Course Descriptions

AST 101IN - Solar System

1. Discuss how astronomical observations contributed to the scientific revolution of the 17th century and explain the evidence for a heliocentric model for our solar system.
2. Describe and explain the apparent motions of celestial bodies as seen from an observer on Earth, and apply this knowledge in order to predict positions and appearances of objects on the sky as a function of time and the observer’s location.
3. Describe current theories of planet formation and relate these to the present-day structure of our own solar system.
4. Recognize the immense spatial and time scales of the solar system, and compare and contrast these with human scales using scientific notation, distance ranking and scale models.
5. Predict orbital parameters for gravitating systems by applying Kepler’s laws of planetary motion and Newton’s laws of motion and Universal Gravitation.

1. Demonstrate improvement in critical and quantitative thinking by applying the scientific method to fact and theory in classroom learning, activities (some quantitative and mathematical), and assignments (some quantitative and mathematical).
2. Distinguish science from pseudoscience.
3. Describe the overall structure and individual components of the solar system.
4. Describe the solar system’s origin.
5. Explain the historical development and multi-cultural aspects of the practice of science generally, and astronomy, specifically.
6. Outline the technical development of modern astronomy and space exploration.
7. Generate or expand global awareness by integrating astronomy’s cosmic, worldwide and multi-cultural perspective of earth with insights gained from its historical development, and scientific and societal impacts.
8. Demonstrate the improvement in critical and quantitative thinking by analyzing astronomical observations related to specific information covered in lectures.
9. Expand global awareness by identifying aspects of the sky and recording common sky phenomena, utilizing the naked eye or binoculars.
10. Expand global awareness by examining and describing the sky more closely based on at least one telescope viewing experience. 
11. Describe astronomical and astronomy-related facilities in the Tucson area.
12. Discuss the Tucson area’s importance to the field of astronomy and astronomy’s role in the local economy.

1. General Introduction
   1. What is Science?
   2. The role of mathematics in science
      1. Quantitative vs. qualitative understanding
      2. Linear and angular measurement
      3. Unit conversion
      4. Equations
      5. Graphing
   3. What is Astronomy?
   4. Value of Astronomy and benefits to the individual
   5. Scientific Method and the central role of skepticism
      1. Contrast with Pseudoscience
      2. Possible Pseudosciences to examine as related to Astronomy
         1. Astrology
         2. Scientific creationism as related to the solar system and the origin, age and life on Earth
         3. Jupiter effect
         4. Moon muddling
         5. Comets as mystical messengers of doom
         6. Immanual Velikovsky’s Planetary Billiards
2. Solar System
   1. Cosmic perspective: the Solar System’s location in space and time
   2. General description and structure
   3. Age of the Solar System
   4. Origin: theory and evidence
   5. Planets orbiting other stars
3. Descriptive Study of Individual Objects
   1. Sun
   2. Earth and Moon
      1. Tidal effect
      2. Solar-Terrestrial connections
      3. Origin of the Moon
   3. Mercury
   4. Venus
   5. Mars and satellites
   6. Jupiter and satellites
   7. Saturn and satellites
   8. Uranus and satellites
   9. Neptune and satellites
   10. Pluto and Charon
   11. Comets, asteroids, and their origins
4. History of Astronomy
   1. Astronomical practice, invention, and discoveries around the world
   2. Development of modern science
      1. The Greeks
      2. Aristotelian Science
      3. Demise of Science
      4. Islamic contributions
      5. The Scientific (Copernican) Revolution and its impact on the World
5. The Technical Development of Modern Astronomy
   1. Major Observatories
   2. Telescopes
      1. Optics
      2. Instruments
   3. Celestial coordinates
6. Space Exploration and Development
   1. History
   2. Values: costs versus benefits
   3. Future explorations and economic development
7. Reprise: Cosmic Perspective—Beyond Global Awareness
   1. Our location in time and space
   2. Astronomical numbers
   3. Specialized units
8. In-Class Collaborative Exercises and Activities
   1. Solar System to scale
   2. Solar System models
   3. Celestial Sphere and star charts
   4. Equatorial coordinates
   5. Horizon coordinates
   6. Lost on the Moon
   7. Planetary models
   8. Discussion groups on varied topics
      1. Aspects of Pseudoscience
      2. Global warming and what to do about it
      3. Space exploration: pros and cons
      4. Pluto as a planet: pros and cons
9. Individual Laboratory Exercises
   1. Terrestrial Planets Mercury and Venus
   2. Terrestrial Planets Mars
   3. Kepler’s Law
   4. Sidereal time
   5. Stellar parallax
   6. Measuring large distances
   7. Lunar geology
   8. Construction of a sun dial
10. Videos Related to Lecture Topics
11. Space Exploration and Economic Development
    1. Historical development
    2. Future exploration possibilities
    3. Pros and cons of space development
12. Observation Projects
    1. Standardized observing and recording of sky phenomena
    2. Sun
    3. Moon
    4. Planets and their satellites
    5. Identifying bright stars and constellations
    6. Star counts
    7. Finding asteroids
13. Potential Field Trips
    1. Kitt Peak National Observatory
    2. Whipple Observatory on Mt. Hopkins
    3. Flandrau Planetarium
    4. Group observational session at a dark site with telescope
    5. University of Arizona Mirror Lab

