GENERAL SCIENCE (GSC) 220 Instructor: Arthur Alt
ASTRONOMY Department of Natural Sciences
Math & Sciences
Office: Physics Lab
Science Building
Office Hours: As posted or
by appointment
SYLLABUS
ASTRONOMY
I. Objectives of the Course:
This course is designed to reveal the fascination of modern science, including the realms of astronomy, astrophysics, and cosmology, as integrated and expressed through lectures, field experiences, and laboratory exercises. Areas to be included will include the historical perspectives of astronomical sciences in general, the application of the Scientific Method of inquiry to astronomical problems, the range of topics germane to modern astronomical sciences, including investigations into origins of planets, stars, galaxies, and the universe in general, chemical makeup of the planets, planetary science, space science, the structure of the Milky Way galaxy, and diverse other fields dealing with the areas of science incorporated into astronomy.
The view of knowledge presented is that using several modes of inquiry, including Written Expression and Scientific, with some extra tappings of Historical, Philosophical, and Aesthetic. The instructor will add to the list at his leisure, depending on the particular topics being investigated. The acquisition and discovery of knowledge, as outlined in the Core Curriculum of the General Catalogue, will be emphasized, particularly in regards to analytical and critical thinking, and in the display of the three perspective modes - historical, modern, and future. In all cases, the learner is the prime motivating factor - materials are meant to be challenging, stimulating, thought-provoking, and require the student to become the focus of discovery, pushing the responsibility of learning on his/her shoulders. Since all the students at the university are adults, they will be treated with respect, share in the building of the optional course content, and be allowed to determine, within basic parameters, the grade that will be awarded upon completion.
The primary means of presentation will be lecture-discussion, with a wide variety of hands-on demonstrations of the processes of astronomy, and the application of the Scientific Method of investigation and discovery -as a requirement, students will become familiar with the established tools pertinent to this scientific field.. Included, and as a tool for establishing a grade, will be use of visual and graphical aides, in various forms (i.e. slides, overheads, use of computer programs, etc.). Students will be expected to become conversant with the technological capabilities and methodologies of the library system, for use in the papers and graded topics required. Lastly, students will be expected to participate fully in the laboratory exercises designed to complement the topics being covered in the classroom discussions.
Course Objectives:
By the end of the course, each student will be expected to be conversant with
a) the scientific method as applied to astronomical topics;
b) the origin, evolution, and general characteristics of each of the members of the planetary system;
c) the origin and subsequent life histories of stellar objects of diverse sizes and chemical compositions;
d) the details of stellar deaths resulting in the formation of new elements;
e) the basic structure and component make-up of both the Milky Way and other galaxies, singly and in clusters, dominating the universe;
f) the various forms of heavenly objects that are still poorly understood in relation to the structure of the universe;
g) the origin, history, and subsequent methods of dying of the universe as a whole;
h) the basic observational tools of astronomy, in terms of their construction, their usage, and the subsequent data that is generated by them.
II. Required Texts
1. Seeds – Foundations of Astronomy
2. Hoff - Contemporary Activities in Astronomy
III. Course Outline
This lecture-lab course will be structured to cover a host of areas, including astronomical observations, astrophysics, astrogeology, astrochemistry, cosmology, planetary science, and additional -ologies, -istries, and -ions. The topics listed are the basic ones to be covered - we will cover substantially more than listed here. Laboratories will complement the topic being studied.
Topics
1. Introduction - Survey of the Universe/useful of modern astronomy
2. The Solar System - historical ideas, planetary bodies, moons and minor objects,
origins
3. Detection methods - tools of the astronomer, analysis, future developments
4. The Sun - statistics, parts, solar-terrestrial interactions
5. Stars - history and constellations, basic data, models, evolution from birth to death
6. Special Stars - binaries, variables, violent stars, QSOs
7. Our Galaxy - properties, make-up, origin and evolution
8. Galaxies - identifications, classifications, data, the local group,
clustering, evolution and universal origins
9. Cosmology - ancient ideas, Einstein equations, models of origins,
principles, Big Bang, cosmic inflation
10. Exobiology - chemistry of life, life in the solar system, extraterrestrial,
interstellar communications and problems
11. Relativity - time and space, special theory, general theory,
ultimate fates of the universe, alternate universes
IV. Grading Scheme with Master Points
For this course, since you are all expected to be adult learners, the grades will be determined differently than normal. As of the first day of class, everyone has 550 Mps (Master Points) - simply stated, you are starting the class with an “A” grade. Based on the work you do, the final grade may, or may not, be the same, since each activity will involve losing points only for those required projects for the class. Please note that the remainder of this page deals with additional work, extra-credit, that will help you compensate for any points you do lose.
Beside each project listed on the next page, whether planetarium trip, essay, problem, etc., there is given a possible score, in Master Points. For example, an essay dealing with a show trip, as discussed before, is worth 20 Mps, if done correctly, less depending on how it is done. For each project that involves a report, with the exception of a term paper, the length is to be no less than three, no more than five, typed, double-spaced pages. Each should involve parts of two books, which should be listed as references at the end of the paper (one of the books may be your text). The term paper, on a topic of your choosing, with our approval, should be problem-oriented, and of between 8-10 pages in length.
