THE KING'S UNIVERSITYTHE KING'S UNIVERSITY| COURSE NUMBER: | ASTR 211 | |||||||||||||||
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| COURSE TITLE: | Introduction to Astronomy II | |||||||||||||||
| NAME OF INSTRUCTOR: | Dr. Brian Martin | |||||||||||||||
| CREDIT WEIGHT AND WEEKLY TIME DISTRIBUTION: | credits 3(hrs lect 3 - hrs sem 1 - hrs lab 3) | |||||||||||||||
| COURSE DESCRIPTION: | A continuation of Astronomy 210, the course will focus on
galactic astronomy as well as a discussion of major ideas in
cosmology. Topics will include structure and formation of the
galaxy, experimental techniques in astronomy and the Big-Bang
cosmology and possible alternative models. The course concludes
with a return to the earth-sun system and the question of
origins. The course has both daytime and occasional evening lab
components. Prerequisites: ASTR 210 or Physics 30 and consent of instructor | |||||||||||||||
| REQUIRED TEXTS: | Seeds, Michael.Foundations of Astronomy; 8th edition. (ITP Nelson) | |||||||||||||||
| MARK DISTRIBUTION IN PERCENT: |
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| CONTENT OUTLINE: | 1. The physics of stars, including a discussion of temperature,
colour, radius and mass will be reviewed This will lead to the
Hertzsprung-Russell diagram and the spectral sequence and provide a
backdrop against which the paradigm of stellar evolution may be
explored and applied to galactic astronomy 2. Variable stars including intrinsic and binary star systems will be explored. The applications of Kepler's 3rd law to binary systems will be used to determine some of the physical parameters of stars. 3. Star clusters, nebulae and motion of stars within our galaxy will be discussed. This will include a discussion of techniques used to determine the distances to stars within the galaxy and the establishment of "cosmic yardsticks". 4. Galactic astronomy will be introduced and focus on the structure and morphology of galaxies as well as implications that galactic astronomy has for cosmology. The problem of missing mass, quasars and the red shift problem will be discussed. 5. Cosmology, including a discussion of early 20th century models, as well as the Big-Bang cosmology will be considered. Of particular interest will be a discussion of recent controversy regarding the Big Bang cosmology and the red shift problem. 6. The topic of nucleosynthesis will be raised and applied to the formation of the solar system and the emergence of life within the universe. This will lead to a discussion of the problem of origins and the scope and limitation of scientific treatments of this question. The second term course on astronomy will acquaint the student with one of the major achievements of science - the understanding of stellar astrophysics. It will also introduce the student to some of the more speculative ideas in science including black holes, the inflationary universe, and cosmic strings. Throughout the course there will be numerous opportunities to discuss the nature of science and to subject the discussion to perspectival questions regarding thematic and philosophic choices. The red shift controversy is an example of this. Also, the problem of reconciling faith statements regarding the formation of the universe and astrophysical theory will be explored. | |||||||||||||||
| LAB OUTLINE: |
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Required texts, assignments, and grade distributions may vary
from one offering of this course to the next. Please consult
the course instructor for up to date details.
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