AST 102IN - Stars, Galaxies, Universe

1. Rank different types of electromagnetic radiation in terms of their energy, frequency and wavelength and analyze spectral and photometric data to infer temperatures, luminosities, compositions, distances and velocities of celestial objects.
2. Identify the main evolutionary stages of a star’s life on an HR diagram, explain how a star’s evolution and lifetime depend on its mass, and identify the role each evolutionary stage plays in the synthesis of heavy nuclei.
3. Interpret the Hubble diagram and the Cosmic Microwave Background data and explain why these observations support a Big Bang cosmology.
4. Recognize the immense spatial and time scales of the Universe, and compare and contrast these with human scales using scientific notation, distance ranking and scale models.
5. Predict orbital parameters for gravitating systems by applying Kepler’s laws of planetary motion and Newton’s laws of motion and Universal Gravitation.

1. Demonstrate improvement in critical and quantitative thinking by applying the scientific method to fact and theory in classroom learning, activities (some quantitative and mathematical), and assignments (some quantitative and mathematical).
2. Distinguish science from pseudoscience.
3. Induce or expand global awareness with the cosmic perspective on earth offered by describing the general hierarchical structure and individual components of the observable universe.
4. Explain theories of the origin of the universe.
5. Describe the nature of stars and starlight.
6. Delineate the characteristics of galaxies.
7. Indicate major technical developments assisting greater understanding of the universe.
8. Discuss the probabilities of life elsewhere in the universe.
9. Employ specific concepts, skills, or information related to AST 102 lectures in various in-class activities and outside observation projects.
10. Identify specific aspects of the sky and record common sky phenomena, utilizing the naked eye or binoculars.
11. Examine and describe the sky more closely in at least one telescope viewing experience.
12. Describe astronomical and astronomy-related facilities in the Tucson area.
13. Discuss the Tucson area’s importance to the field of astronomy and astronomy’s role in the local economy.