All projects, except as noted, are due the next to last week of class - this is so we will have a chance to return them to you, and let you know where you stand in terms of grades. You can keep your own scores on the accompanying sheet. We use no curve - the breakdown is:
1000 Mps - A
900 Mps - B
750 Mps - C
If you feel you want only a “D”, please see us so we can direct you to another class. Also, if you have done poor work over the term, and end up with, say 25 Mps and decide to screw up the final nicely, we reserve the right to give you an “F” in the class.
Also, note the projects listed are not all inclusive - if you can dream up another idea for study, see us, and we will set a point total for it. Use your imagination in doing your reports - we don’t penalize you for incorrect answers if you can back it up. Finally, note there is a wide range of topics. Please don’t attempt to get all your points from one area - this will not be appreciated, since you are supposed to get a grasp on the entire subject matter. Spread yourself around.
Cheers!
V. Projects
Required Maximum points Due date
Mind Maps: Text chapters 250 two weeks after topic
“
Final examination 200 first day of final’s week
(or 20 questions)
Project paper/travel diary 100 first day of final’s week
Laboratory write-ups 100 two weeks after lab
Reflection Paper 100 first day of final’s week
Class contribution 250
For discussion - replacement of required projects with others, including: mid-term exam, coloring book, travel diary, computer internet research, others. -
The Mind Maps are your unique way of illustrating what you learned from watching the videos and reading the text materials - for guides, see the samples attached to the syllabus. Each lab write-up is due within two weeks of performance/discussion of the lab material. The project paper will be essentially a detailed paper on any topic in astronomy, using an additional 4-5 references. The Travel Diary alternative is essentially a trip you’ll take, either through the solar system, between the stars, or across the universe. where you detail the sights you see, the wonders that occur, and the science behind the trip. The Reflection paper is on a book of your choice, dealing with any aspect of astronomy, basically being a discussion of the major points contained in the book that you thought were important, and your reactions to their presentation - it should be no longer than 5 pages.
For all additional work, you may do a total of five (5) projects, essays, etc., for the possible points, due the last class session. Remember, these are totally optional - do what you want, but remember to back up all your ideas with facts and data, not just emotions or feelings (Please note rules of the game on the end sheet, in case you plan to turn work in late, or really mess up the class requirements).
A) Take-home Essays
These essays cover everything we discuss in class, and as discussed in your text. Each essay is worth five points. As noted, also, use your imagination for additional topics - you aren’t limited to what is written here.
1. How has man’s view of the universe changed over time?
2. How do atoms give us information on a star’s age and makeup??
3. Why are the terrestrial planets so different from the Jovian ones?
4. Describe the possible origins for the solar system.
5. Discuss the possible origins of life.
6. Describe the detailed evolution of a star.
7. Your choice.
B) Book Reviews
Each of these is worth twenty points. You aren’t limited to the books listed, but be sure the books you review deal with some form of the material we discuss in class. Take each book, and your text and imagination, and tear it apart, or defend it, in terms of modern science.
1. Abell- Exploration of the Universe
2. Pebbles - Physical Cosmology
3. Davies - Superstrings
4. Silk - Cosmology - Past and Future
5. Asimov - any of about eighty books
C) Projects
Any of these, up to the maximum possible points listed for each project. As noted, use your imagination for additional topics - you aren’t limited to what is written here.
1. Planetarium trip (20 points) - involves going to one of the several planetarium shows around. Visit the show, and review the contents in terms of presentation, factualness, material presented, and knowledge gained. Paper should be 3-5 pages in length, and contain your opinion of the show.
2. Collage (10 points) - for fun, do a detailed collage of one of the topics covered in the course - examples might be planets/stars/historical figures/instrumentation/ stellar evolution/galaxies. On the back of your collage, add one page explaining how the material is presented and how it is relevant to modern astronomy.
3. Films (10 points) - there are numerous films on science available from the local video stores, and shown regularly on television. Your task is to take one, review it briefly, with your criticisms as to the manner it was presented. This should include a review of the science used, and the correctness of the material presented.
4. Magazine Review (10 points) - Using one of the major science magazines, review the contents of a single issue, in terms of material presented. Be sure to give your own opinions of the articles, and their value to the layman public. Typical magazines are Sky & Telescope, Astronomy, Discover, Scientific American.
5. Science Fiction Magazine Review (10 points) - Review the contents of a single issue of a SF magazine where the main story is focused on astronomy. Be certain to give your own opinion of the articles or stories- also focus on the science, not the plots.
6. Personalities/Histories (10 points) - for those interested in history or specific personalities, do a bibliographical study of one individual important to one of the fields.
7. Novel/novellas/short story (10 points) - for fun, write your own work as outlined in class. Should involve a flow chart presentation along with the finished project.
8. Imagination - Any project you can come up with and submit to me can be used (if approval is obtained first!). I will assign points on the basis of your ideas and possible means of undertaking the work.
