Search
MyUMUC
WebTycho
Course length: 15 weeks Last revised: 6 October 2003 |
Prerequisite(s)
MATH 012.
Course Materials
Textbook(s)
Astronomy: The Evolving Universe, M. Zeilik, Cambridge University Press
ASTR 100 CD. The course modules are contained on this CD.
Description
(Not open to students who have taken or are taking any astronomy course numbered 250 or higher. For students not majoring or minoring in a science.) Prerequisite: MATH 012. A discussion of the major areas of astronomy. Topics include the solar system, stars and stellar evolution, galaxies, cosmology, and life in the universe. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: ASTR 100, ASTR 101, ASTR 120, or GNSC 125.
Objectives
After completing this course, the student should be able to:
- explain the scientific method, why it is so successful, and how it has been used in astronomy
- discuss the differences between science and pseudoscience, and how to distinguish one from the other
- explain why the naked-eye astronomical objects (Sun, Moon, and nearby planets and stars) appear to move the way we see them move
- discuss the basic properties of the main types of astronomical bodies, including planets, stars, and galaxies
- describe the range of distances and time scales that apply to various astronomical objects and phenomena
- cite the evidence that supports our understanding of celestial objects and processes, such as black holes, generations of stars, and the Big Bang
- provide an overview of the astronomical, physical, chemical, and biological events that made it possible for life to exist on earth today
- discuss the impact of scientific discovery on individuals and social systems
- perform quantitative reasoning, and present and interpret quantitative scientific information
Course Introduction
A planisphere or star chart will not be used in this course. The instructor will provide further instructions for observational assignments.
Astronomy is looking up! People have been looking up at the stars for a long time - probably for as long as there have been people! However, only recently have scientists developed a detailed understanding of many astronomical objects and phenomena.
In this course, you'll find out a lot of what we have learned. Because astronomy is an interdisciplinary endeavor, you'll learn about many different types of science. This is good because, as an educated person in today's world, you'll need to be familiar with many different subjects.
Many aspects of our life - in politics, at work, at home - involve science and technology. Examples of astronomy-related scientific issues that could affect us include the greenhouse effect, the destruction of the ozone layer, and the effects of different energy sources on our environment. An informed citizen will need to know about many of these issues.
Besides the practical use of the science in this course, you'll learn more about the world (and universe) in which you live, expand your ability to think about the world, and be able to use your natural curiosity to learn more about the universe.
This course is presented in the following six modules:
- Module 1: The Scientific Method Applied to Astronomy throughout History
- Module 2: The Tools of Astronomy
- Module 3: The Terrestrial Planets
- Module 4: The Outer Planets, Small Objects, and Formation of the Solar System
- Module 5: Stars and Stellar Evolution
- Module 6: Galaxies and Cosmic Evolution
The course will give you an overview of all major astronomical topics. The course starts from an observational point of view, as we discuss the motions of the celestial objects that can be seen with the naked eye. We then move on to modern astrophysics, touching on physical laws and on techniques for acquiring astronomical information. As we deal with various areas of astronomy, we'll continually examine how the scientific method helps us make sense of the observations and usefully relates observation and theory.
We start our journey close to home - actually at home - by discussing the earth as a planet, moving on to the moon, and then to the other planets and their moons. We'll then look at the small astronomical bodies in the solar system and finally, the sun, ending our discussion of the solar system with an explanation of how the solar system formed and why it has the characteristics we observe.
Next, we move on to the stars and aggregates of stars, from small star clusters to enormous galaxies, and even clusters of galaxies. We then consider the entire universe, looking at its large-scale structure and evolution. Lastly, we'll explore the conditions that allowed life on earth to develop, and we'll consider the probability of life elsewhere in our galaxy.
To help you understand various scientific phenomena, each module includes applications to everyday life or observations you can actually make yourself.
