PHYS 1403 - Stars and Galaxies

4 Credits (3 hrs. lec., 3 hrs. lab.) This is an introductory course that will concentrate on the origin, life and fate of stars, galaxies, and the universe outside our solar system, including the exploration of the universe by astronomers and the understanding of the principles that lie behind the functioning of the universe. An appropriate laboratory program may include real-time telescope observations, field trips and experience with more advanced observing techniques. This is a course for non-science majors who need natural science credit or anyone who wants to study the wonders of the universe. (4002015103) Prerequisite: College Level Readiness in Reading AND Writing; MATH 0308 or MATH 0309 or higher or Departmental approval
Course Outcomes
1 - Articulate the nature of science and the relationships between facts, observations and theories.
2 - Investigate the use of observations, experiments and modeling as tools of discovery in the field of modern astronomy.
3 - Describe the organization and apparent motions of celestial objects in the night sky.
4 - Distinguish between Newton’s and Einstein’s theories of gravity.
5 - Investigate the relationship between light and matter in order to interpret spectra.
6 - Identify different methods of detecting electromagnetic radiation.
7 - Analyze the structure of the Sun.
8 - Predict the birth, evolution and death of stars of varying masses using models of stellar interiors and the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram.
9 - Identify methods of calculating astronomical distances.
10 - Describe the structure of the Milky Way galaxy and the interstellar medium.
11 - Discuss the morphology and evolution of normal and active galaxies.
12 - Establish the chronology of the development of theories of cosmology.