Official Course Description: MCCCD Approval: 04/25/95
AST111 19956-19965	LEC	3 Credit(s)	3 Period(s)
Introduction to Astronomy I
Introduction to astronomy for the non-science major. History of astronomy, properties of light, instruments, the solar system and nearby stars. Prerequisites: MAT077 or equivalent.

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MCCCD Official Course Competencies:
AST111   19956-19965	Introduction to Astronomy I

1.	Apply the scientific method and other critical thinking models to astronomical phenomena for hypotheses development, experimental design, data acquisition, and data analysis. (I- XIII)
2.	Explain the application of fundamental physical principles to various astronomical phenomena. (I-XIII)
3.	Outline the history of astronomical thought. (I, II)
4.	Describe in terms of energy, wavelength, and frequency the various portions of the electromagnetic spectrum. (III)
5.	Describe instruments used to detect radiation from the various portions of the electromagnetic spectrum. (III, IV)
6.	Compare the physical properties of the earth with its moon. (V, VI)
7.	Give an overview of the components of the solar system. (VII)
8.	Compare and contrast the physical properties of the major planets. (VIII-X)
9.	Describe the minor components of the solar system. (X)
10.	Explain possible models of solar system formation. (XI)
11.	Describe the physical properties of the sun. (XII)
12.	Compare solar system dimensions with nearby stars dimensions. (II, XIII)

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MCCCD Official Course Outline:
AST111   19956-19965	Introduction to Astronomy I

I. Early History of Astronomical Thought A. Sky at night B. Astronomical scales C. Celestial sphere D. Apparent motions of celestial objects E. Eclipses F. Geocentric universe G. Ancient astronomy II. Birth of Modern Astronomy A. Scientific method B. Heliocentric universe C. Copernican revolution D. Impact of Galileo, Kepler, and Newton E. Solar system dimensions III. Radiation A. Evidence of the wave nature of radiation B. Electric/magnetic field relationships C. Electromagnetic spectrum D. Evidence of the particle nature of radiation E. Radiation laws and the Doppler effect F. Model of the atom G. Spectral line formation and analysis IV. Telescopes A. Optical telescopes B. Resolution C. Radio telescopes and interferometry D. Full-spectrum radiation detectors V. Earth A. Bulk properties B. Hydrosphere C. Atmosphere D. Magnetosphere E. Interior F. Earth-moon effects G. Plate tectonics VI. EarthÕs Moon A. Bulk properties B. Orbit and rotation C. Surface features D. Cratering and volcanism E. Surface composition F. Interior G. Origin and history H. Exploration VII. Overview of the Solar System A. Overall layout B. Terrestrial and Jovian planets C. Planetary configurations D. Interplanetary debris VIII. Comparative Planetology: Terrestrial Planets A. Bulk properties B. Orbit and rotation C. Surface features D. Cratering and volcanism E. Surface composition F. Internal structure G. Atmosphere H. Temperatures I. Magnetic properties J. Moons K. Spacecraft exploration L. Possibilities of life IX. Comparative Planetology: Jovian Planets A. Bulk properties B. Discovery C. Orbit and rotation D. Composition E. Atmospheric features F. Internal structure G. Temperatures H. Magnetic properties I. Ring structure J. Moons K. Spacecraft exploration X. Pluto and Solar System Debris A. Discovery of Pluto B. Bulk properties of Pluto C. Moon of Pluto D. Origin of Pluto E. Asteroids F. Comets G. Meteoroids XI. Formation of the Solar System A. Role of modeling B. Solar system formation models C. Modeling problems XII. Sun A. Bulk properties B. Interior C. Visible surface D. Atmosphere E. Solar activity F. Energy production XIII. Nearby Stars A. Distances B. Motions C. Magnitudes

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