Course Objectives

Upon  successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

1. Apply scientific and mathematical reasoning to interpret observed phenomena.
2. Demonstrate a familiarity with the basic vocabulary and concepts in modern astronomy.
3. Describe the fundamental ideas of archeoastronomy.
4. Describe the motions of celestial bodies (moon, planets, stars) in the night sky.
5. Describe the electromagnetic spectrum, and its importance and use in astronomy.
6. Demonstrate an understanding of fundamental concepts used in modern astronomy including gravity, ground-and-space - based telescopes, and spectroscopy.
7. Describe the birth and structure of the solar system, including the Sun, the Terrestrial, and Jovian planets, the Asteroid and Kuiper Belts, and the Oort Cloud.
8. Describe the properties of and the birth, evolution, and death of stars, including types and processes.
9. Describe the properties and types of galaxies including dark matter.
10. Describe the current thoughts on dark energy, cosmology and extraterrestrial life.