Chabot College/Las Positas College November 1995Replaced Fall 2006Course Outline for Astronomy 20INTRODUCTION TO ASTRONOMY: STARS AND THE UNIVERSECatalog Description:20 - Introduction to Astronomy: Stars and the Universe 3 unitsIntroduction to the study of stars, galaxies, and cosmology. Includes motions of the sky,constellations, the nature of light, telescopes, spectroscopy, stellar formation and evolution, galaxies,quasars, and cosmology. Designed for non-majors in mathematics or a physical science. Acompanion science lab, Astronomy 30, is also available. May be offered in Distance Educationdelivery format.3 hours.Expected Outcomes for Students:Upon completion of the course the student should be able to:1. review and explain the scientific method, as it applies to astronomy;2. demonstrate a basic knowledge of the nature of light as electromagnetic radiation;3. demonstrate a basic knowledge of telescopes, spectrographs, and other astronomical toolsused in astrophysics;4. describe the properties of our sun;5. demonstrate a basic knowledge of the age, type, composition, and evolution of stars;6. identify the constituents and properties of the interstellar medium;7. describe the Earth's position in the universe by comparing the scale and structure of the solarsystem, galaxies, and universe;8. demonstrate an overall understanding and appreciation of the contents of the universe and itspossible beginnings and end states;9. identify at least 10 different seasonal constellations and bright stars.Course Content:1. Scale of solar system and nearby stars, and the observable universe.2. Principles of telescopes3. Atomic spectra4. The sun as a star5. Star formation and stellar evolutiona. composition of the interstellar mediumb. principles of star formation and stabilityc. fusiond. end states of stars (including neutron stars and black holes)6. Stellar systems - clusters and galaxiesChabot CollegeCourse Outline for Astronomy 20 Page 2November 1995Course Content: (continued)7. Structure of the universe8. Cosmology9. Constellations10. Motions of the Sky and Seasons11. Phases of the MoonMethods of Presentation:1. Lecture and discussion.2. Slides, movies, audio presentations.3. Planetarium demonstrations.4. Distance Education Video lessons.Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:1. Short quizzes and homework assignments may be given each week2. Two to three examinations are given during the term, and a final exam.3. The student's final grade will be made on the basis of the:a. quiz averagesb. homework averagesc. examination resultsd. optional term papersTextbook(s) (Typical):Horizons, Seeds, W. C. Brown & Company PublishersSpecial Student Materials:None.SH/al