ASTR 110 Online Version

Survey of Astronomy (3 Credits)

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Survey of the nature of the astronomical universe for non-science majors, with emphasis on scientific method and development of scientific thought.

PREREQUISITES OR REQUIRED PREPARATION: None

COURSE OBJECTIVES: To develop an understanding of both traditional and current topics in astronomy.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES: The student will:

Gain an understanding of the other sciences that are utilized to conduct astronomy (classical mechanics, optics, spectroscopy, chemistry, geology, meteorology, thermodynamics, relativity, and quantum mechanics).
Gain an understanding of the techniques that astronomers use to analyze data.
Utilize the information in the textbook to obtain an "inside out" understanding of the universe. That is, starting with the Earth and expanding outward to the solar system, Sun, stars, galaxies, and finally the whole universe.
Discover that even the most recent textbooks are always somewhat out of date. Investigating information available on the internet will demonstrate that our knowledge of astronomy changes continuously.

COURSE CONTENT:

Introducing Astronomy	25%
The Solar System	25%
Stars & Stellar Evolution	25%
Galaxies and the Universe	25%

INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS: The textbook, CD-ROM, and publisher's website will all be utilized to convey information to the student. Two way communication among the students and between the students and instructor will be asynchronous via email and Message Boards.

TEXT & MATERIALS: The Essential Cosmic Perspective, 4th edition, by Bennett, Donahue, Schneider, and Voit. The ISBN is 978-0-8053-9392-7.

REFERENCE MATERIALS: There is a CD-ROM included with the textbook. The publisher also maintains a website called MasteringAstronomy that is linked to the book. Your book should contain a "Student Access Kit" to get you there. In addition, I have set up a website to aid you in finding Astronomy Resources available on the Internet.

EVALUATION: There are 18 homework assignments and tests for you to complete online during the semester. The tests will provide 80% of your grade and the assignments will be the other 20%. There are also optional extra credit assignments that can raise your average by up to 7.5%

Overall Percentage	Final Grade
90% - 100%	A
80% - 90%	B
70% - 80%	C
60% - 70%	D

INSTRUCTOR:

Mark Schindler
Office: 5-102B
Phone #: (808) 845-9490
email: marks (from the campus network)
or marks@hcc.hawaii.edu from other internet servers
Office Hours: M W 4:00 - 5:00

Revised: 12/27/07