PHSCS 227
Solar System Astronomy
Physics and Astronomy
College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences
Course Description
Solar-system dynamics, planetary surfaces and atmospheres. Analysis of stellar data from telescopes, spectrometers and photometers. Interaction of light with atoms and molecules. Extrasolar planets.
When Taught
Fall
Grade Rule
Grade Rule 8: A, B, C, D, E, I (Standard grade rule)
Min
3
Fixed
3
Fixed
3
Fixed
0
Other Prerequisites
Math 112 or equivalent; Phscs 127 or concurrent
Title
The Solar System
Learning Outcome
Students will be able to describe the differences between the planets and the moons and how these differences provide clues as to their formation history. Mastery of this knowledge will be determined through short answer essay questions on exams and preclass questions.
Title
Celestial Mechanics and the Nature of Light
Learning Outcome
Students will be able to solve elementary problems in classical celestial mechanics and in the interaction of light with atoms and molecules. Mastery will be measured through the use of homework and exam problems.
Title
Scientific Writing
Learning Outcome
Students will be taught how to search astronomy publications to gather information on a given topic and to present their findings in the form of a scientific paper with proper acknowledgement. Progress will be monitored through regular meetings with the instructor who will determine at each interview the student's progress and provide appropriate guidance. Students will be given a rubric to guide them in the writing of the paper, and the rubric will be used to grade the final paper. Mastery will be determined through an oral presentation and a final written report.
Title
Scientific Research
Learning Outcome
Students will work on various projects throughout the semester that relate to planetary and stellar science using real astronomical data. They will write-up their results following a standard rubric. Mastery will be determined through the completion of the analysis and grading of each write-up as defined in the rubric.
Title
Stellar Astrophysics
Learning Outcome
Students will be able to use equations and observational data to determine the physical properties of stars, such as distance, mass, temperature, etc. Mastery of this knowledge will be measured through the use of homework and exam problems.
Title
Stellar Evolution
Learning Outcome
Students will learn how the initial mass of the protostar determines all of the physical characteristics of the star and how it will evolve throughout its life. Mastery of this knowledge will be determine through short answer essay questions on exams and problems.
