Syllabus PH1600 - Survey of Modern Astronomy    

The following describes our regular daytime sixteen-week astronomy course. The eight-week course is very similar but meets for lecture one evening per week, plus six evening lab sessions.

Description: A one semester (4 semester hour) survey course of astronomy covering motion of the sky, brief history of our changing understanding of the Universe, tools of the astronomer, the formation and properties of stars, the formation of planetary systems including our own, galaxies, and the formation and structure of the larger Universe. A key element is leaning how the scientific process helps us understand the universe we live in, and how science can empower you with a logical thought process to enrich your life. The regular day class (offered in the Spring) has an evening lab every other week – sometimes off-campus at Powell Observatory.

Text: Michael Seeds, Horizons – Exploring the Universe        

Course Objectives: At the end of the semester, you will be able to ….

• Demonstrate a general knowledge of where the Earth and our solar system are located in our galaxy (the Milky Way) and in the larger universe.
• Be able to explain the basic properties of the stars, planets, galaxies, and how they all evolved from the Big Bang.
• Be able to explain how human understanding of the night sky has evolved, and how the powerful tool we call the "scientific method" basically works. You will know the "Baloney Test" to help you think logically.
• Have seen with your own eyes the moon, planets and stars through a telescope. Understand a few basic things about what you see in the night sky, and be able to teach your own children about the stars and our amazing universe.

Exams: We will have four equally weighted tests including the final exam.  Various formulae will be provided.

Class Attendance: Regular class attendance is essential and required in this class. We start promptly and we will finish on time! Habitual tardiness, sleeping in class, or chatting during the lecture is rude to everyone, and will definitely not be allowed.

Homework & Semester project: There will be 8 homework assignments – basically due every other week. Students must do homework INDIVIDUALLY. You will complete an individual semester project that gets you out under the stars for some personal observing of the night skies.

Grading:  (general – may vary by semester)

Lecture Class:  In-Class Problems & Tests – 10%;  Homework – 10%;

                            Individual Semester project – 10%; Three Exams and Final – 70%

Lab:  100% based on lab portfolio accuracy, completeness, and professional presentation.

Final letter grade based on 90-100 = A; 80-89 = B; 70-79 = C; 60-69 = D; lower = F.

Labs & Observing Sessions: There are seven lab sessions - normally every other Thursday. The lab dates are scheduled at start of the semester, so adjust any outside work as needed. There are no "make-ups" for lab experiments. Students will often work in small teams.
 
Observing under the night sky is an important part of our astronomy class. During our evening lab, you will look through telescopes (assuming clear weather) at some of the objects we discuss in class – including the moon, planets, and bright star clusters and nebulae. We have to fight severe light pollution from our campus location, but we will do our best to see some interesting things. Warm clothing is required!