PH-111: Space, Astronomy and Our Universe (1C)

Course, prefix, number, & title: PH-111 Space, Astronomy and Our Universe (1C)

Hours (Class, recitation, Laboratory, studio): 3 class hours

Credits: 3

Co-requisites (if any): PH-112

Course Description in college catalog:

“Space, Astronomy, and our Universe” discusses topics related to space and astronomy, beginning with our planet and our Moon, and extending to stars, galaxies, and the Universe as a whole. This course will explore physical processes and laws that govern the motion and evolution of all objects in the Universe, including planets, stars and galaxies.

Academic programs for which this course serves as a requirement or an elective:

A.S. Engineering Science

A.A. Liberal Arts and Sciences

General Education Outcomes: Below is a listing of General Education Outcome(s) that this course supports.

1. Communicate effectively in various forms

2. Use analytical reasoning to identify issues or problems and evaluate evidence in order to make informed decisions

3. Reason quantitatively as required in various fields of interest and in everyday life

Course-specific student learning outcomes:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the nature, scope, and evolution of the Universe, and where the Earth and Solar System fit in.

2. Demonstrate an understanding of and use some crucial astronomical quantities.

3. Describe appropriate physical laws. 

4. Demonstrate an understanding of the notion that physical laws and processes are universal, that the world is knowable, and that we are coming to know it through observations, experiments, and theory (the nature of progress in science).

5. Describe the scientific method. 

6. Explain the meaning of uncertainty in science. 

7. Relate some subjects from physics (e.g., gravity and electromagnetic radiation) to astronomy.

8. Use mathematics to solve simple problems involving physical laws.

9. Describe topics related to the history of astronomy and the evolution of scientific ideas (science as a cultural process). 

10. Show familiarity with the night sky and demonstrate an understanding of how its appearance changes with time and position on Earth.

Program-specific outcomes

x

Other program outcomes (if applicable).

1. Work collaboratively to accomplish learning objectives

Methods by which student learning will be assessed and evaluated; describe the types of methods to be employed; note whether certain methods are required for all sections:

Available evaluation methods include: Classroom quizzes and tests, homework sets, portfolio assessment, classroom attendance and participation, laboratory performance and reports, and term papers for WI sections.

Academic Integrity policy (department or College):
Academic honesty is expected of all students. Any violation of academic integrity is taken extremely seriously. All assignments and projects must be the original work of the student or teammates. Plagiarism will not be tolerated. Any questions regarding academic integrity should be brought to the attention of the instructor. The following is the Queensborough Community College Policy on Academic Integrity: "It is the official policy of the College that all acts or attempted acts that are violations of Academic Integrity be reported to the Office of Student Affairs. At the faculty member's discretion and with the concurrence of the student or students involved, some cases though reported to the Office of Student Affairs may be resolved within the confines of the course and department. The instructor has the authority to adjust the offender's grade as deemed appropriate, including assigning an F to the assignment or exercise or, in more serious cases, an F to the student for the entire course." Read the University's policy on Academic Integrity opens in a new window.

Disabilities
Any student who feels that he or she may need an accommodation based upon the impact of a disability should contact the Office of Accessibility Services in Science Building, Room S-132, 718-631-6257, to coordinate reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities. You can visit the Office of Accessibility Services website.