Nov 14, 2024
OHIO University Undergraduate Catalog 2023-2024

PSC 1001 - Moons and Planets: The Solar System


General introduction to astronomy, with emphasis on our solar system and other planetary systems. Topics (chosen by instructor) may include historical astronomy, the sun, the surfaces, interiors, and atmospheres of the planets, comets, asteroids, and meteor impacts, planets around other stars, and the origin of life. Must enroll in ASTR 1001.

Requisites: Familiarity with basic algebra and geometry is recommended
Credit Hours: 3
General Education Code (students who entered prior to Fall 2021-22): 2NS
Repeat/Retake Information: May be retaken two times excluding withdrawals, but only last course taken counts.
Lecture/Lab Hours: 3.0 lecture
Grades: Eligible Grades: A-F,WP,WF,WN,FN,AU,I
Course Transferability: OTM course: TMNS Natural Sciences
College Credit Plus: Level 1
Learning Outcomes:
  • Apply astronomical concepts to the search for life in the universe.
  • Compare and contrast the planets and minor planets in our solar system, with an understanding of the physical processes which cause the differences.
  • Describe a variety of astronomical tools and measurement techniques.
  • Outline the development of astronomy from ancient times to the present and explain the role of the scientific method in this development.
  • Read graphs and charts to extract needed information.
  • Recognize and identify various types of celestial objects such as planets, asteroids, comets, stars, etc.
  • Understand how to analyze, evaluate, and test a scientific hypothesis.
  • Use basic scientific language and processes and be able to distinguish between scientific and non-scientific explanations.
  • Use mathematical formulae and solve qualitative problems with them.


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