Department __PHYS______
AREAS OF INQUIRY
Course Number _144___
Course Name: Introduction to Astronomy
INVESTIGATING THE NATURAL
WORLD
This form must be submitted to the Faculty Council on Liberal Learning and Academic Life as part of the submission
process.
Please attach a proposed syllabus for this course and the Undergraduate Curriculum Course Proposal Form.
DEADLINE FOR PROPOSALS: 16 September 2005
Please answer the following questions:
Check Only One:
 This course is an existing course (in the current curriculum) that we are now proposing for this Area of Inquiry.
X This is a new course that we are now proposing for this Area of Inquiry.
1. Name and contact information for the department chair administrating this course.
David Doughty, doughty@pcs.cnu.edu, 4-7065
2. In any given semester, how many sections of this course is your department willing to offer?
Two
3. Why is this course being offered/what is it designed to achieve (Course purpose/goal)?
It is a popular general science topic, and will be offered as one of several single semester science courses designed
to satisfy the new science curriculum. This curriculum no longer requires a sequence of courses and associated
labs, instead, students are allowed (indeed, encouraged) to explore several areas of the natural sciences. The
PCSE department is expanding our offerings to provide introductory classes in several exciting areas of physics
and computer science. In addition, this class can serve as one course in a three course sequence in Physics to
satisfy the liberal learning emphasis in the Natural Sciences. Finally, this course serves our majors by providing
their first exposure to Astronomy for those majors interested in pursuing study in Astrophysics or related fields.
In addition, Astronomy is a nice framework on which to build discussions of the scientific method in general and
current theories of Physics in particular. This framework makes the subject attractive from a pedagogical point of
view in that students completing the class will have been exposed to many issues in contemporary science.
4. All courses must address every objective listed below.
Lecture
X Understand the process of science and the strengths and weaknesses of this process
X Understand that our present knowledge of the natural world is the result of the progression of scientific
ideas over time
X Apply scientific knowledge to the definition, understanding, and evaluation of issues of contemporary
society
X Gain an understanding of a body of knowledge in at least one natural science discipline
Laboratory
Engage in asking and answering questions using the scientific process
Conduct analyses and evaluation of data from scientific experimentation
Present results and draw conclusions in both written and oral formats
 Apply the scientific process to present-day questions
5. Briefly explain how this class addresses the above objectives.
First, note that this is a lecture class, not a laboratory. That said, all students will be required to participate in a
long term group project where they will make astronomical observations, collect data, analyze it and draw
conclusions. They will then present their results to the class. For this reason, the Astronomy lecture class will
also address some of the requirements for a lab course in addition to the lecture requirements. That said, this isn't
a lab course and I will not dwell on the laboratory component. (Students will still need to take a laboratory course
to satisfy the Natural World AoI).
The study of Astronomy demonstrates the process of science explicitly by exploring current theories of star
formation, galactic evolution and cosmology as well as looking at the development of these theories over time.
This history is rich with unwarranted assumptions, false leads, “garden paths”, traps for the unwary, puzzling data
inconsistent with current understanding, insights and inspiration into new theories, brilliance, stupidity and
crackpottery, turf wars and bitter academic feuds. In short, it is an exemplary model of a natural science. This
same study demonstrates how our present understanding has resulted from the progression of scientific ideas over
time. This can (and will) be shown explicitly for one or two theories and will be implicit in our study of other
modern theories.
The application of scientific knowledge to current issues is demonstrated in Astronomy in two main ways. First,
the study of astronomy provides very little direct benefit to the well-being of most humans. However, it has
always provided inspiration and awe, and has been a subject of fascination for generations. The societal issue is
to arrive at a balance between funding astronomical research and funding something which might have more
direct impact on people's lives. Another, more anxiety inducing problem, is what to do as a society to prepare for
the inevitable, catastrophic (but unlikely) impact of an Earth Crossing asteroid. It has a very small chance of
occurring in any of our lifetimes, but, if it does occur, it will be a catastrophe on a biblical scale. How much
effort do we want to invest in this problem.
Finally, the study of Astronomy will give the students a grounding in at least one natural science – namely
Astronomy. It will also touch on several others: physics, chemistry and mathematics.
6. Course Assessment: Identify how this course will accomplish the above objectives (choose at least one).
X Participating in class discussion and debate
X Engaging in teamwork and other collaborative exercises
 Writing analytical or evaluative papers, perhaps incorporating original research
X Making oral presentations
 Performing laboratory experiments
X Conducting data analysis
Participating in fieldwork
X Other means – please identify : Problem solving, historical research, making astronomical observations,
7. Attach a proposed syllabus, which includes a statement of purpose, course objectives, and how these
objectives will be accomplished.
