GSCI 102: Astronomy II
GSCI 102: Astronomy II
Professor: Dr. Jason Best
Office: Byrd Science Center 115
Office Hours: MWF 9a-11a
Required Text: Foundations of Astronomy, by Michael Seeds
Required Lab Manual: GSCI 101-102 Manual, by Jason Best
Course Overview: A descriptive course dealing
with the physical nature of stars, galaxies, and the universe
as seen through modern astronomy. The development of modern
astronomical principles, as well as recent developments within the
science, are also included.
Course Objectives: I want students to be able to:
understand basic astronomical concepts and methods; understand cause
and effect relationships in astronomy; utilize charts, graphs, and
equations to represent functional relationships and explain their
meanings; analyze and solve problems in astronomy, and
develop insight into the nature of the Universe. Among the specific
content areas to be addressed are:
· science in theory and in practice. This includes defining the power
and limitations of scientific enterprises, the importance of science
in the modern world, techniques used by practicing scientists, and the
process of peer review as the mechanism of oversight and correction.
· the basic properties of stars. This includes understanding the techniques for
measuring distances, luminosity, size, as well as the use of the HR
Diagram in categorization and interpretation.
· stellar evolution. This includes understanding the mechanisms of
formation and the evolution over time, including the properties of
energy generation, lifetimes of stars, and various end states (white
dwarf, neutron star, supernova) of stars.
· the Milky Way. This includes understanding a description of the
various components, and examination of the origin and evolution of the
various parts through rotation curves, the elemental building process,
and the study of the spiral arms.
· galactic populations. This includes understanding the mechanisms of
classification, examination of the different and similar properties of
the various galactic types, and the effect of clustering on these properties.
· theoretical and observational cosmology. This includes understanding
the various physical models of the origin of the Universe, the linking
of quantum theory to general relativity, and the subsequent evolution
of the Universe from its initial state.
· astrobiology. This includes an understanding of the physical basis of
life, the geological calendar, habitable worlds, and the mechanisms of
communications with such potentially inhabited worlds.
Local Group, Hubble Deep Field Lab