ASTRONOMY I

  Course Description and Syllabus

 

This course is a quantitative and qualitative study of the principles, processes and laws which govern the Universe. This course includes laboratory and observational activities consistent with modern astronomical research. It is a one semester course which partially satisfies the University of California “f” requirement for College Preparatory Electives.

 

This course is the prerequisite for Astronomy II.

 

Some of what we plan to study:

 

1.  The Scale of the Cosmos

2.  What We See in the Sky

3.  The Copernican Revolution

4.  Stars and Their Properties

5.  Stellar Evolution

6.  Galaxies

7.  Cosmology

8.  Modern Observational Techniques

 

Our text will be Foundations of Astronomy by Michael Seeds, fourth edition, 1997 Wadsworth Publishers.

 

This course requires that the student has completed Algebra I and Earth Science with a minimum grade of B in each  course.  Successful completion of this course earns 5 credits of college preparatory elective science.

 

Grading criteria:        • Homework, notes, and participation ~ 25%

                                    • Laboratory and observational projects ~ 25%

                                    • Quizzes and tests ~ 25%

                                    • Final Examination ~ 25%

 

Grading scale on a points earned basis:

 

90% - 100%                A

80% - 89%                  B

70% - 79%                  C

60% - 69%                  D

less than 60%               F

 

This course will introduce the student to laboratory activities in observational astronomy necessitating some evening participation at Chaffey High School or at other sites using optical telescopes and on-line with the 24-inch telescope at the Mount Wilson Observatory.  If unable to participate in such activities, the student should promptly notify the instructor so that alternative assignments may be planned.

 

A scientific or graphing calculator is required for calculations.