PHYS 1404 Introductory Astronomy II - South Texas College

South Texas College
Math & Sciences Division
Department of Physical Science and Engineering
Master Syllabus
Instructor:
Dr. Enriqueta Cortez
Office:
G258 Pecan Campus
Telephone: (956) 872-2502
Fax: (956) 872-3401
Email:
quetac@southtexascollege.edu
Office Hours:
TBA
Class Location:
TBA
Course Name:
Introductory Astronomy II
Course #:
PHYS1404
Class Days/Times:
TBA
Prerequisite: PHYS 1403
Course Description
This second part of a general introduction to astronomy covering classical and modern topics
including: naked eye observation; classical views of the Solar System; planetary exploration
tools (spacecraft and landers); origins of the Solar System; planetary geology; planetary
atmospheres; moons; comets; asteroids; meteorites; extra-solar planets; and the search for life
beyond the earth and Solar System.
Required Resources:
1. The Cosmic Perspective 5e; Bennett, Donahue, Schneider, and Voit (ISBN 0-321-
50618-9)
2. Mastering Astronomy account: www.masteringastronomy.com
3. Blackboard account: http://elearn.southtexascollege.edu/eSTCv3/
Program Learning Outcomes
1. This course supports South Texas College’s Natural Science Core Curriculum
requirements.
Course Learning Outcomes
The student, after taking this course will
1. Identify and locate different objects in the night sky.
2. Describe how the stars move in the night sky
3. Describe the solar cycles and its effect on seasons and climate
4. Describe the lunar cycles and its tidal effects
5. Identify and define Lunar phases
6. Describe the causes of eclipses and how they are predicted
7. Describe the planetary motion using Kepler’s laws
8. Describe and apply Newton’s laws of motion and the Universal Law of
Gravitation
9. Describe and compare different theories of the solar systems origin
10. Describe the properties and evolution of planets
11. Describe the properties of space debris: asteroids, comets, and meteoroids

Core Curriculum Exemplary Educational Objectives
1. To understand and apply method and appropriate technology to the study of natural
sciences.
2. To recognize scientific and quantitative methods and the differences between these
approaches and other methods of inquiry and to communicate findings, analyses, anf
interpretation both orally and in writing.
3. To identify and recognize the differences among competing scientific theories.
4. To demonstrate knowledge of the major issues and problems facing modern science,
including issues that touch upon ethics, values, and public policies.
5. To demonstrate knowledge of the interdependence of science and technology and
their influence on, and contribution to, modern culture.
Intellectual Competencies
1. Students will read, analyze and interpret textbook, handouts, astronomy experiment
manuals, and/or visual aids used during the semester.
2. Students will develop, organize, draft, revise, and write reports for experiments
conducted during the semester and/or research topic related to astronomy.
3. Students will use computer-based technology in solving problems, conducting
computer based astronomy labs and will use internet to access websites that will
assist in their study of astronomy.
4. Students will demonstrate effective oral communication techniques using clear
concise and informative language when speaking.
5. Students will analyze and interpret various forms of spoken communication like
lecture by the instructor, discussion with the lab partners, or audio video
demonstrations during the lectures.
6. Students will demonstrate problem-solving skills in a logical step-by-step process
when doing astronomy labs. They will apply methods of qualitative and quantitative
analysis during their understanding and following the lab procedures.
Departmental Course Perspective
1. Students will recognize the importance of maintaining health and wellness by
following the safety procedures, maintaining cleanliness, and avoiding contact with
materials hazardous for health, while doing the astronomy labs
2. Students will develop a capacity to use knowledge of how technology and science
affect their lives by utilizing everyday practical examples and applications of
astronomy and by performing astronomy experiments.
3. Students will develop personal values for ethical behavior by understanding the
rules and regulations in relation to safety, cited works, and disposal of waste
materials after performing astronomy labs.
4. Students will use logical reasoning in problem solving by identifying and analyzing
astronomy word problems and selecting a logical solution
5. Students will integrate knowledge and understand the interrelationships of
scholarly disciplines by using technical writing, applying the rules of mathematics,
tracing the history of philosophy describing different aspects of sciences, and finding
astronomy’ applications in biology and technology while studying astronomy.