D) Term Paper (50 points)
With an additional topic of your choice, you can do what you like, as long as it has to do with one of the realms of astronomy. The paper should be 10-15 pages long, with a bibliography attached, of 4-5 references.
E) Sneaky Quizzes (various points)
There will be roughly, give or take, five or three quizzes over the course of the term. Since they are usually easy ways to earn extra points (if you’re up on your reading), it behooves you to stay up with the material.
RULES OF THE GAME
So there will be no false misconceptions about what is expected of you from this class, be aware of the following rules/requirements that I will be placing upon you during this semester. Remember, for this class, the motto is always:
Don’t try: Don’t give it your best shot: JUST DO IT!
I expect you to develop, if you haven’t done so already, the abilities of creativity, critical analysis, information synthesis, problem-solving, and rational reasoning (based on scientific data, not emotions, religion, or pseudo-science nonsense). We’ll use about 20 such learning tools in the class – I expect you to learn each one and how to apply it! Above all else, I’m a firm believer that learning should be fun, an experience well worth repeating, for your entire life. If this isn’t, let me know (that does not include you concluding there’s too much work, or it’s too hard, etc.).
1. I appreciate students greatly, and I expect to be friends of the vast majority. But you cannot pass by making friends with me – if you don’t do the work expected, you won’t pass!
2. The class is your responsibility – don’t fight it! You need to be prepared to work alone, with another, and in teams – so if you’re bashful, shy, introverted, don’t expect that to last if you plan to get through the class successfully. One of the best ways to learn is through team interaction – you’re expect to participate as an active member of the team – you get nothing for being laid-back and letting others do all the work!
3. Attendance: you will not be penalized for missing classes. However, what is covered you are responsible for – and if you miss a quiz, lab, activity, be aware that those points count negative towards your grade (unless you have a phenomenal excuse! (See next rule). In other words, I expect 100% attendance, 100% of the time, with no major exceptions.
4. There will be no make-up exams, quizzes, labs, etc. unless you have made arrangements ahead of time, and have a valid excuse (i.e. 2 broken arms, brain surgery, kidnapped by aliens - your kitten ran away is not an adequate excuse!).
5. You missa de class, you finda the notes – don’t ask me for them (that is if you can find someone gullible enough to lend them to you).
6. For the duration, you belong to Me – this is not a Pass-or-Fail class, so everyone that makes it passes. There is no choice in this – set your mind so you will pass or go find another class to loaf in!).
7. This class is about results. Most people use circumstances as reasons not to have positive results – it’s always someone else’s fault. Not here – you are totally responsible for your grade, your actions, and your success!
8. There are no loopholes – I don’t believe the universe gives 2nd chances! (see next rule)
9. There will be no incompletes given at all unless absolute disaster falls (you not being able to finish your work on time isn’t a disaster – you just think it is!).
10. I don’t grade on a curve, but any evidence of cheating, copying, plagiarism, getting papers from other classes, etc. will get you an automatic “F”. Same goes for laboratory write-ups. Since no curve is used, you pick the grade by what work you’re willing to do – you’re not competing with other super-geniuses in the class, so help each other!
11. YOUR DISASTER ISN’T MINE – don’t ask!
12. For me, the defining definition of adulthood = responsibility. You have only one real choice: you can be free or you can be cattle. A free man or woman doesn’t survive – he or she challenges everything and anything. As a side-note, you are responsible for your own homework. It is due on the date due, not later – for each day late, 20% of the possible points will be lost.
13. Due to prior years, I’m not loaning anything, so research elsewhere. Also, if I find you borrowed from the library without borrowing correctly, you will receive a definite “F”.
14. Since this is a science class, be forewarned: the National Inquirer, all magazines of that same category, and the Bible, are not acceptable references. I expect you to cultivate an open mind in this class, but not so open your brains fall out!
15. DO NOT CALL ME AT HOME. (that will cost you 20 points and a nasty dialogue with my wife). Call or come in during office hours – if you have to, we’ll schedule some other time. Also, if I’m with someone else, respect their privacy and don’t barge in (I don’t like to be rude, but I will if necessary to make you aware of your actions).
16. I do not accept homework via e-mail, nor am I responsible for your trying to contact me via the Interneet. Either do it in person or over the phone.
17. Last point – in class, I’m the boss (at least nominally). If you want to argue, great- I expect debate and controversy over the entire semester or you aren’t doing your readings. If you want to be nauseating, or a troublemaker, be prepared to be ejected! Rudeness will definitely act against you in class performance points.
Now, despite all that, I expect this to be an enjoyable learning experience, filled with challenges and meaningful activities you can carry away with you. The success of the course is totally up to you -–if you feel something is going wrong, speak up! The only way classes get better is by constructive criticism that is followed up on – I can’t tell if I’m doing something wrong unless students tell me it isn’t working right – so don’t be bashful. I’ve yet to murder a student for making critical evaluation comments (perfect murder schemes are just to darn hard to come by). But, again be forewarned – if you just like to whine, note the sign:
Whiners please use the cliff exit!