This course is an introduction to Stellar Astronomy, a college-level science course intended to help students fulfill degree requirements in science. Since this course is intended for transfer to a four-year institution, it will be taught at the university level.

Prerequisites:

• MATD 0390 or two years of high school algebra or equivalent
• One year of high school science recommended, but not required

             Detailed syllabus is posted on Blackboard

• Openstax Astronomy with WebAssign, - Fraknoi, Morrison & Wolff (this is a First Day Access course and you will have access to the e-book and WebAssign system right away). To complete the enrollment please go to:

https://www.cengage.com/coursepages/ACC_Students  

You can access the e-book and the WebAssign system by clicking on the “Course Materials – WebAssign” link in the main menu on our Blackboard page.

• Scientific calculator for use on (very few) quantitative problems   

A study of stars, galaxies, and the universe. Discussion of atomic spectra, nuclear energy, and astronomical tools (such as optical, radio, and other telescopes and image enhancers) as they provide knowledge about distant objects. Emphasis on recent discoveries about stellar evolution and stellar structure, quasars, black holes, and cosmology. Includes an introduction to elements of observational astronomy. Topics include the celestial sphere and coordinates, star maps, the electromagnetic spectrum, telescopes. Credit may not be received for both ASTR 1303 and ASTR 1403.

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate understanding of the nature of science and the Scientific Method.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the basic laws of physics that apply to the study of the Universe.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the basic properties of celestial objects, and how those properties are determined.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the different stages in a star's development, including its birth, life, and death.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the properties of galaxies, and how those properties originate.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the hierarchical structure of the Universe, from multiple star systems to the Universe as a whole.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the nature of the expansion of the Universe, and what that expansion tells us about the past, present, and future of the Universe.
• Use simple astronomical observations of the night sky to measure the properties of celestial objects, and use that data to produce charts and graphs and solve problems.