Stars Galaxies and Universes

Catalog description

This course is a descriptive and conceptual introduction to Astronomy with a focus on events and objects outside our Solar System. The course is divided into two parts. Topics in the first half include: Historical Connections to Astronomy; Gravity and Orbits, and Tools of the Astronomer. In the second part of the course, topics covered are: Star Brightness, Luminosity and Distance; Our Sun and other Stars; the Interstellar Medium; Low vs. High Mass Stars; Galaxies, Universe Expansion; the Structure of the Universe; Black Holes; and how life interconnects with all these topics. Additionally, we will connect these Topics with current news and astronomical events. The laboratory portion of this course consists of computer-based exercises, home-based Astronomical observations, and, when possible, campus-based sky-gazing and Planetarium use. High School Sciences and basic Algebra are highly recommended. Three class hours and two laboratory hours per week. Instructional Support Fee applies.Gen. Ed. Competencies Met: Scientific Reasoning and Discovery.