ASTR-133: Introductory Astronomy Laboratory

School
Science, Technology, Engineering and Math
Division
Physical Sciences
Department
Astronomy
Academic Level
Undergraduate
Course Subject
Astronomy
Course Number
133
Course Title
Introductory Astronomy Laboratory
Credit Hours
1.00
Instructor Contact Hours Per Semester
30.00 (for 15-week classes)
Student Contact Hours Per Semester
30.00 (for 15-week classes)
Grading Method
A-E
Pre-requisites
ASTR-131
Co-requisites
ASTR-131. Previous or concurrent enrollment in ASTR-131 is required.
Catalog Course Description

Emphasizes experimental work with the scientific concepts important in astronomy, including planetarium observation and computer simulations of astronomical events. This course combined with ASTR-131 provides the student with a four-hour laboratory science credit. Two hours of laboratory per week.

Goals, Topics, and Objectives

Goal Statement

The goal of this course is to provide the general education student laboratory experience in astronomy by discovering astronomical concepts through simulations of the collection and analysis of astronomical data.

Core Course Topics
  1. Celestial Globes
  2. Desktop Planetarium Software
  3. Star Charts
  4. Telescope Construction and Observation Techniques
  5. Properties of Astronomical Objects including planets, stars and galaxies
  6. Astronomical Data Plotting and Analysis
Core Course Learning Objectives (Separated)
  1. Successful students will demonstrate careful, accurate and safe use of laboratory equipment, including celestial globes, telescopes and computers.
  2. Successful students will gather, analyze and draw conclusions from simulated astronomical data.
  3. Successful students will be able to demonstrate the correct use of star charts in a simulated sky environment (planetarium).
  4. Successful students will be able to combine, organize and analyze simulated and real astronomical data to assess the validity of various astronomical theories and concepts.
General Information

Meeting MTA requirements: Course transfers as an equivalent to similar courses at Eastern Michigan, UM-Dearborn, Lawrence Tech, Wayne State and other colleges and universities.

Assessment and Requirements

Assessment of Academic Achievement

A. Graded activities using laboratory equipment to gather data involving questions leading the student in the analysis of the data.

B. Practical Examinations on use of laboratory equipment to gather data and on the analysis of the data.

Texts

Lab Activity Manual

Outcomes

General Education Categories
  • Natural Sciences
Institutional Outcomes
  • Scientific Reasoning
MTA Categories
  • Category 6: Natural Sciences (Lab Only)
Satisfies Wellness Requirement
No

Approval Dates

Effective Term
Fall 2022
ILT Approval Date
AALC Approval Date
Curriculum Committee Approval Date
Review Semester
Fall 2022