PHY 1101 Astronomy 1

Subject Cat-nbr Class Term Mode Description Units Campus
PHY 1101 51071 1, 2006 EXT Astronomy 1 1.00 Toowoomba
Academic group: FOSCI
Academic org: FOS002
Student contribution band: 2
ASCED code: 010303

Contents


STAFFING:

Examiner: Brad Carter
Moderator: Alfio Parisi

RATIONALE:

The course provides a general introduction to observational astronomy and planetary science. A range of topics is covered, so that the diverse nature of the subject can be appreciated. The course also offers students an opportunity to practice astronomical observation. This course is a companion subject to PHY1107 Astronomy 2, which provides an introduction to the Sun & stars, galaxies and cosmology.

SYNOPSIS:

The course provides a general introduction to observational astronomy and planetary science. A range of topics is covered, so that the diverse nature of the subject can be appreciated. The course also offers students an opportunity to practice astronomical observation. The course includes study of the following topics: The Universe; The Sky; The History of Astronomy; The Scientific Method; Observatories; The Solar System; The Terrestrial Planets; The Jovian Planets; Interplanetary Bodies; Extrasolar Planets. This course is a companion subject to PHY1107 Astronomy 2, which provides an introduction to the Sun & stars, galaxies and cosmology.

OBJECTIVES:

On completion of this course students will be able to demonstrate a basic understanding of:

  1. The Universe
  2. The Sky
  3. The History of Astronomy
  4. The Scientific Method
  5. Observatories
  6. The Solar System
  7. The Terrestrial Planets
  8. The Jovian Planets
  9. Interplanetary Bodies
  10. Extrasolar Planets

TOPICS:


Description Weighting (%)
1. The Universe
 10.00
2. The Sky
 10.00
3. The History of Astronomy
 10.00
4. The Scientific Method
 10.00
5. Observatories
 10.00
6. The Solar System
 10.00
7. The Terrestrial Planets
 10.00
8. The Jovian Planets
 10.00
9. Interplanetary Bodies
 10.00
10. Extrasolar Planets
 10.00

TEXT and MATERIALS required to be PURCHASED or accessed:

ALL textbooks and materials are available for purchase from USQ BOOKSHOP (unless otherwise stated). Orders may be placed via secure internet, free fax 1800642453, phone 07 46312742 (within Australia), or mail. Overseas students should fax +61 7 46311743, or phone +61 7 46312742. For costs, further details, and internet ordering, use the 'Textbook Search' facility at http://bookshop.usq.edu.au click 'Semester', then enter your 'Course Code' (no spaces).

Seeds MA 2006, Horizons, 9th edn, Thomson Brooks/Cole.
(This book is the set text for both PHY1101 Astronomy 1 and PHY1107 Astronomy 2 (www.brookscole.com/astronomy_d))

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

Reference materials are materials that, if accessed by students, may improve their knowledge and understanding of the material in the course and enrich their learning experience.

Arny TT 2004, Explorations: An Introduction to Astronomy, 3rd edn, McGraw-Hill.
(www.mhhe.com)

Bennett J, Donahue M, Schneider N, Voit M 2004, The Cosmic Perspective, 3rd edn, Pearson Education.
(http://astronomyplace.com)

Chaisson E & McMillan S 2005, Astronomy Today, 5th edn, Pearson Education.
(http://phcatalog.pearson.com)

Comins NF & Kaufmann WJ 2005, Discovering the Universe, 7th edn, Pearson Education.