1. General Introduction
   1. What is Science?
   2. The role of mathematics in science
      1. Quantitative vs. qualitative understanding
      2. Linear and angular measurement
      3. Unit conversion
      4. Equations
      5. Graphing
   3. What is Astronomy?
   4. Value of Astronomy and benefits to the individual
   5. Scientific method and the central role of skepticism
      1. Contrasts with pseudoscience
      2. Possible pseudosciences related to Astronomy
         1. UFO’s (“flying saucers”)
         2. Ancient astronauts
         3. Scientific creationism as related to the age and origin of the Universe
2. Nature of Starlight
   1. Magnitude system
   2. Electromagnetic spectrum
   3. Physics: what light tells us
      1. Radiation Laws (Planck, Wien, Stephan-Boltzmann)
      2. Doppler effect
3. Modern Astronomy
   1. Major observatories
   2. Telescopes
      1. Optics
      2. Instruments
   3. Celestial coordinates
4. Stars
   1. Physical nature
   2. Distances
   3. Motions
   4. Associations
   5. Clusters
      1. Open or galactic
      2. Globular
   6. H-R Diagram
   7. The Sun and stellar evolution
5. Galaxies
   1. Milky Way
   2. Galaxy morphology
   3. Quasars
   4. Clusters, superclusters, and voids
6. Universe
   1. Description of present-day Universe and modern discoveries
      1. Hubble expansion
      2. Superclusters
      3. 3K cosmic microwave background
   2. Theories of origin
      1. Steady state
      2. Big Bang
      3. Inflationary
   3. Future of Universe
7. Life in the Universe
   1. The nature of life
   2. Probability estimates
      1. Simple life forms
      2. Complex life forms
   3. Pseudoscience: UFO’s and ancient astronauts
8. Cosmic Perspective: Beyond Global Awareness
   1. Our location in space and time
   2. Astronomical numbers
   3. Specialized units
9. Observation Projects
   1. Standardized methods of observing and recording sky phenomena
   2. Circumpolar constellations
   3. Identifying bright stars and constellations
   4. The Sun
   5. Cluster star counts
   6. Double stars
10. Collaborative Exercise and Activities
    1. Stellar brightness and magnitudes
    2. Sunspot observation
    3. Sunspot cycle
    4. H-R diagram
    5. Life in the Universe
11. Individual Laboratory Exercises
    1. Tools of the astronomer
    2. EM radiation
    3. Constellations
    4. Galaxies
12. Videos Related to Lecture Topics
13. Potential Field Trips
    1. Kitt Peak National Observatory
    2. Whipple Observatory of Mt. Hopkins
    3. Flandrau Planetarium
    4. Group observational session at a dark site with telescope
    5. University of Arizona Mirror Lab

AST 105IN - Life in the Universe

1. Discuss how astronomical observations contributed to the scientific revolution of the 17th century and explain the evidence for a heliocentric model for our solar system.
2. Describe current theories of planet formation and relate these to the present-day structure of our own solar system.
3. Predict orbital parameters for gravitating systems by applying Kepler’s laws of planetary motion and Newton’s laws of motion and Universal Gravitation.
4. Define habitability of a planet and apply astronomical concepts and techniques to the search for extrasolar planets and extraterrestrial life.
5. Identify the main evolutionary stages of a star’s life on an HR diagram and describe the role of massive stars in the synthesis of heavy elements present on Earth today

1. Name and locate the planets of the solar system and briefly describe their nature.
2. Describe the basis of life as we know it.
3. Describe the electromagnetic spectrum and its use in determining the nature of astronomical objects.
4. Describe current theories for the origin of the universe.
5. Explain the processes involved in the birth and evolution of galaxies and stars.
6. Describe current theories for the origin of the solar system including planets, comets, and meteorites.
7. Explain the processes involved in the origin and evolution of planetary atmospheres.
8. Describe current theories for the origin of life on earth.
9. Discuss the evidence for life on Mars and elsewhere.
10. Discuss factors determining the existence of life around other stars, and its detection.
11. Use a variety of scientific techniques.
12. Compare impact and volcanic features on several planets in the solar system.
13. Describe the electromagnetic spectrum and its use in determining the chemical and physical properties of astronomical objects.
14. Explain how radioactive decay can be used to obtain an absolute age for an object.
15. Discuss the similarities and differences between various kinds of meteorites and terrestrial rocks.
16. Discuss the climatological processes that have shaped the surfaces of Earth and Mars and how ice cores can be used to examine variations in the Earth’s climate.
17. Describe the prominent features on the Moon and the formation and morphology of craters and their use in determining relative ages.
18. Discuss planetary features observable through a telescope.
19. Explain the phases and motion of the moon.
20. Explain the motions of the stars and planets in the sky.