See Attached.
8. If this course contributes to any of the foundations for liberal learning given below, please explain how.
 Oral Communication Literacy: Students will be required to do a semester long project and present
their results to the class in a formal presentation at the end of the semester.
 Information Literacy: Many of the problems that the students will need to solve will require some
computer work. They will need to set up and run “simulated observations” using planetarium software and
physics simulations. They will need to search the internet for information and evaluate the veracity and reliability
of the sources that they find.
 Writing Literacy: There will be occasional essays assigned as homework, but this is not a writing
intensive class. Proper English grammar and usage will, of course, be required.
8. Explain how this course connects to Vision 2010 – the CNU Strategic Plan (www.cnu.edu/Vision2010).
This class directly addresses goals I.A, I.B, I.C and II.B by presenting a rigorous, intellectually challenging class
which will require significant student initiative, responsibility for meeting class goals and deadlines, critical
thinking in solving the problems and independent learning while designing and analyzing their group
experiments.
Submission Checklist:
By the deadline, submit a packet with the following documents to the Assistant Dean for Liberal Learning. Please
submit in electronic and hard copy form.
_____ Area of Inquiry Course Proposal Form
_____ Syllabus for the Course
If needed:
_____ Undergraduate Curriculum Committee New Course Proposal Form
_____ Undergraduate Curriculum Committee Change to Existing Course Form
PHYS 144 Introduction to Astronomy
Instructor: J. Hardie
Office: Gosnold 217A
Email: jhardie@pcs.cnu.edu
Phone: 594-8876
Office Hours: to be announced
Textbook: Arny, Explorations: Stars, Galaxies and Planets
Goals
9. Explore some fundamental theories about the workings of the Universe and gain an appreciation for how these theories
have changed as scientific knowledge and technique has advanced.
10. Learn the natural history and evolution of stars and galaxies.
11. Become familiar with the some of the objects visible in the night sky.
12. Look at some pretty pictures and, more importantly, understand what they mean.
13. Develop your analysis and problem solving skills.
14. Learn how it is possible to acquire scientific knowledge about objects that we can't reach directly.
15. Explore the impact that Astronomy has had on culture and society.
Topics
During the semester we will be studying the following topics. I will try to stick to this schedule as closely as possible, but I
reserve the right to change it as needed.
Lecture
Topic
1 Intro/Admin/Overview
2 Group Assignments/Earth
3 The Sky/Sky Motion/Constellations
4 Planetary Quiz
5 Telescopes
6 Orbits (general)
7 Time/Orbits around the Sun
8 The Moon
9 Seasons, Tides and Eclipses
10 Midterm Exam 1
11 The Sun - Description
12 Energy Sources/Nuclear Physics
13 Spectra and Thermodynamics
14 Star colors and temperatures/HR Diagram
15 Stellar Evolution
16 Stellar Remnants
17 Star Clusters/Galaxy intro
18 Galaxy types, sizes, etc.
19 Clusters of Galaxies, Deep Field
20 Midterm Exam 2
21 Olber's Paradox/Isotropy/Homogeneity
22 Derivation of Hubble's Law
23 Big Bang/Expansion of Space and Time
24 The Early Universe
25 Future of the Universe
Lecture
Topic
26 Open Questions
27 Project Presentations
28 Project Presentations
Structure of the Class
You will be given written homework assignments approximately once per
week. These will consist of problems taken from your text book,
questions that you need to research either in the library or on the
internet, observations you need to make yourself (either directly or
with the aid of planetarium software) or essays on various topics.
Written homework assignments are due in class on the specified
day. Late homework (i.e. anything submitted after I leave the
classroom on the due date) will not be accepted!.
Everyone will participate in a group project. These projects will
require that you design and carry out a series of measurements of an
astronomical phenomenon, analyze the data collected, interpret the
results and present your experiment to your classmates in a formal
oral presentation. Topics and group membership will be assigned
during the first week of class.
The first midterm exam will be given in class and will be closed book,
closed notes, no calculator. The second will be a take home exam
which should be done collaboratively.
Grading
Your grade for the semester will be based on an absolute 100 point scale (no curve). This will be constructed from midterm
exams, homework, a semester project and the final exam.
