Elements of Astronomy Lab
· College of Arts & Sciences · General Math & Sciences
Elements of Astronomy Lab
PHSC-122
Summer B 2020 Section B01 05/11/2020 to 07/03/2020 Modified 04/27/2020
Contact Information
See detailed faculty information in Blackboard.
Course Description
An optional lab to accompany PHSC 121. Attention will be given to laboratory procedures of astronomy, safety,
observation skills and method, astronomical science and reasoning, conclusions/learning and practical astronomy.
Requisites
Prerequisites
None
Rationale
PHSC 122 is an optional lab designed to accompany PHSC 121, but may be taken by students who need a one-hour
laboratory credit for a laboratory science.
Measurable Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
A. Differentiate between absolute magnitude and apparent magnitude, and calculate a star's distance modulus
when given these two magnitudes.
B. Describe the effect of the Earth's magnetic field on the solar wind and on cosmic rays.
C. Exhibit expertise in using science processes.
D. Properly record measurements and convert them to various units.
E. Use correct astronomical formulas, theory, concepts, processes, and outside resources, as necessary, to display,
evaluate, and analyze data from observations made.
F. Make scientifically and astronomically sound conclusions regarding observations and data collected. In
short, use sound astronomical reasoning and science processes to come to accurate and rational
conclusions.
G. Compare and contrast the surfaces and interiors of the other terrestrial planets with those of Earth.
Course Resources
Required Resource
The resource below is provided in the course at no cost to the student.
Cengage Learning. (2018). Virtual astronomy labs 3.0 (3rd ed.). Boston, MA: Author.
Disclaimer: The above resource provides information consistent with the latest research regarding the subject area.
Liberty University
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, Elements of Astronomy Lab
Additional Materials for Learning
A. Computer with basic audio/video output equipment
B. Internet access (broadband recommended)
C. Microsoft Office
Course Assignments
Lab readings, Discussion Board readings, and
presentations Course Requirements Checklist
After reading the Course Syllabus and ,the student will complete the related checklist found in Module/Week 1.
Discussion Board Forums (2)
Discussion boards are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to create a thread in
response to the provided prompt for each forum. Each thread must be at least 250 words and demonstrate course-
related knowledge. In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to 1 other classmate’s thread. Each
reply must be at least 125 words.
Short Responses to Presentations (3)
The student will watch 3 presentations and write a short response to each. Responses must be a minimum of 125
words and a maximum of 200 words.
Labs (15)
Each lab will include reading material, tutorial material, and simulation activities for the student to complete.
Course Grading
Course Requirements Checklist 10
Discussion Board Forums
Thread (2 at 38 pts ea) 76
Reply (2 at 12 pts ea) 24
Short Responses to Presentations (3 at 50 pts 150
ea)
Labs (15 at 50 points each) 750
Total 1010
Policies
2 of
· College of Arts & Sciences · General Math & Sciences
Elements of Astronomy Lab
PHSC-122
Summer B 2020 Section B01 05/11/2020 to 07/03/2020 Modified 04/27/2020
Contact Information
See detailed faculty information in Blackboard.
Course Description
An optional lab to accompany PHSC 121. Attention will be given to laboratory procedures of astronomy, safety,
observation skills and method, astronomical science and reasoning, conclusions/learning and practical astronomy.
Requisites
Prerequisites
None
Rationale
PHSC 122 is an optional lab designed to accompany PHSC 121, but may be taken by students who need a one-hour
laboratory credit for a laboratory science.
Measurable Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
A. Differentiate between absolute magnitude and apparent magnitude, and calculate a star's distance modulus
when given these two magnitudes.
B. Describe the effect of the Earth's magnetic field on the solar wind and on cosmic rays.
C. Exhibit expertise in using science processes.
D. Properly record measurements and convert them to various units.
E. Use correct astronomical formulas, theory, concepts, processes, and outside resources, as necessary, to display,
evaluate, and analyze data from observations made.
F. Make scientifically and astronomically sound conclusions regarding observations and data collected. In
short, use sound astronomical reasoning and science processes to come to accurate and rational
conclusions.
G. Compare and contrast the surfaces and interiors of the other terrestrial planets with those of Earth.
Course Resources
Required Resource
The resource below is provided in the course at no cost to the student.
Cengage Learning. (2018). Virtual astronomy labs 3.0 (3rd ed.). Boston, MA: Author.
Disclaimer: The above resource provides information consistent with the latest research regarding the subject area.
Liberty University
h25icstu da ol, eo sr pn oo lt it
n e ce l spo
ic7a sa s ri il
ti yo:0e
nd0n d o rsine this
s bfound s p e c if i c p e rs o n al , re li g io u s , p hil o s o p
This -2 d0 y2 s1 ou r ce
1 2: 20 w :0 as GdoMw Tnl- o0 a6 de y 1 0 00 0 resource.
0 81 8 1 9 0 52 7 f ro m C o ur s eH e ro . c om o n 1 1 -
1 of 6
, Elements of Astronomy Lab
Additional Materials for Learning
A. Computer with basic audio/video output equipment
B. Internet access (broadband recommended)
C. Microsoft Office
Course Assignments
Lab readings, Discussion Board readings, and
presentations Course Requirements Checklist
After reading the Course Syllabus and ,the student will complete the related checklist found in Module/Week 1.
Discussion Board Forums (2)
Discussion boards are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to create a thread in
response to the provided prompt for each forum. Each thread must be at least 250 words and demonstrate course-
related knowledge. In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to 1 other classmate’s thread. Each
reply must be at least 125 words.
Short Responses to Presentations (3)
The student will watch 3 presentations and write a short response to each. Responses must be a minimum of 125
words and a maximum of 200 words.
Labs (15)
Each lab will include reading material, tutorial material, and simulation activities for the student to complete.
Course Grading
Course Requirements Checklist 10
Discussion Board Forums
Thread (2 at 38 pts ea) 76
Reply (2 at 12 pts ea) 24
Short Responses to Presentations (3 at 50 pts 150
ea)
Labs (15 at 50 points each) 750
Total 1010
Policies
2 of
