Nov 14, 2024
OHIO University Undergraduate Catalog 2024-25

ASTR 1000 - Survey of Astronomy


General introduction to astronomy, with emphasis on the structure of the universe beyond our solar system. Topics include historical astronomy, the sun, stars, galaxies, interstellar matter, black holes, the “Big Bang” theory, and the evolution of the universe. No prereq, but familiarity with basic algebra and geometry is beneficial.

Credit Hours: 3
OHIO BRICKS: Arch: Natural World
Thematic Arches:
  • Science & Technology

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:
  • Students will be able to explain the nature of stars, including their energy source and evolution.
  • Students will be able to describe evidence for an expanding universe of finite age, and current questions regarding its composition and evolution.
  • Students will be able to describe the nature of light and the role of telescopes in advancing astronomical knowledge.
  • Students will be able to describe basic characteristics of galaxies, and means by which we study their properties and evolution.
  • Students will be able to read graphs, charts, and other artistic representations of data, to extract needed information.
  • Students will be able to explain how to analyze, evaluate, and test a scientific hypothesis.
  • Students will be able to explain the origins of common astronomical phenomena such as the seasons, lunar phases, eclipses, and celestial motions.
  • Students will be able to communicate using basic scientific language and processes and be able to distinguish between scientific and non-scientific explanations.
  • Students will be able to describe physical scenarios with mathematical formulae and solve qualitative problems with them.
  • Students will be able to describe the existence of humanity in the context of life in the universe


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