Units
Exploration of the Universe
Unit code: SCB222
Contact hours: 5 per week
Credit points: 12
Information about fees and unit costs
This unit provides an introduction to optical observational astronomy; instrumentation; celestial sphere and astronomical coordinates; observations of constellations, stars, planets, clusters and other interesting celestial objects. The theory includes: optics of telescopes; properties of light; determination of physical properties of stars; nebulae; stellar spectra and classification; historical models of the solar system; Kepler's law, gravitation; physical geology of the planets and formation of the solar system; phenomena of astronomical origin; brief introduction to stars and galaxies. This course includes practical exercises and field trips.
Availability
| Semester | Available |
|---|---|
| 2012 Semester 2 | Yes |
Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2012
Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.
Rationale
Astronomy, astrophysics and planetary geology are key disciplines in the scientific community. They deal with the scientific principles by which evidence is obtained for our understanding of the structure, composition and origins of our universe. Many of these scientific principles are dealt with during secondary and tertiary learning, and may be applied to or learned through the examples of these disciplines.
Aims
The approaches to teaching and learning and the methods of assessment used should in turn derive from the aims and objectives of the unit.
Objectives
Students who successfully complete this unit should be able:
1. To achieve competence with a limited variety of astronomical instruments.
2. To locate and identify various celestial objects with reference to star maps.
3. To identify and apply scientific principles related to the disciplines of astronomy, astrophysics and planetary geology in these contexts.
Content
Subject matter for this unit is covered under three major topics:
Approaches to Teaching and Learning
Practical sessions will be given for each of the three major topics, including telescope skills, navigation, information retrieval and interpretation using library and internet resources, use of astronimical software and simulated astrophysical experiments, and experiments in formation of planetary surfaces. Practical reports will be required for all topics to promote skills in scientific communication and data analysis. Face-to-face practicals will be undertaken to promote problem solving skills and class debate. Assignments involving extended problem solving skills and information retrieval skills on topics of interest to the student will be set.
Assessment
The three content modules will contribute the following percentages to the overall assessment for the unit:
The Changing Sky: 35%
Starlight and Gravity: 35%
Planetary Geology: 30%
Details of contributions of individual tasks within each module will be explained in the week one unit information document.Feedback will be provided to students through consultation with lecturers and/or supervisory staff.
Assessment name:
Problem Solving Task
Description:
"Planetary Geology" and "Starlight and Gravity" modules will each set a short problem-solving task which will include retrieval of information relevant to a specific topic.
Relates to objectives:
3
Weight:
10%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Weeks 11 & 12
Assessment name:
Examination (Theory)
Description:
The "Changing Sky" module will be examined in a midsemester test. The examination will include a combination of multiple choice and short answer questions.
Relates to objectives:
1, 2, and 3
Weight:
20%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Week 10
Assessment name:
Report
Description:
Weekly investigative laboratory activities will be performed for all three modules, including an observational field night. Each activity will be assessed by the submission of a logbook-style or proforma-style laboratory report.
Relates to objectives:
1, 2, and 3.
Weight:
30%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
One week after prac
Assessment name:
Examination (Theory)
Description:
"Planetary Geology" and "Starlight & Gravity" modules will be examined together in a centrally timetabled final examination. The examination will include a combination of multiple choice and short answer questions.
Relates to objectives:
3
Weight:
40%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
End Semester
Academic Honesty
QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.
A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.
Resource materials
Texts:
1. Freedman RF and Kaufmann WJ III (2008) Universe, 8th edition, WH Freeman
Other Required Material:
Lecturers in each topic will advise on the availability of the following materials:
2. Broadfood JM, Ginns I & Lucas KB (1998) The Changing Sky.QUT
3. Gust D (1994) Lecture Notes and Practical for Planetary Geology, QUT
References:
There are a number of suitable astronomy references available in the library. Students should browse along the shelves of Dewey Classification Number 520.
Risk assessment statement
There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit.
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.
Last modified: 25-May-2012