Instructor Outcomes
Department Course Grading Criteria
Lecture: 75%
Instructor Choice
Lab: 25%
Instructor Choice
Grading Time Line:
Instructor Choice
Class Policies:
Instructor Choice
Lab Policies:
Instructor Choice
Attendance Policies:
Instructor Choice
Resources:
Student study guide accompany textbook, library, multimedia, Internet, and Biology
Computer Lab.

Introductory Astronomy II
Course Calendar
WEEK CHAPTER(S) LAB
Week 1
Ch. 1: Our Place in the Universe; Dimensions of the universe
Course Introduction
Week 2
Ch. 2: Discovering the Universe for Reason for Seasons, Rotating Sky
Yourself
Week 3 Ch. 2: Lunar Phases and Eclipses Earth-Sun- Moon dynamics
Week 4 Review of Ch. 1 and Ch. 2 Exam 1
Week 5 Ch. 3: The Science of Astronomy : The Nature of Science
Ancient roots
Week 6 Ch. 4 Making Sense of the Universe Motion – Energy - Gravity
Week 7
Ch. 4: Kepler’s Laws; Planetary
Motions
Newton’s Version of Kepler’s Laws
Week 8 Review of Ch. 3 and Ch. 4 Exam 2
Week 9 Ch. 7: Our Planetary System -
Spacecraft Explorations
Week 10
Ch. 8: Formation of the Solar System
- Origins - Age
Week 11 Review of Ch. 7 and Ch 8 Exam 3
Patterns in the Solar System
Formation of the Planets
Week 12
Ch. 11: Jovian Planet System – Ring Satellites of Ice and Rock
Planets
Week 13 Ch. 12: Remnants of Rock and Ice – The Kuiper Belt Exam 4
Pluto, Asteroids, Comets
Week 14
Ch. 9: Planetary Geology-Earth and Moon, Mercury , Mars and Venus
the Other Terrestrial Planets
Week 15
Ch.10: Planetary Atmospheres-Earth
and Other Terrestrial Worlds ; Earth’s
Earth’s Climate History
Exam 5
Unique Atmosphere
Week 16 Final Exam Week Student Presentations

FOUNDATION SKILLS
1. Basic Skills: Reading, writing, mathematics, arithmetic, speaking and listening
Students are required to read the text. Students will write notes during the lecture, lab,
problems solving sessions, and review sessions and they must know how to spell. The
students read the tests and the answers are in written form. They have to read the lab
manuals for theoretical background, instructions, and procedures of the experiment and
they have to write the lab reports.
The students need arithmetic, algebra, trigonometry and analyzing skills to completely
understand the principles and in the problem solving sessions. The student will ask and
answer questions during the lecture, lab, and review sessions. They have to listen to the
lecture and instructions for lab sessions. The oral communication includes presentation of
material and group discussions during lab, lecture, problem solving, and review sessions.
2. Thinking Skills: Learning and reasoning
Problem solving is an essential component of understanding the principles of physical
science and its application to everyday life. Student will be solving every day examples
using math and analyzing skills. Visualizing the problem, and using reasoning to solve
the problem solving. Thinking skill is an essential component of understanding and
solving the problems.
3. Technology: Computers and scientific apparatus
Students will use word processing and a variety of software including tutorial, which
accompany the text. Students have access to the Internet. Students will utilize scientific
tools, which are required to perform the laboratory
activities.
4. Personal Qualities: Responsibility, self-esteem, sociability, self-management, integrity
and honesty
The students will be doing labs in groups. Team spirit, responsibility, sociability,
community skills, self management and cooperation with other group members will be
needed to perform the tasks completely.
Developmental Studies Policy Statement:
The College’s Developmental Education Plan requires students who have not met the
college-level placement standard on an approved assessment instrument in reading,
writing, and/or mathematics to enroll in Developmental Studies courses including
College Success. Failure to attend these required classes may result in the student's
withdrawal from ALL college courses.
Statement of Equal Opportunity: No person shall be excluded from participation in,
denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any program or activity
sponsored or conducted by South Texas College on the basis of race, color, national
origin, religion, sex, age, veteran status or disability.

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