Hawaii Pacific University
PHYS 1020 Astronomy Section ____
Semester and year, meeting times
Instructor: Name, contact information and other relevant information about the instructor.
Course description: A study of the planets, stars, galaxies and their origins. Students will also learn
how telescopes, stellar spectra and other methods of astronomical observation are used in research.
Topics include the planets and their satellites, the sun, galaxies, black holes, pulsars and the life history
of a star.
Course prerequisite: None
General Education Requirement: This course is classified under the Global Systems Theme and meets
the requirement for a course in Global Systems C: Other Global Systems Courses.
General Education Student Learning Outcomes and the Five Themes: HPU’s general education
curriculum is focused around five themes. This course emphasizes the Global Systems Theme and
provides students with opportunities to achieve the following related general education student
learning outcomes.
Students will utilize various systems approaches or theories to comprehend natural global
processes. This course focuses on many natural systems (including the earth and processes on
the earth) providing an essential foundation (scientific literacy) for the non-science major. This
course introduces and develops from a systems perspective/approach several transferable
skills including: the scientific method/problem solving, critical thinking, current event analysis
(in the context of science) and science application to the real world. Individual systems levels
are examined and linked to each other throughout the semester. For example quantum level
dynamics (subatomic) is linked the structure and fate of the universe (cosmology).
Additionally our present understanding is examined in the context of historical thinking, how
that understanding has changed and why.
Students will integrate knowledge and understanding from various disciplines in the analysis
of global systems. Astronomy encompasses and draws on the other science disciplines
(physics, chemistry, geology, biology, etc.) in addition to math and is therefore inclusive of
those ideas, approaches and theories. Additionally, technological innovations (electronics,
computers, optics, etc.) within other disciplines drive new astronomical instrumentation and
therefore discovery. By examining current astronomy research trends and knowledge,
students learn the cross-disciplinary nature (systems integration) of astronomy to all other
disciplines, both in support of and from those disciplines and in the research directions that
the physical sciences in general are pursuing.
Students will comprehend the global impact of . . . physical science . . . systems. Specific
examples of using astronomy to protect the earth (eg. detection of potential asteroid impacts
or the threat from solar flares) are examined during the course. Connection of concepts to
real world application is pursued throughout the course with reference to both personal and
professional significance as appropriate. The ability to step beyond the bounds of ourselves
(as individuals) and the planet on which we live is essential to understanding of our existence
within the universe.
Students will understand the importance of global environmental systems and the
interactions between humans and the environment. In the course students learn how (as
observed from satellites in orbit) meteorology, geology and oceanography measures, predicts
and warns about the daily change on the earth and effects to its inhabitants and property.
Social and political structures, economies and technological development are strongly linked
to the understanding of these physical systems. Comparison to other planetary systems
emphasizes the uniqueness of life on the earth and its sustainability. Astronomy has long been
associated with understanding global seasonal changes and potential extraterrestrial threats
(ex. solar flares, asteroid impacts, etc.). Additionally this course discusses the impact of
humans on the environment as a result of astronomical development including the
construction of observatories on land (mountains) held sacred by native cultures.
Note: Purple text shows places where specific course information must be filled in. Red text contains
explanatory notes to the instructor which should be deleted before using the syllabus. Blue explanations
above should be rephrased as needed by the individual instructor to reflect the specific approach in that
section of the course. Course specific outcomes below are an example and may also be rephrased or
modified by the instructor.
Student Learning Outcomes for PHYS 1020 Astronomy
By the end of the course, students should be able to:
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Describe the physics of astronomical phenomena mathematically. This is assessed by quizzes,
homework, hour exams and a final.
Solve basic astronomy problems. This is assessed by quizzes, homework and exams.
Understand the value of astronomy in recreation and in human history. This is assessed by the Field
Observation.
Make basic astronomical observations. This is assessed by the Field Observation.
For the rest of these required syllabus items see the details in the faculty handbook. Delete this note
once the syllabus is complete. For online courses there are some additional requirements given at this
link.
Texts List textbooks with ISBN’s and include this language as well
All textbook information (pricing, ISBN #, and e-books) for this course can be found on the HPU
Bookstore website: hpu.edu/bookstore.
If you have any questions regarding textbooks, please contact the HPU Bookstore at:
Phone:
808-544-9347
Or e-mail:
jyokota@hpu.edu
mmiyahira@hpu.edu
Assignments and mode of evaluation
Summary of important dates and deadlines (if the schedule is a separate document and due dates are
not given with the description of the assignments).
Class rules and policies (including regarding attendance, late work and academic dishonesty)
Schedule of events (may be attached separately)