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Aug 14, 2024
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2021-2022 Yavapai College Catalog [PREVIOUS CATALOG YEAR]
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PHY 100 - Introduction to Astronomy Description: Cycles of the sky, astronomical observations, history of astronomy, gravitation, light, optical instruments, stellar evolution and classification, galaxies , cosmological theories, survey of the solar system, and life in the universe. Preparedness Recommendations: one year of high school algebra or passing grade in MAT 092 or satisfactory score on mathematics skills assessment.
Prerequisites: Reading Proficiency.
General Education Competency: Scientific Literacy
Credits: 4 Lecture: 3 Lab: 3
Course Content:
- Cosmic motions: Celestial sphere, planetary motion, orbits, moon phases, eclipses
- Constellations
- Celestial coordinates
- Copernicus, Tycho, and Kepler; Kepler's laws
- Newton and gravitation
- Light
- Optical instruments and astronomical observations
- Properties of stars and stellar classifications
- The solar system and its origin
- Stellar birth, evolution, and death
- The Milky Way galaxy
- Galaxies and quasars
- Cosmological theories
- Life in the universe
Learning Outcomes:
- Predict, observe, and analyze the motions of the stars, the Sun, and the Moon due to seasonal and latitude effects. (1-3)
- Explain the causes of phases and eclipses; predict and observe phases of the Moon and planets; predict probable eclipse dates. (1)
- Use the telescope for astronomical observations. (7)
- Examine and critically analyze early and modern theories of the solar system. (4,5)
- Describe the basic mechanisms for the production of light, and apply the principles to the production of light by celestial objects. (6)
- Explain how stellar spectra can be used to obtain information about the motion, temperature, composition, and density of an object. (6)
- Describe the process by which stars are born, and identify some of the best-known regions of star formation in the night sky. (9,10)
- Deduce the evolution and the probable end of stars using quantitative skills. (10)
- Describe methods used to determine distances to celestial objects, and apply that information to the size and structure of the universe. (6,8,11-13)
- Describe methods for searching for life beyond Earth. (14)
- Use scientific reasoning to evaluate physical and natural phenomena. (7)
- Identify the unifying themes of the scientific field of study. (5,6,13)
- Interpret the numerical and/or graphical presentation of scientific data. (7)
- Use the tools and equipment necessary for basic scientific analysis and research. (7)
- Record the results of investigation through writing. (7)
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