General Syllabus
Physics 45400
Descriptive Astronomy
Other Materials:
A scientific, non graphing calculator
Course Description
Astronomy for science majors. Stellar astronomy, galactic astronomy,
cosmology, and earth and planetary science. Recent discoveries and topics
such as pulsars, black holes, radio astronomy, interstellar medium, radio
galaxies, quasars, spiral density waves in disc galaxies, black body radiation,
intelligent life beyond the earth. Lectures are supplemented by observations
and planetarium shows. Prereq.: PHYS 20800 (elective for Physics majors). 3
hr./wk.; 3 cr.
Learning Outcomes
1. Understand the broad developments in astronomy and astrophysics from ancient
times through the modern era.
2. Quantitatively work with the equations of celestial mechanics developed after
Kepler and Newton.
3. Describe the mechanisms and technology through which we observe the
universe.
4. Understand stellar structure and the basics of nucleosynthesis.
5. Model stellar evolution and interpret and create H-R diagrams.
6. Understand the various classes of stars and star formation.
7. Explain the basic make up and formation of our solar system and the different
objects contained.
8. Understand the nature of galaxies and galactic evolution.
9. Describe the basics of cosmology, large scale structure, and the early universe.
10. Solve quantitative problems related to the above topics.
Relationship of course to program outcomes:
Learn laws of physics and solve problems
Communicate by written and oral means
Work cooperatively with others
Use computers and appropriate technology
Math needed
The only prereq for this course is physics 208, which has a co-reg of Math 203, so all
the prior math knowledge expected will be at that level. However, as in any physics
class, we might need some additional tools. If so, we will cover them to the extent
needed. It should be noted that this will be a quantitative physics class (i.e. not just
naming the planets and stuff). However, it doesn't assume any physics greater than that
found in 207 & 208.
Academic Integrity
The university has a published policy on academic integrity that may be found at:
http://www.cuny.edu/about/administration/offices/la/Academic_Integrity_…
Ignorance of this policy is no excuse. A student who cheats or plagiarizes may incur
academic and disciplinary penalties, including failing grades, suspensions, or expulsion.
Attendance Policy
Students are expected to attend every class session of each course in which they are
enrolled and to be on time. The professor has the right to drop the student from the
course for excessive absences. For this course, two weeks of unexcused absences will
constitute an excess of absences. When a student is dropped from the course due to
excessive absences, the Registrar will enter the grade of WU.
Disability Statement
In compliance with CCNY policy and equal access laws, appropriate academic
accommodations are offered by the AccessAbility Center. Students who are registered
with the AccessAbility office and are entitled to specific accommodations must arrange
to have the Office notify the Professor in writing of their status at the beginning of the
semester. If specific accommodations are required for a test, students must present the
instructor with a form from the Accessibility Office at least one week prior to the test
date in order to receive their accommodations.
Course Schedule
Schedule is tentative and subject to change.
Last Updated: 08/13/2019 14:50