Freedman, RA & Kaufmann WJ 2005, Universe, 7th edn, WH Freeman & Co, New York.
(http://bcs.whfreeman.com/universe7e/)

Hartmann WK & Impey C 2002, Astronomy: The Cosmic Journey, 6th edn, Thomson Learning, Brooks/Cole, USA.
(http://www.brookscole.com/astronomy_d/)

Hester J, Burstein D, Blumenthal G, Greeley G, Smith B, Voss H, Wegner G 2002, 21st Century Astronomy, 1st edn, WW Norton & Co.
(www.wwnorton.com)

Moche, DL 2000, Astronomy: A Self-Teaching Guide, 5th edn, John Wiley & Sons.
(www.wiley.com)

Pasachoff JM & Filippenko A 2004, The Cosmos: Astronomy in the New Millennium, 2nd edn, Brooks/Cole.
(www.brookscole.com/astronomy_d)

STUDENT WORKLOAD REQUIREMENTS:

ACTIVITY HOURS
Assignments 40.00
Examinations 3.00
Private Study 130.00


ASSESSMENT DETAILS:

Description Marks out of Wtg(%) Due date
CMA 1 10.00 10.00 28 Apr 2006
CMA 2 10.00 10.00 02 Jun 2006
3 HR RESTRICTED EXAM 80.00 80.00 END S1 (see note 1)
NOTES:
1.
Examination dates will be available during the Semester. Please refer to the examination timetable when published.

IMPORTANT ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

  1. Attendance requirements:
    There are no attendance requirements for this course. However, it is the students responsibility to study all material provided to them or required to be accessed by them to maximise their chance of meeting the objectives of the course and to be informed of course-related activities and administration.
  2. Requirements for students to complete each assessment item satisfactorily:
    To satisfactorily complete an assessment item a student must achieve at least 50% of the marks or a grade of at least C. Students do not have to satisfactorily complete each assessment item to be awarded a passing grade in this course. Refer to Statement 4 below for the requirements to receive a passing grade in this course.
  3. Penalties for late submission of required work:
    If students submit assignments after the due date without prior approval then a penalty of 10% of the total marks available for the assignment will apply for each working day late.
  4. Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course:
    To be assured of receiving a passing grade a student must achieve at least 50% of the total weighted marks available for the course.
  5. Method used to combine assessment results to attain final grade:
    The final grades for students will be assigned on the basis of the aggregate of the weighted marks obtained for each of the summative assessment items in the course.
  6. Examination information:
    Candidates are allowed access only to specific materials during a Restricted Examination. The only materials that candidates may use in the restricted examination for this course are: writing materials (non-electronic and free from material which could give the student an unfair advantage in the examination); calculators which cannot hold textual information (students must indicate on their examination paper the make and model of any calculator(s) they use during the examination).
  7. Examination period when Deferred/Supplementary examinations will be held:
    Any Deferred or Supplementary examinations for this course will be held during the examination period at the end of the semester of the next offering of this course.
  8. University Regulations:
    Students should read USQ Regulations 5.1 Definitions, 5.6. Assessment, and 5.10 Academic Misconduct for further information and to avoid actions which might contravene University Regulations. These regulations can be found at the URL http://www.usq.edu.au/corporateservices/calendar/part5.htm or in the current USQ Handbook.

ASSESSMENT NOTES

9. The due date for an assignment is the date by which a student must despatch the assignment to the USQ. The onus is on the student to provide proof of the despatch date, if requested by the Examiner.
10. In accordance with University Policy, the Examiner may grant an extension of the due date of an assignment in extenuating circumstances.
11. The Faculty will NOT accept submission of assignments by facsimile.
12. Students who do not have regular access to postal services or who are otherwise disadvantaged by these regulations may be given special consideration. They should contact the examiner of the course to negotiate such special arrangements.
13. In the event that a due date for an assignment falls on a local public holiday in their area, such as a Show holiday, the due date for the assignment will be the next day. Students are to note on the assignment cover the date of the public holiday for the Examiner s convenience.
14. Students who, for medical, family/personal, or employment-related reasons, are unable to complete an assignment or to sit for an examination at the scheduled time may apply to defer an assessment in a course. Such a request must be accompanied by appropriate supporting documentation. One of the following temporary grades may be awarded IDS (Incomplete Deferred Examination; IDM (Incomplete Deferred Make-up); IDB (Incomplete - Both Deferred Examination and Deferred Make-up).
15. Students may be required to provide a copy of assignments submitted for assessment purposes. Such copies should be dispatched to the USQ within 24 hours of receipt of a request to do so.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

  1. Students will require access to e-mail and internet access to USQConnect for this course.