Your semester numerical grade will be computed based on these weights:
Group Project
25 percent
Written Homework
25 percent
Midterm Exams
25 percent
Final Exam
25 percent
Your overall semester letter grade will be determined using the following table:
Academic Integrity
Percent
Score
Letter
Grade
Percent
Score
Letter
Grade
> 93
A
77-80
C+
90-93
A-
73-77
C
87-90
B+
70-73
C-
83-87
B
60-70
D
80-83
B-
< 60
F
This class is conducted under the CNU code of academic conduct. Unless otherwise instructed, you are expected to do your
own independent work. All sources used in the solution of problems must be cited correctly. You are expected to follow all
the instructions on homework and examination problems. Many of these problems have been solved before by others. The
point of these problems is for you to discover the solution methods and learn the techniques yourself. I can look up answers
as well as you can so I don't need you to do this for me. I want you to show me that you know how to solve the problem on
your own.
Any violation of the academic integrity policies of CNU, or the academic requirements of this class will result in a failing
grade for the semester, and a letter to the Dean of Students stating that this failure was for academic integrity reasons.
Disability Accommodation
If you are disabled, I will be happy to provide you with necessary accommodations. By CNU policy, if you are to receive
accommodations, your disability must be on file with the office of Disability Support Services. Please bring me a copy of the
accommodation letter for my records.
UNDERGRADUATE CURRICULUM COMMITTEE
NEW COURSE PROPOSAL FORM
Does this proposal affect Liberal Learning requirements? Yes __X__ No _____
1.
Title of Course: Introduction to Astronomy
Proposed Course Number (cleared with Registrar): PHYS 144
Prerequisite Courses: None
(if you require a minimum acceptable grade greater than the default of D- , please indicate the grade
you require) _________
Catalogue Description (including credits, lecture, and lab hours):
(3,3,0) This course provides an introduction to and survey of modern astronomy. The course will
cover
the observation, natural history and physical theories governing star and planet formation and evolution, galaxy
formation, galactic structures and the beginning, evolution and end of the universe as a whole. The approach will be
primarily descriptive although some computation and computer
work will be necessary. The course is suitable for
undergraduates in any major and will provide the background for more advanced courses in astronomy and
astrophysics.
Is the course cross-listed? If so, what is the number of the other course?
No.
**A proposed syllabus, including complete text and/or reference information, as well
as any relevant information to this decision, must be appended.
NOTE: All affected department chairs must sign approval on last page.
(SEE ATTACHED)
2.
For whom is the course primarily intended? Explain why it should be added to the curriculum.
Undergraduates, both majors and non-majors. This course will satisfy 3 credits in the Investigating
Natural World Area of Inquiry.
3.
If this course is required, append a description of how the course fits into the curriculum. Indicate
affects hours required for graduation.
This course is not required.
the
how it
4.
Has this course been offered previously as a special topics course? If so, when? What course number was
used?
It was offered in the fall of 2003 as PHYS 295.
5.
Has this course, or one closely related to it, been offered at CNU previously?
If so, is that course currently being offered? How does the proposed course differ? When is the last term the
old course will be offered?
It has not been taught except as noted above.
6.
What is the anticipated enrollment per offering for the next three years? About 30-65.
During which term will this course first be offered?
Fall 2006_
Spring 20___
Summer 20___
During which semesters will this course regularly be offered?
Fall 2006__
Spring 2006_
Summer 20___
Print in the __2006____ (academic year) Undergraduate Catalog.
7.
How will the course be staffed?
Full time faculty (J. Hardie, D. Hibler, R. Caton, E. Brash)
16.
Does the course involve a particular classroom, special equipment, or costs beyond those usually associated
with a course at CNU? If so, please explain.
None.
9.
Is the course repeatable for additional credit? If so, is there a limit to the number of times the course can be
repeated? (e.g., applied music courses)
Course cannot be repeated for credit.
If this course is for an Area of Inquiry
a. Identify the Area of Inquiry ____Investigating the Natural World________________
b. Demonstrate how your course will meet the objectives of this Area of Inquiry
(See attached A of I proposal)
This course was approved by:
(Liberal learning core courses must be reviewed by BOTH academic Deans.)
|
Department(s): (1)
Date: ________
(2)
Date: ________
College Curriculum
Committee:
Date: ________
Dean:
Date: ________
Dean:
Date: ________
Undergraduate Curriculum
Committee:
Date: ________
Concur
Changes to the Liberal Learning requirements must be reviewed by the Faculty Senate.
Faculty Senate President:
Date: ________
Provost
Date: ________
Distribution by Provost Office following approval:
Department Chair(s), UCC Chair, Deans, Registrar
** If “Do Not Concur” is checked, please attach a statement of explanation.
Rev. 03/20/05
Do Not
Concur**