UMUC-Europe Syllabus

ASTR 110 Astronomy Laboratory (1) (Fulfills the laboratory science requirement only with previous or concurrent credit for ASTR 100. Not for students majoring or minoring in science.) Prerequisite or corequisite: ASTR 100. A laboratory course including experiments, observations, and exercises to illustrate the basic concepts of astronomy, as well as the use of astronomical instruments and tools.

Course Goals/Objectives:

After completing this course, students should be able to do the following: * demonstrate the scientific method, and illustrate how it has been used in astronomy * discuss the differences between science and pseudoscience and how to distinguish one from the other * identify features of the sky, such as the ecliptic, the celestial poles and equator, and some of the constellations that are visible from your region * point out a variety of objects such as planets, main-sequence and giant stars and binary star systems * make laboratory measurements and calculations using the SI metric system * perform some basic statistical analyses of data * conduct some experiments such as determining the focal length of a converging lens or noting the wavelengths of visible light present in a bright-line spectrum

Course Introduction:

By studying astronomy in the laboratory and by observing astronomical events you will learn more about the techniques scientists use to gather and analyze evidence, the instruments that provide information about astronomical objects, and the appearance and locations of planets, the sun and stars in the sky. These exercises will enhance your understanding of the observational and experimental foundations of astronomy.

Grading Information and Criteria:

Grades in this course will be determined as follows: 10% Homework Activities 75% Lab Projects 15% Final Exam The grading scale in this course will be determined as follows: A = 90%-100% B = 80%-89% C = 70%-79% D = 60%-69% F = 0%-59%

Other Information:

None

Project Descriptions:

Homework Activities Homework assignments are due in this course which reinforce the topics covered in the readings and labs. These assignments can take many forms, including problem solving, graphing and quantitative reasoning activities, interpreting scientific data and information, short answer and short essay questions, sketching diagrams and figures, designing and/or constructing models, performing hands-on activities, making observations of nature, and searching for and evaluating information on the internet. Lab Projects Various laboratory projects are required in this course. These projects are designed to reinforce the basic principles of astronomy, as discussed in detail in ASTR 100. During the term, you will carry out observations, experiments, and exercises in the field, in the lab, and at home. Observations include use of the unaided eye, and (if available) binoculars and telescopes to study objects of the daytime and nighttime sky such as the moon, planets, stars of various types, nebulae, and galaxies. Photographs and spectra will often be used. The experiments are related to the topics covered in ASTR 100, including measurement, optics, and spectroscopy. Final Exam A final exam is required in this course. This exam will include the topics and skills covered in the required readings, labs, lectures, and class discussions.

Academic Policies:

Cases of plagiarism are handled consistent with current UMUC guidelines. See the UMUC policies at the following URL: http://www.umuc.edu/policy/

Course Schedule:

Session 1 Scientific Method Lab Homework Activity Session 2 Measurements Lab Homework Activity Session 3 Cycles of the Sky Lab Homework Activity Session 4 Optics Lab Homework Activity Session 5 Telescope Lab Homework Activity Session 6 Spectroscopy Lab Homework Activity Session 7 Sun Lab Homework Activity Session 8 Star Lab Homework Activity Session 9 Stellar Evolution Lab Homework Activity Session 10 Milky Way Lab Homework Activity Session 11 Galaxy Lab Homework Activity Session 12 Sky Observations Lab Homework Activity Session 13 Solar System Lab Homework Activity Session 14 Life in the Universe Lab Homework Activity Session 15 Review for Final Session 16 Final Examination