ASTR 101: Modern Astronomy, Spring 2017

Time: Tuesday, Thursday,  10:30 - 11:45 AM

Location: SCI 253

Office Hours: Tuesday, Thursday 3:00 - 4:00 PM, or by appointment

Supplemental URL: http://info.sjsu.edu/web-dbgen/catalog/courses/ASTR101.html

Textbook: Teach Astronomy Astropedia Textbook (Chris Impey) required (free!)               OpenStax Astronomy Textbook required (free!)

 OpenStax Astronomy textbookAstropedia textbook

Description:

This course will present a survey of the current state of astronomy: how we understand the universe, and how we have come to this understanding. This is not a mathematics-intensive course, however we will focus on building skills of logical analysis and discussion. This course counts for 3 units, and is open to students with Junior or Senior standing. This course satisfies area R of your Core GE studies. 

This semester, the course will focus on two main topics: first, how astronomers came to understand the universe we can see with our eyes (the solar system, sun, and stars) and second, the origin of the structure in our universe as probed by observations at many different wavelengths, and the role played by unseen ingredients like dark matter and dark energy. Throughout the semester, we will emphasize active research topics where astronomers are confronting and modifying existing theories, and making exciting discoveries. 

Course Goals and Learning Outcomes:

The goals of this course are (1) to understand the tools and methods astronomers have used and continue to use to learn about the universe around us, (2) to be familiar with the history of the universe and the origin of its structure (3) to gain physical intuition into how processes in astronomy work, and (4) to build a set of skills in logical and scientific reasoning that can be applied beyond astronomy in everyday life. 

After successfully completing this course, students will be able to

1. Describe how our understanding of the structure of our universe and our place inside it has changed, and how astronomers have determined this without traveling outside of our solar system 

2. List key steps in the formation of structures from the size of of the entire universe down to individual planets, and identify areas where astronomers are actively using the scientific method to determine how our universe works

3. Explain how tangible physical concepts like gravity, heat, or angular momentum can be used to explain the properties of our observed universe: from round planets, to the difference between the inner and outer planets in our solar system, all the way out to the properties and evolution of galaxies.  

4. Use reasoning, evidence, and critical thinking to analyze scientific findings reported in the media to decide whether the student does or does not agree with the claims. 

The course syllabus for the section I am teaching is available below in both .pdf and .docx formats

Section 01 (TR 10:30 - 11:45 AM) pdf    docx