GS 107 - Physical Science - Astronomy

4 Credit(s)

Prerequisite(s):

MTH 251Z

Course Description: Discusses topics of astronomy including comets, moons, planets, stars, the sun, star galaxies, black holes, pulsars, and quasars. This course number includes both lecture and lab.

Course Learning Outcomes:

CLO#1: Apply algebra, dimensional analysis and logical reasoning to solve astronomy problems.
CLO#2: Apply concepts of force to explain how gravity and heat keep a star stable in hydrostatic equilibrium.
CLO#3: Categorize stars into the appropriate class (e.g., low-mass stars that don’t become supernova vs high-mass stars that do).
CLO#4: Calculate the expected lifetime of a star. (ILO: Quantitative Literacy and Reasoning)
CLO#5: Apply concepts of gravity and expansion to initial conditions and evolution of the universe from existing data.
CLO#6: Calculate the speed a star is moving away from earth using hydrogen spectral lines obtained in the lab.

Typical Required and Recommended Equipment and Materials: Scientific calculator, ruler, protractor, mechanical pencil, eraser, and engineering paper.

Course Meeting Hours Type: Lecture
Course meeting hours minimum: 30
Course meeting hours standard: 33
Course meeting hours maximum: 36

Other Course Meeting Hours Type: Lab
Other course meeting hours minimum: 30
Other course meeting hours standard: 33
Other course meeting hours maximum: 36

ACTI Code, Course Type
100 Lower Division Collegiate