Grading Information
Your grade will be determined as follows:
| News Clippings File | 5% |
| Lunar Phase Observations | 10% |
| Constellation Observations | 10% |
| Homework Assignment 1 | 10% |
| Homework Assignment 2 | 10% |
| Homework Assignment 3 | 10% |
| Homework Assignment 4 | 10% |
| Homework Assignment 5 | 10% |
| Final examination | 25% |
| Total | 100% |
Grading Scale
90 – 100% = A
80 – 89% = B
70 – 79% = C
60 – 69% = D
0 – 59% = F
Late Policy
Permission must be obtained in advance if assignments are to be submitted late, and an extension will be granted only for legitimate reasons, e.g., sudden deployment, illness. The instructor must agree to the revised due dates. For significant delays, see the rules for an Incomplete listed below.
Project Descriptions
News Clippings File
The daily news is not just sports and politics. It includes science too! For this simple project all you need to do is watch or listen to the news for items related to astronomy. You will such reports in the newspaper, in magazines, on the internet, or by watching or listening to current news reports. When you find an article related to astronomy, cut it out and write a few sentences about it, stating what the article is about and what the conclusions were. Or if you come across a news report on TV or on the radio, summarize the report in your own words. Length and breadth of the original articles are not important, because this project is mainly to get you used to reading articles about astronomy and other sciences. You should collect at least five news clippings, and include the complete reference (author, title, publication, date, volume, and/or page numbers) for each.
Lunar Phase Observations
Consult a news source (such as the weather page in your newspaper, or the Internet), or ask your instructor to find out when there is a new moon. At some time during the course, starting two or three days after a new moon, observe the position of the moon at the same time every day for two weeks. Make a table showing the date and time of each observation, the position of the moon in the sky, and the phase of the moon. Alternatively, you can show this information in a diagram. At the end of the two weeks, write a few sentences about how its position in the sky changed over that time. Explain why that change occurred.
Constellation Observations
At some time during the course, use your star chart to identify any five constellations in the night sky. If you are in the Northern Hemisphere, also find the Big Dipper and the North Star (Polaris). Submit the names of the five constellations you found; describe how you found Polaris (if you’re located in the Northern Hemisphere); and comment about how easy (or hard) it was to use the star chart to locate constellations. Do the constellations in the sky look like the ones on the star chart? If not, how do they differ?
Homework Assignments
Five Homework Assignments are due in this class. Each of these assignments:
-
can be completed based upon your reading of the textbook and Modules
-
should include a complete and thorough answer to the assigned questions and activities
-
will be graded 70% (7 points) on the accuracy of the content, and 30% (3 points) on correct spelling, grammar, paragraph and sentence organization, as well as overall organization of the assignment
Homework Assignment 1
In your own words:
-
Examine and manipulate Figure 1.9 in the Module 1 Commentary. Explain the principles that this figure illustrates.
-
Examine and manipulate Figure 1.10 in the Module 1 Commentary. Explain the factors that contribute to the differences observed for tosses 1, 2, and 3.
-
Explain the relationship between wavelength and frequency, and cite examples of wavelengths and frequencies observed in everyday life.
Homework Assignment 2
In your own words:
-
Explain the principles of density, albedo, and plate tectonics.
-
State the planets that are classified as “terrestrial planets”, and summarize the features shared by planets in this category.
-
Summarize the features of both the earth and its moon. Use charts, tables, outlines, or lists to organize and summarize the information.
-
Examine and manipulate Figure 3.5 in the Module 3 Commentary. Explain the principles that this figure illustrates.
-
Describe the effect that the moon has on the earth.
-
Summarize the theories and models that explain the origin of the earth’s moon.
Homework Assignment 3
In your own words:
-
State the planets that are classified as “Jovian planets”, and summarize the features shared by planets in this category.
-
Describe the various features of Jupiter’s satellites.
-
Describe the features of Saturn’s rings and satellites.
-
Explain the possible benefits of humankind’s exploration of Jupiter and Saturn, and their respective satellites.
-
Describe the similarities and differences between comets, asteroids, meteoroids, meteors, and meteorites. Use charts, tables, outlines, or lists to organize and summarize the information.
-
Summarize the theories and models that explain the origin of the solar system.
Homework Assignment 4
In your own words:
-
Describe the difference between fusion and fission.
-
Explain the nature and source of the sun’s energy.
-
Explain the relationship between brightness, luminosity, and distance with respect to stars.
-
Explain the principles of parallax and the Doppler effect.
-
Using charts, tables, outlines, or lists summarize the various types of stars and the processes involved in their formation and evolution.
