ESS 102 - Introduction to Astronomy

Institution:

Delaware County Community College

Subject:

Earth and Space Science

Description:

This course is designed to introduce students to the science of astronomy, its history, and its importance as an influence on our view of humankind. The course is intended for non-science majors. An optional laboratory course, ESS 103 Introduction to Astronomy Laboratory, is offered at night. Upon successful completion of this course, students will: Describe the night sky, the model used to represent it, and the motions of the sun, moon, and planets across it. Trace the history of astronomy and the individuals and ideas that have shaped our view of the universe. Describe the form in which information from the universe reaches astronomers, how the information is created, the tools used in astronomy to gather it, the concepts used to analyze it, and how the information is used to classify and study stars such as the sun. Describe the important properties of stars, the methods by which astronomers measure those properties, and discuss the theories relating to stellar birth and evolution. Describe the general characteristics of the solar system, the theories about its origin , how those theories are supported by observational evidence, and how the planets compare with one another in terms of their physical characteristics. Discuss the discovery and nature of the Milky Way Galaxy, the different types of galaxies, their creation, organization, distribution, and motions in space, and how galaxies are used to develop theories regarding the creation and evolution of the universe. Discuss the possibility of life existing elsewhere in the universe, what is presently known about the origins of life and suitable places for life to exist, and describe the observational evidence for or against life in the universe.

Credits:

3.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Prerequisites: (ENG 050 and REA 050) or ENG 099 or REA 075. Appropriate placement test scores may be accepted.

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.dccc.edu

Phone Number:

(610) 359-5000

Regional Accreditation:

Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools

Calendar System:

Semester

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