Course ID: PHY 216, Astronomy
Prerequisites: None
Course Description: A survey course on Astronomy including history, methods
of observation, the structure of our Solar System, lives of stars, and cosmology
(the structure of our Universe).
Rationale: A 3-hour, non-laboratory course designed to help meet science
requirements for the University’s Core Curriculum.
Learning Objectives: Students may expect to acquire a “big-picture” view of the
cosmos through a study of our Sun and all its planets, the place of Spaceship Earth
in our universe, and many of the hot-button topics of the day such as black holes,
dark matter and dark energy, and the search for extraterrestrial life. A limited
amount of night sky viewing may take place.
Academic Integrity: The University policy as outlined in the current catalog is
followed. Cheating and dishonesty will not be tolerated and may result in
dismissal.
Outline of Topics:
An Overview of our Universe – Time and Distance Issues
Looking at the Sky – The Reason for the Seasons
Astronomical History – The Copernican Revolution
Our Solar System – We are Star Stuff
Our Sun – One in a million, million, million, million (almost)
Terrestrial Worlds – It’s Hot in Here!
Focus on Mars – Red Rover, Red Rover, let Curiosity Come Over
Outer Solar System – It’s Cold in Here!
Focus on Saturn – Cassini
Focus on Jupiter – Galilleo/Juno/JUICE
Galaxies – There’s More to Life than a Milky Way
Misc. Topics
Terraforming Venus and Mars
Planets around other stars
Black holes
The Big Bang theory
Dark Matter and Dark Energy
Could there be life elsewhere?
Some nighttime viewing
Methods of Instruction: Presentation of course material will be accomplished
through a combination of lectures (oral and audio-visual) and reading assignments.
Required Text:
The Cosmic Perspective, Fundamentals
Bennett, Donahue, Schneider, and Voit
Addison-Wesley
ISBN-13: 978-0-321-56704-8
Voyager: Skygazer, version 4.0
Evaluation Methods: Final grades will be determined by the average scores on a
number of examinations. A ten point scale will be used to assign letter grades.
Attendance: The University policy as outlined in the current catalog is followed.
That policy specifies the number of absences (either excused or unexcused) that
will generate a failing grade. For a summer class, the critical number of absences
is six. Missed exams may be made up if prior arrangements have been made with
the instructor.
Important Dates:
1 July, Wednesday
Last day to drop this class with full tuition refund
Last day to register for this class
4 July, Friday
Independence Day Holiday
16 July, Wednesday
Last day to drop this class with no grade appearing on your record
31 July, Thursday
Final exam