1. Earth’s Location in Space and Time
   1. Scientific notation
   2. Distance scale
   3. Terminology
      1. Planet
      2. Solar system
      3. Galaxy
      4. Universe
2. Nature of Life
   1. Carbon-based
   2. Organic compounds
      1. Proteins
      2. Amino acids
      3. DNA and RNA
      4. Cells
3. Light and the Spectrum
   1. Composition of matter
      1. Molecules
      2. Atoms
      3. Sub-atomic particles
   2. Electromagnetic spectrum
   3. Physics - what light tells us
      1. Wien’s law
      2. Stefan-Boltzmann law
      3. Doppler shift
4. Origin of the Universe
   1. Origin of matter
      1. Inflationary Big Bang model
      2. 3K background radiation
      3. Origin of light elements
   2. Evolution of matter
5. Galaxies and Stars
   1. Formation of galaxies
   2. Birth and evolution of starts
      1. Interstellar medium
      2. Stellar energy sources
      3. Nucleosynthnesis of heavier elements
      4. Deaths of stars
6. Origin of the Solar System
   1. Structure of the solar system
   2. Origin of planets
   3. Comets/asteroids/meteorites
7. Planetary Atmospheres
   1. Planetary differentiation and evolution
      1. Plate tectonics on Earth
      2. Geologic processes on terrestrial planets
   2. Primary and secondary atmospheres
8. Origin and Evolution of Life on Earth
   1. Miller-Urey experiments
   2. Polymerization in clays
   3. Imported organics (meteorites/comets)
   4. Impacts and extinctions
9. Life on Other Solar System Planets
   1. Mars
      1. Evidence for ancient liquid water
      2. Viking lander biology experiments
   2. Outer solar system
      1. Pre-biotic conditions on Titan
      2. Speculation on water on Europa
10. Intelligent Life Around Other Stars
    1. Habitable zones
    2. Drake equation
    3. Detection
    4. Unidentified Flying Objects (UFO’s) as pseudoscience
11. In-Class Laboratory Exercises
    1. Scientific techniques
       1. Metric system and scientific notation
       2. How to use an x-y graph
       3. Angular measurement and the horizon system
    2. Photogeology
       1. Impact features on Mercury, the Earth, the Moon, Mars, Galilean Satellites
       2. Volcanic features on Venus, the Earth, the Moon, Mars, Galilean Satellites
    3. Spectroscopy
       1. Gas spectra (using gas discharge tubes)
       2. Asteroid spectra vs. meteorite spectra
       3. Organic molecules in interstellar medium
    4. Radioactivity
       1. Construct a three-isotope diagram
       2. Determine the age of a rock sample
    5. Meteorite and terrestrial rock samples
       1. Characterization of terrestrial minerals and rocks
       2. Fossils
       3. Characterization of meteorite types
       4. Criteria used to recognize a meteorite
    6. Climate of Earth and Mars
       1. Compare fluvial and glacial features
       2. Stable isotopes and ice cores
12. Group Telescopic Observation Projects
    1. Moon
       1. Locate and describe prominent features on the Moon
       2. Examine and discuss lunar crater morphology
       3. Examine and discuss crater statistics and determine relative ages of regions on the moon
    2. Planets
       1. This exercise will vary depending on which planets are available for observation during the semester in which the lab in taught, but may include:
       2. Phases of Venus
       3. Belts and moons of Jupiter
       4. Rings, belts and moons of Saturn
       5. Albedo features and polar caps of Mars
13. Personal Observation Projects
    1. Moon
       1. Two-week observation – lunar phases and revolution
       2. Twelve-hour observation – Earth’s rotation
    2. Constellations
       1. Once-a-week observations for ten weeks – Earth’s revolution
       2. One evening observation – Earth’s rotation
    3. Planets – Motion compared to constellations over ten week period

AST 296LB - Independent Study in Astronomy

1. Performance objectives to be determined by the student and instructor.