Course Description
This course will focus on an algebra-based astronomy experience for non-science majors. To be successful in this course, students should have competency in solving algebraic formulas. (1 credit)
Recommended Prerequisites
- High School Algebra
- ESC 120: Astronomy (may be taken concurrently)
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Apply the basic principles of light to various astronomical bodies.
- Utilize the basic concepts of comparative planetology and planetary motion to compare, contrast, and analyze the properties and motions of planets.
- Apply laws of motion, stellar properties, and principles of distance measurement in multiple contexts both inside and outside the solar system.
- Analyze astronomical data in graphical form.
- Utilize Hubble's Law and other physical principles to measure and analyze the age, expansion, and fate of the universe.
Course Activities and Grading
| Assignments | Points | Weight |
|---|---|---|
Discussions (15@10 points each) | 150 | 15% |
Lab Assignments (13 @ 50 points each and 2 @100 points each) | 850 | 85% |
Total | 1000 | 100% |
Recommended Text
This textbook, which is used for ESC 120: Astronomy, is an ebook available through OpenStax at no cost to students: Fraknoi, Andrew et al. Astronomy
If students would like a print copy, there will be a fee through Amazon but a print copy is not required.
Course Schedule
| Week | SLOs | Recommended Readings | Assignments |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | 4 | Math Review
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2 | 2 | Kepler's Laws and Gravity
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3 | 1 | Properities of Light
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4 | 2 | Planetary Properties
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5 | 2 | Terrestrial Planets
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6 | 2 | Jovian Planets
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7 | 3 | Comets
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8 | 4 | The Sun
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9 | 3,4 | Properties of Stars and the HR Diagram
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10 | 3,4 | Star Distances
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11 | 3,4 | Exoplanets
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12 | 3 | White Dwarfs in Binary Systems
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13 | 3,4 | The Structure of the Milky Way and Other Galaxies
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14 | 4,5 | Hubble's Law
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15 | 3 | Habitable Exoplanets
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* Open Educational Resources (OER) are openly licensed, educational resources that can be used for teaching, learning and research. OER may consist of a variety of resources such as textbooks, videos and software that are at little or no cost for students.
COSC Accessibility Statement
Charter Oak State College encourages students with disabilities, including non-visible disabilities such as chronic diseases, learning disabilities, head injury, attention deficit/hyperactive disorder, or psychiatric disabilities, to discuss appropriate accommodations with the Office of Accessibility Services at OAS@charteroak.edu.
COSC Policies, Course Policies, Academic Support Services and Resources
Students are responsible for knowing all Charter Oak State College (COSC) institutional policies, course-specific policies, procedures, and available academic support services and resources. Please see COSC Policies for COSC institutional policies, and see also specific policies related to this course. See COSC Resources for information regarding available academic support services and resources.