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
- 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
The following materials are required for this course:
- Jayawardhana, R. (2013). Strange New Worlds: The Search for Alien Planets and Life Beyond Our Solar System. Princeton University Press.
Type: Textbook. ISBN: 978-0-691-15807-5
Students require the following e-textbook, which can be purchased directly from the link at: https://tru-store.vitalsource.com/products/the-solar-system-michael-a-seeds-v9798214354750
- Seeds, M., & Backman, D. (2017). The Solar System (10th ed.). Brooks/Cole, Cengage Learning.
Type: E-Textbook: ISBN: 9798214354750 / 978-1-337-39993-7
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.
|
Assignment 1a: APOD 1 (NASA’s Astronomy Picture of the Day) |
4% |
|
Assignment 2a: Space News 1 |
4% |
|
Test 1 (Units 1 & 2) |
5% |
|
Assignment 1b: APOD 2 (NASA’s Astronomy Picture of the Day) |
4% |
|
Assignment 3: Citizen Science Project |
10% |
|
Assignment 2b: Space News 2 |
4% |
|
Assignment 4: Book Report and Assignment 4 Quiz |
10% |
|
Test 2 (Units 3 & 4) |
5% |
|
Assignment 1c: APOD 3 (NASA’s Astronomy Picture of the Day) |
4% |
|
Assignment 5: Observing the Night Sky |
10% |
|
Mandatory Final Exam |
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.