-
Examine and manipulate Figure 5.3 in the Module 5 Commentary. Explain the principles that this figure illustrates.
Homework Assignment 5
In your own words:
-
Explain the concept of light-years, and its implications for the nighttime constellation observations that you made during this course.
-
Explain the differences and relationships between our solar system, the milky way, stars, galaxies, and the universe.
-
Summarize the features of the Milky Way Galaxy, and Earth’s place within it.
-
Explain the differences between dark matter and black holes.
-
Examine and manipulate Figure 6.5 in the Module 6 Commentary. Explain the principles that this figure illustrates and how it relates to Hubble’s Law and the Big Bang theory of the evolution of the universe.
-
Describe the conditions necessary for the existence and evolution of carbon-based earth-like life forms on other planets.
Proctored Final Exam
A proctored final examination is required this class. Your instructor will provide you with more information about the format and content of the exam.
Course Schedule
| Week 1: |
Topics: The Scientific Method; The Cosmic Landscape; The Night Sky; Apparent Motions of the Planets & Stars Read:
Review & Study:
|
| Week 2: |
Topics: Laws of Motion & Gravity Read:
Review & Study:
|
| Week 3: |
Topics: Atoms; Light; Electromagnetic Radiation; Spectra Read:
Review & Study:
|
| Week 4: |
Topics: Telescopes & Relativity Read:
Review & Study:
Due: Homework Assignment 1 |
| Week 5: |
Topics: The Earth Read:
Review & Study:
|
| Week 6: |
Topics: The Moon & Terrestrial Planets Read:
Review & Study:
Due: Homework Assignment 2 |
| Week 7: |
Topics: The Jovian Planets; Asteroids; Comets; Meteors Read:
Review & Study:
|
| Week 8: |
Topics: Origin of the Solar System Read:
Review & Study:
Due: Homework Assignment 3 |
| Week 9: |
Topics: The Sun Read:
Review & Study:
|
| Week 10: |
Topics: Stars Read:
Review & Study:
|
| Week 11: |
Topics: Stellar Evolution & Burnout Read:
Review & Study:
Due: Homework Assignment 4 |
|
Week 12: |
Topics: The Milky Way Read:
Review & Study:
|
| Week 13: |
Topics: Galaxies Read:
Review & Study:
Due:
|
| Week 14: |
Topics: Cosmology; Life in the Universe Read:
Review & Study:
Due:
|
| Week 15: | Proctored Final Exam |
Additional Information
Cross Curricular Initiatives
UMUC has cross-curricular initiatives that must be met in every course. They are:
- effective writing
- competence in information technology
- historical perspectives
- international perspectives
- civic responsibility
- information literacy
Here is additional information about those initiatives from the UMUC Undergraduate catalog:
"Cross-curricular initiatives, promoted both by specific courses and by integration throughout all program, build the student's ability to analyze, synthesize, and integrate knowledge, perspectives, and techniques. The cross-curricular requirements in effective writing, competence in information technology, historical and international perspectives, civic responsibility, and information literacy ensure that students are able to:
- define problems, develop and articulate informed judgments, and think critically and systematically
- function in professional roles requiring an appreciation and understanding of the interdependency among all disciplines in the global workplace
- put learning in the context of historical events and achievements through time
- function responsibly as adult citizens of the world, engaging and negotiating different perspectives and exercising ethical judgment in their personal and professional lives"
Course Modules
Course modules are located on the CD.
Academic Policies
- Attendance: Individualized learning courses do not have class attendance. However, you have regular study and other assignments with deadlines.
- Contact Information: You are responsible for keeping your contact information current. This is necessary for receiving both your returned assignments and other information.
- Proctored Exams: A proctored final exam is required for successful completion of this course. UMUC will mail your exams directly to the education center you designated on your application. If you will not be in close proximity to that education center, the Exams Clerk will coordinate directly with your proctor.
It is your responsibility to schedule your final exam within the designated period according to the procedures at your education center.
Further questions on the exam process should be directed to the Distance Education Office or your education center.
- Course Load: One traditional face-2-face course, or 3 semester hours (s.h.), is considered a normal course load for a student who is fully employed. This course load will require at least six hours of class time per week and approximately 12 hours per week of additional out-of-class study time. Although there is no "face-2-face" class time with individualized learning courses, a student should expect approximately 9 to 12 hours per week of study time and additional time in preparing assignments for a 3 semester hour individualized learning course.
