ASTR 1141: Introductory Astronomy: The Solar System
This is a general interest introductory course on the history of astronomy and the solar system, and is intended for non-science majors. Topics Include: Telescopes and observing the night sky, ancient astronomy, space exploration, the Earth/Moon system, formation and evolution of the solar system, the planets, minor members of the solar system and the Sun.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
- Describe and explain the birth of astronomy.
- Explain orbits and gravity, the seasons, and eclipses.
- Describe the phases of the moon.
- Explain radiation and spectra and their effects.
- Identify astronomical instruments.
- Describe the formation of the solar system.
- Identify and describe the properties of the planets, planetary rings, comets, asteroids, meteorites, and the sun.
Course topics
Unit 1: Beginning the Cosmic Journey
Unit 2: The Nature of Gravity and Light
Unit 3: Our Solar System and the Search for Exoplanets
Unit 4: The Terrestrial Planets
Unit 5: The Jovian Planets, Asteroids, & Comets
Required text and materials
- Seeds, M., & Backman, D. (2017). The Solar System (10th ed.). Boston, MA: Brooks/Cole,
Cengage Learning.
Type: Textbook: ISBN : 978-1-337-39993-7
- Jayawardhana, R. (2013). Strange New Worlds: The Search for Alien Planets and Life beyond Our
Solar System. Princeton University Press.
ISBN: 978-0-691-15807-5
Assessments
Please be aware that should your course have a final exam, you are responsible for the fee to the online proctoring service, ProctorU, or to the in-person approved Testing Centre. Please contact exams@tru.ca with any questions about this.
To successfully complete this course, students must achieve a passing grade of 50% or higher on the overall course and 50% or higher on the mandatory Final Exam.
|
Assessment |
Value |
|
|
Unit 1 |
Assignment 1a: APOD 1
|
4% |
|
Unit 2 |
Assignment 2a: Space News 1 |
4% |
|
Test 1 (Units 1 & 2) |
5% | |
|
Unit 3 |
Assignment 1b: APOD 2
|
4% |
|
Assignment 3: Citizen Science Project |
10% | |
|
Unit 4 |
Assignment 2b: Space News 2 |
4% |
|
Assignment 4: Book Report and Quiz |
10% | |
|
Test 2 (Units 3 & 4) |
5% | |
|
Unit 5 |
Assignment 1c: APOD 3 |
4% |
|
Assignment 5: Observing the Night Sky |
10% | |
|
Final Exam (mandatory) |
40% | |
|
Total |
100% |
Open Learning Faculty Member Information
An Open Learning Faculty Member is available to assist students. Students will receive the necessary contact information at the start of the course.
