AST 102 - Stellar Astronomy

Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 3 Credits: 4

Description: This course is a descriptive survey of the universe with emphasis on basic physical concepts and galactic and extra- galactic objects. Related topics of current interest are included in the course.

Prerequisite(s): Take AST 101 with a minimum grade of C.

Course Topics:

Our Star
Surveying the Stars
Star Stuff
The Bizarre Stellar Graveyard
Our Galaxy
Galaxies and the Foundation of Modern Cosmology
Dark Matter, Dark Energy, and the Fate of the Universe
The Beginning of Time
Life in the Universe

Textbooks:
Textbook information can be found on the Book Inn website

Required Materials:

Scientific, graphic calculator (TI series)
MasteringAstronomy.com student access kit
Voyager: SkyGazer College Edition v3.7 CD-ROM, 4/E

Grading System:
An overall grade of C or higher is required for transferability.

A = 90 - 100
B = 80 - 89
C = 70 - 79
D = 60 - 69
F = 0 - 59

Student Learning Outcomes:

Describe the Sun’s structure, compositions, energy source and its mechanism, surface phenomena, and connection to Earth.
Describe the property of stars and star clusters, patterns in the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram, the life cycle of a star about star birth, evolution and death, and how mass of star determines its fate.
Describe the consequences of stellar life, the star’s basic properties and structure, and evolution of galaxies.
Describe the structure and motion and history of our galaxy, Milky Way galaxy, and the various techniques used by astronomers to determine the distance.
Describe the dark matter and dark energy, structure formation and fate of the universe, and the large cosmological model.
Retrace the origin of life on earth, and describe efforts in the search for life elsewhere in the universe.
Use computer software to identify celestial objects and simulate celestial movements.

For SCC Online Courses:
If the course you are taking is online, please review the SCC Online Course Policies that include:

Identity Verification
Required materials for all online courses
Mandatory Attendance Requirement
Orientation and Support
Proctored Exams

Standard SCC Course Policies:
Please review the Standard Course Policies on the following topics:

Academic Integrity
Add/Drop period
Attendance
Classroom Conduct
Equal Access
IT Access
Online Behavior
Online Confidentiality
Services For Students with Disabilities
Student Concerns
Student Help Services
Withdrawals

Official Course Syllabus
2023-2024