Students should carefully and realistically assess other commitments before registering for more than 6 s.h. a term. In no case may a student register for more than 9 s.h. a term without permission from the UMUC-Europe registrar in Heidelberg. Permission to register for more than 9 s.h. is based on demonstrated academic excellence at UMUC. A minimum grade point average of 3.5 and an enrollment history indicating success in carrying a heavier-than-average course load at UMUC are required.
- Academic Research: Learn more about academic research through UMUC at http://www.ed.umuc.edu/de/defacguide/academic-research.htm.
Grading Policies
The Mark of "I"
The mark of I (Incomplete) is exceptional. It is given only upon the request of a student whose work in a course has been satisfactory, and who is unable to complete the course because of illness or other circumstances beyond his or her control. In no case will the I be recorded for a student who has not completed the major portion (60%) of the work in the course. The student must consult with the instructor and present documentation substantiating the reasons for requesting the Incomplete.
The instructor makes the final decision concerning the granting of the Incomplete. When recording the Incomplete on the Final Grade Report, the instructor will state the quality of the student’s work to date, the requirements remaining, and the deadline – not to exceed six months – for completion of the work. If the student does not complete the requirements of the course within six months from the course end date, the student cannot thereafter make up the Incomplete. The mark of I will become terminal and subsequently may not be changed. An Incomplete not removed after six months is converted to the grade of F.
It is the responsibility of the student, not of the Education Center nor of UMUC, to arrange with the instructor for the assignment of and subsequent removal of an Incomplete. Students should realize that it is virtually impossible to remove an I after transfer out of the European Division. A student no longer in contact with the instructor who assigned the I should write to the instructor, c/o UMUC, Unit 29216, APO AE 09102, and the mail will be forwarded. An I cannot be removed by an X or W. A student who elects to repeat the course must register, pay the full fees, and repeat the entire course. In such cases, the mark of I for the first attempt is not changed if the course is repeated. For purposes of academic retention, the mark of I is counted as hours attempted. It is not used in determining grade point averages.
For Bowie State University graduate courses, an Incomplete not removed after one year is converted to the grade of F. For University of Maryland, College Park graduate courses, an Incomplete not removed after six months becomes terminal and subsequently may not be changed.
Mark of "W"
If for whatever reason a student is no longer able to participate in the class, the student should formally withdraw. When a student officially withdraws, a W is assigned. The W can be posted only when it is documented by an Application for Withdrawal (UMGR-003). For purposes of academic retention, the mark of W is counted as attempted hours. It is not used in determining grade point averages. Students that neglect to withdraw formally, may receive the grade of Fn (Failure for non-attendance).
Students in online distance education classes which span over two terms cannot withdraw after the Friday before the final week of the class. Additional information for students receiving VA educational benefits and financial aid can be found in the VA and Financial Aid sections of the Catalog.
Academic Dishonesty
Academic dishonesty is failure to maintain academic integrity. It includes, but is not limited to, obtaining or giving aid on an examination, having unauthorized prior knowledge of an examination, doing work for another student, and plagiarism. Academic dishonesty can result in severe academic penalty, including failure in the course and/or dismissal from the institution.
Plagiarism is the presentation of another person’s idea or product as one’s own. Examples of plagiarism are: copying verbatim and without attribution all or part of another’s written work; using phrases, charts, figures, illustrations, computer programs, or mathematical or scientific solutions without citing the source; paraphrasing ideas, conclusions or research without citing the source; and using all or part of a literary plot, poem, film, musical score, computer program, or other artistic product without attributing the work to its creator.
Students can avoid unintentional plagiarism by carefully following accepted scholarly practices. Notes taken for papers and research projects should accurately record sources of material to be cited, quoted, paraphrased or summarized, and research or critical papers should acknowledge these sources in footnotes or by use of direct quotations.
UMUC provides an interactive Web-based tutorial on plagiarism through its online writing center called “How to Avoid Plagiarism” at http://www.umuc.edu/prog/ugp/ewp_writingcenter/modules/plagiarism/start.html