AST 101 - Solar System 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 the objects in the solar system. Related topics of current interest are included in the course.

Prerequisite(s): Take MAT 102 or MAT 103 and ENG 100, RDG 100 with a minimum grade of C.

Course Topics:

Our Place in the Universe
Discovering the Universe for Yourself
The Science of Astronomy
Making Sense of the Universe: Understanding Motion, Energy, and Gravity
Light: The Cosmic Messenger
Formation of Planetary Systems: Our Solar System and Beyond
Earth and the Terrestrial Worlds
Jovian Planet System
Asteroids, Comets, and Dwarf Planets: Their Nature, Orbits, and Impacts

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 our origin and place in the universe, and cosmic scale in time and space.
Describe night sky patterns of celestial objects, phase of moon, eclipses, and seasons.
Describe the historical development of astronomy and the physical laws for the formation and movements of astronomical objects.
Describe the property of telescope and how light used for the observation of distant objects.
Describe the origin of the solar formation and evolution and methods for the search for exoplanets.
Describe the structures, compositions, motions of Jovian and Terrestrial planets, and the motion, compositions and locations of leftover planetesimals in solar formation.
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
2024-2025