Astronomy 104:
Stellar Astronomy

Spring Semester 2009

Course Description

Catalog Description:
An introduction to the history of astronomy, the Sun, the origin of the solar system, and the study of the planets. Lab included.

Student Learning Outcomes

The broad outcomes below are the Dragon Core outcomes this course addresses. Some more specific information about each is listed below, and each lecture will include an explicit list of objectives for that lecture.

By the end of this semester you should be able to:

• (DC) Demonstrate an understanding of the scientific method and of the relationship between hypotheses and theories. You will demonstrate your understanding through answers to short essay questions on exam and through labs and in-lecture activities.
• (DC) Recognize and define problems and formulate and test hypotheses using data collected by observation or experiment. You will use observational data in several lab exercises and in the Observing Project conducted outside of class time. Most labs build on the knowledge and skills developed in earlier labs.
• (DC) Exhibit knowledge of the development and contributions of major scientific theories. Specifically, you will be able to apply and discuss:
  • Newton’s theory of gravity
  • The current understanding of stellar formation and evolution.
• (DC) Demonstrate knowledge of the concepts, principles, problems, and perspectives of one or more specific scientific disciplines.  Some of the concepts and principles you will be able to apply are:
  • Use of the properties of light to deduce physical properties of stars and galaxies.
  • The universe is observed to change over time and that change can be understood in the context of physical theories.

Materials Required or Suggested:

1. [REQUIRED] Access to the Internet using a web browser that supports Flash and Adobe Acrobat. All the coursework in this class is provided online including all homework and tutorials.
   
   
2. [REQUIRED] You must access your campus @mnstate.edu email address regularly.  Any electronic communications will go to these email addresses.  If you want to forward you @mnstate.edu to another email account, log into the DragonMail website, Click the Preferences Tab, scroll down to "Receiving Messages" and provide the email address for it to forward a copy of your email to. Then test it to make sure it is working!
   
   
3. [REQUIRED] The Textbook(s) and Related Resrouces
   1. The Cosmic Perspective: Stars, Galaxies, and Cosmology, 5e by Bennet, Donahue, Schneider, and Voit.
   2. Lecture Tutorials for Introductory Astronomy by Prather, Slater, Adams, Brissenden, and the CAPER team required for in-class lecture tutorials. Used copies of Lecture Tutorials for Introductory Astronomy are not allowed in the course since it defeats the purpose of lecture tutorials to use a book with previously filled out notes. ($33.00 new)
   3. An access code to the Mastering Astronomy online homework system required to submit your homework. ($27.00 from their website)


• Regarding Used Textbooks
  • The MSUM Bookstore is selling a bundle of these three required items for $82.00. Be aware you need to save at least $60 on the price of a used textbook to save yourself money, since that is the price of access codes to Mastering Astronomy ($27.00 through the website) and a new copy of Lecture Tutorials for Introductory Astronomy ($33.00), which are both included with a new book.
    
    
4. [REQUIRED] The Course Activity Manual is available from the Society of Physics Students during the first week of classes on the Third Floor of Hagen Hall. It is $10.00.
   
   
5. [REQUIRED] PRS Clicker is available at the Bookstore for $52.00 New ($39.00 used)
   
   
6. A basic calculator with square roots and scientific (exponential) notation could be very helpful.