AS 102 - Introductory Astronomy

1. Summarize how our understanding of astronomy has developed throughout history. (GELO3)
2. Identify how astronomers use constellations and coordinate systems to create a map of the sky. (GELO3)
3. Estimate the relative sizes of celestial objects and the distances between them. (GELO7)
4. Distinguish the daily, annual and precessional motions of the Earth.
5. Explain the causes of moon phases as well as solar and lunar eclipses.
6. Use observations from astronomical instruments to support scientific theories. (GELO3, GELO7)
7. Describe the physical properties and the life cycle of the Sun and other stars.
8. List the components of the Milky Way Galaxy and the larger structures we exist within.
9. Compare properties of objects in our solar system and contrast them with other star systems.

1. Foundations of Astronomy
   1. History of Astronomy (CLO 1)
   2. Celestial Sphere and Sky Motions (CLO 2)
   3. Gravity and Kepler’s Laws (CLO 3)
2. Earth, Moon, and Sky
   1. Seasons (CLO 4)
   2. Moon Phases (CLO 5)
   3. Eclipses (CLO 5)
3. The Astronomer’s Toolkit
   1. Light and the Electromagnetic Spectrum (CLO 6)
   2. Spectroscopy (CLO 6)
   3. Telescopes (CLO 6)
4. The Sun and Stars
   1. Properties of the Sun (CLO 7)
   2. Measuring Stellar Properties (CLO 3)
   3. Family of Stars (CLO 7)
5. The Lives and Deaths of Stars
   1. Interstellar Medium and Star Formation (CLO 7)
   2. Stellar Evolutions (CLO 7)
   3. White Dwarfs, Neutron Stars, and Black Holes (CLO 7)
6. The Milky Way Galaxy and Beyond
   1. Structure of the Milky Way Galaxy (CLO 8)
   2. Types of Galaxies (CLO 8)
   3. Cosmology (CLO 1)
7. Planets and the Search for Life
   1. The Solar System (CLO 9)
   2. Searching for Exoplanets (CLO 6)
   3. Life in the Universe (CLO 9)

1. Essential judgment skills include the ability to identify, assess, and comprehend situations for the purpose of problem solving and coming to appropriate conclusions and/or course of actions.  Specifically, students must be able to:

• Discern relevant and irrelevant information when solving problems.
• Select appropriate methods to solve mathematical problems.
• Express knowledge of the appropriate level of astronomy in written and/or verbal formats.
• Draw conclusions based on knowledge and experimental results.
• Recognize unsafe situations  in a laboratory environment.

1. Essential physical/neurological functions include the ability to use the senses of sight, hearing, touch, and smell. Students must meet expectations necessary to safely perform tasks required to study astronomy, which include the need for manual dexterity and the ability to use sight and hearing. Specifically, students must be able to:

• Manipulate astronomical tools for observing and analyzing light from astronomical objects.
• Record (by writing) observed or measured data in the course of a laboratory experiment.
• Observe and measure physical properties (color, shape, volume, size, etc.) during lecture and laboratory exercises.
• Observe details and patterns on various astronomical maps.

• Read and /or hear laboratory directions that involve either experimental procedures or safety concerns.

1. Essential communication skills include the ability to communicate effectively with fellow students, faculty, and all members of the Physical Sciences department. Specifically, students must be able to:

• Understand written and verbal direction when completing tasks and assignments associated with the lecture portion of science courses.
• Understand written and verbal directions when completing laboratory tasks and assignments.
• Understand written and verbal directions when following all Departmental safety rules and procedures.
• Communicate any issues that involve health or safety in a laboratory environment.
• Use information technology skills consistent with effective communication.

1. Essential emotional coping skills include the ability to demonstrate the mental health necessary to safely engage in the practice of scientific discovery.  Specifically, students must be able to:

• Engage in multitasking without becoming overly stressed.
• Practice safe laboratory procedures and be mindful of the safety of others.
• Collaborate with lab partners to complete a task in the classroom or laboratory.

1. Essential intellectual/conceptual skills include the ability to measure, calculate, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate to engage competently in the safe practice of astronomy. Specifically, students must be able to:

• Apply mathematical concepts to solve problems.
• Use a calculator to complete calculations.
• Use a computer to generate reports.
• Use equipment to make measurements.
• Analyze graphical data and/ or concepts.
• Express an understanding of the concepts learned in astronomy in written form or verbally.

1. Other essential behavioral attributes include the ability to engage in activities consistent with safe practice without demonstrated behaviors of addiction to, abuse of, or dependence on alcohol or other drugs that may impair behavior or judgment. The student must demonstrate responsibility and accountability for actions as a student in the Physical Sciences Department and as a developing professional in the field of astronomy consistent with accepted standards of practice.

Grand Rapids Community College strives to be more than ADA compliant. We strive to be accessible and welcoming to all students of all abilities. After reviewing the Essential Abilities/Technical Standards for this program; your responsibilities as a student entail determining if you can complete all associated coursework either:

1. With Accommodation. I am otherwise qualified to meet the same academic standards as any other student entering the program. However, based on a medically documented condition or diagnosis, I would qualify for reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (1990). I will meet with Disability Support Services on campus to arrange those accommodations in an interactive process with the department of Physical Sciences.
    
2. Without Accommodation. I am able to complete the program without need for reasonable accommodation or modification. In the event my medical documentation reveals otherwise or a condition manifests that would necessitate an accommodation; it is my responsibility to inform a responsible authority figure within the department of astronomy and work with Disability Support Services to see if a reasonable accommodation or modification can be made.

If you have a medically documented condition or diagnosis, please contact the Physical Sciences office, or contact Disability Support Services (DSS) at disability@grcc.edu or by phone at 616.234.4140 to arrange accommodations through our interactive process.