, Image
Formats, Introduction to Astronomical Image
Processing Techniques (g)
2 Weeks:
Astronomical Imaging with Filters, Advanced
Astronomical Image Processing (e, g, h, i)
1 Week:
Spectra and Spectroscopy (f)
1 Week:
Data Reduction and Analysis of Astronomical Data;
Oral Presentations (i, n)
1 Week:
Astronomical Research and Infrastructure on Maui;
Field Trip to MRTP or Haleakala; Internship
Opportunities (MEDB) (j)
1 Week:
Characteristics of the Earth’s Atmosphere;
Wavefronts, Wavefront Sensors, and Wavefront
Correction; Adaptive Optics and AO System
Architecture (j, k)
1 Week:
Observations and Data Collection with the Faulkes
Telescope (l, m, n)
4 Weeks:
Observational/Research Projects (may include
activities such as variable stars, generating
and interpreting light curves, distance and other
physical measurements, interpreting rotation curves,
using an H-R Diagram to determine stellar
properties and characteristics, minor planet/satellite
tracking, astrometry, etc.)
Team Work, Generating Research Questions
Data Collection and Analysis
Report Writing and Oral Presentations
(a, b, e, g, h, i, l, m, n)
8.
TEXT AND MATERIALS, REFERENCE MATERIALS, AUXILIARY
MATERIALS, AND CONTENT:
Appropriate materials will be chosen at the time the course is to be offered from
those currently available in the field. Examples include:
Lab manuals and reference texts, such as
Ferguson, Introductory Astronomy Exercises
Wadsworth Publishing Company
Littlewood, Virtual Astronomy Laboratory
Physics Curriculum and Instruction
Kitchin, Telescopes and Techniques
Springer Publishing
Covington, How to Use a Computerized Telescope
Cambridge University Press
Meeus, Astronomical Algorithms
Willman-Bell, Inc.
Tyson, Introduction to Adaptive Optics
Academic Press
Supplementary materials, such as
Laboratory exercises and projects written by the instructor
Accompanying instructor ancillaries and inquiry activities
Articles and/or handouts prepared by the instructor
On-line virtual lab exercises (such as Project CLEA)
Astronomical software such as The Sky or Starry Night
Other:
Additional software for data collection and image processing (such
as MIRA, Astrometrica, and Photoshop)
Astronomical instrumentation (such as telescopes, spectrometers,
adaptive optics bench demonstrator, etc.)
Astronomical internet sites
Guest speakers and field trip(s)
Liability waivers for field trips and observational activities
Instructions for lab, observational, and homework activities
Review materials for course assessments, such as exams
9.
RECOMMENDED COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND EVALUATION:
Specific course requirements are at the discretion of the instructor at the time the
course is being offered. Suggested requirements might include, but are not
limited to:
Laboratory experiments
Inquiry and other guided activities
Observational activities
In-class exercises and questions
Homework assignments
Projects or research (written reports and/or oral class presentations or posters)
Class participation
Evaluation and grading options will normally include:
Laboratory Reports/Presentations
In-class exercises/inquiry activities
Homework
Projects/research
Attendance and/or class participation
Final Examination
10.
30-40%
10-15%
5-10%
25-30%
0-10%
0-10%
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION:
Instructional methods vary considerably with instructors, and specific
instructional methods will be at the discretion of the instructor teaching the
course. Suggested techniques might include, but are not limited to:
Lectures and discussions
Inquiry activities
Laboratory experiments and exercises
Observations utilizing astronomical instrumentation
Problem solving
Software applications and utilization
Guest lectures and field trips
Virtual laboratories (software and internet)
Laboratory report writing
Group or individual projects
Student class presentations
Other contemporary learning techniques (internship opportunities)