Instructor: Prof. Jeffrey Schierenbeck

Textbook:    Conceptual Physics, Hewitt (fourth edition)
                    Astronomy - A Christian Perspective, Schierenbeck
                    Annual Editions: Astronomy, 1998/99

Duration/Credits: One semester/3 credits

Prerequisites: N/A

Course Objective: To provide the student with an introduction to the field of astronomy, as studied from a Christian viewpoint, in order to grow in knowledge of and appreciation for the portion of Creation that lies beyond our planet. Also, to consider some of the fundamental principles of physics, particularly in the area of mechanics. Time is divided approximately equally between these two broad areas.

Topics Covered:

• Historical astronomy 
  • Babylonian, Egyptian, and Chinese astronomy; Greek astronomy; Renaissance astronomy; models of the universe; introduction of some key terminology.
• The motions of the earth
  • Celestial geography; evidences for rotation of the earth; evidences for revolution of the earth; time; seasons; retrograde planetary motion.
• The structure of the universe
  • Solar system layout; galaxies; galactic groups; superclusters; Great Galactic Wall and beyond; light year and proportion.
• The solar system components
  • The sun; the planets; asteroids, comets, meteoroids; the moon; eclipses.
• The stars
  • Stellar coordinates; star distances, brightness, and colors; stellar processes; types of stars; nova, supernova, black holes.
• Secular cosmologies
  • An examination of the Big Bang cosmology as studied from a Christian perspective; a brief look at other cosmological theories.
• Introduction to naked-eye and telescope viewing
  • Constellations; reading star maps; telescope operation.
• Motion
  • Distance, time, speed, and acceleration.
• Newton's Laws of Motion
  • Newton's First, Second, and Third Laws of Motion; inertia; force; air resistance. 
• Gravitation
  • Universal Law of Gravitation; tides; gravitational fields.
• Projectile motion
  • Independence of horizontal and vertical motion; projectile motion; weightlessness.
• Rotational motion
  • Rotational inertia; torque; center of mass and stability; gyroscopes; centripetal force; simulated gravity.
   

Viewing Sessions:

Approximately 3 hours of outside viewing will be scheduled throughout the semester. These viewing sessions will include both naked-eye and telescope viewing.

Assessments:

Homework: During the study of astronomy, several homework assignments will be given. These assignments will be expected to be handed in. During the study of physics, nearly daily homework assignments will be given. These assignments will not always be handed in, but will be discussed in class.

Tests: There will be 3 exams covering the astronomy material. There will be 3-4 exams covering the physics material.  For each student, the lowest exam score is not factored into the final grade.

Final Exam: A cumulative final exam will be given which covers material from both the astronomy and the physics portions of the course.

  Grading:
Tests 60% (lowest score dropped)
Final Exam 20%
Homework 20%
Letter Grade Conversions

Office Hours: It is not expected that you should be able to succeed in this course without ever having any contact with the instructor outside of class time. You can anticipate that you will have questions throughout the year. You must make it a point to get those questions answered to your satisfaction. This can hopefully be achieved through your own thinking and reading, consultation with classmates or others, and through communication with the instructor in and outside of class time. I will generally be available in my Northwest Hall office during the office hours posted on my office door. You are welcome to come by any time I am available in my office. If you would like to arrange a specific time at which to meet, that could certainly be arranged. You may always contact me by telephone at either my office or at home. My office number is 836-6630 and my home number is 839-8938. There is an answering machine at both locations, so you can leave me a message if I am not there. Do not feel timid about calling me at home on evenings or weekends; it's not a problem at all. But, if calling my home, please call before 10:00 pm. You may also contact me via Email at jeff.schierenbeck@ilc.edu.

Late Assignments: Unless otherwise specifically stated, all work assigned to be turned in on a particular date is due at the beginning of the class period on that day. NO CREDIT WILL BE RECEIVED FOR HOMEWORK THAT IS HANDED IN LATE! If, because of an excused absence, you are unable to be in class on the day that work is due, you will be expected to turn in that assignment at the beginning of the next class period which you are able to attend.

If circumstances arise which would not allow you to get your assignment in on time, then let me know as early as you can. It may be possible for you to receive an extension. However, if you inform me of your situation just before class on the day that the work is due, do not expect me to be too gracious! Generally, you will be given a few days to complete an assignment. Start on the assignment early so that you can get questions answered that arise. Procrastination is not a valid excuse!

Information Missed Due To Absence: Whether present or absent (excused or unexcused), you are responsible for any information given out during the class periods. This includes lecture material, activities, homework assignments, quizzes, announcements of test/quiz dates, or any other matter that is discussed. Therefore, if you are absent for a class period, be sure to contact a responsible classmate, or me, to be filled in on any important information that you may have missed. Of course, if you need help catching up on any material that you missed, I will be happy to assist you.

If you miss a period in which a test or quiz is given, you will be responsible for contacting me as soon as possible to arrange a time to make up the test. If I don't hear from you, be prepared to take the test during the next class period which you are able to attend.

Missed Laboratory Periods: If you miss a laboratory experiment or other class activity, you will be responsible for contacting me as soon as possible (before the next class which you are able to attend) to arrange a time to make up the activity.