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Arizona State University

Introduction to Solar Systems Astronomy

Arizona State University via edX

This course may be unavailable.

Overview

This course is part of Global Freshman Academy (GFA), which means you can earn transferable ASU credit toward your college degree.

In this introductory 4-credit hour lecture and laboratory course, we will explore the origins, structure, contents, and evolution of our solar system and exosolar planetary systems. We will cover the history of astronomy, properties of light, instruments, the study of the solar system and nearby stars.

Throughout the course, we will learn about the Discovery Channel Telescope, the Lowell Observatory, the Challenger Space Center, and Meteor Crater, the world’s best-preserved meteorite impact site on Earth. We will also get a chance to virtually walk through the Lunar Exploration Museum and Arizona State University’s Moeur Building, home of the Mars Space Flight Facility where ASU scientists and researchers are using spacecraft instruments on Mars to explore the geology and mineralogy of the red planet.

This course satisfies the Natural Science — Quantitative (SQ) general studies requirement at Arizona State University. Introduction to Astronomy may satisfy a general education requirement at other institutions; however, it is strongly encouraged that you consult with your institution of choice to determine how these credits will be applied to their degree requirements prior to transferring the credit.

Syllabus

Click to view the complete course syllabus here.

Taught by

Dr. Frank Timmes

Reviews

4.7 rating, based on 7 Class Central reviews

Start your review of Introduction to Solar Systems Astronomy

  • Anonymous
    Finishing the course this week (Oct 2015). This is a great learning experience! Have you always been interested in Astronomy, but never knew where to start? Well, this is a good place to start. The course is crafted for beginners, with 0 experience or knowledge on the field. However, the most striking aspect, is the levelof engagement of the staff. They are constantly and quickly answering your questions on the forums.

    But, don't be mislead. Labs do require you to solve Physics and Math equations at a very basic level, but I noticed that some people do struggle with them.
  • Anonymous
    Finishing the course this week (Oct 2015). This is a great learning experience! Have you always been interested in Astronomy, but never knew where to start? Well, this is a good place to start. The course is crafted for beginners, with 0 experience or knowledge on the field. However, the most striking aspect, is the levelof engagement of the staff. They are constantly and quickly answering your questions on the forums.

    But, don't be mislead. Labs do require you to solve Physics and Math equations at a very basic level, but I noticed that some people do struggle with them.
  • Anonymous
    Finishing the course this week (Oct 2015). This is a great learning experience! Have you always been interested in Astronomy, but never knew where to start? Well, this is a good place to start. The course is crafted for beginners, with 0 experience or knowledge on the field. However, the most striking aspect, is the levelof engagement of the staff. They are constantly and quickly answering your questions on the forums.

    But, don't be mislead. Labs do require you to solve Physics and Math equations at a very basic level, but I noticed that some people do struggle with them.
  • Even though I thought about not taking this course, believing it was an introductory one, I did manage to learn some new stuff, and, most importantly, to acquire great methodological approaches and pedagogical methods in teaching difficult concepts. I liked the video quality, the memory practice was a nice touch, and loved the opening quotes.
  • Erasmia Birmpila
  • Jayne McCormack

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