Astronomy 390-ERS-3AST
Profile of studies: general academic.
Form of study: full-time.
Fields of science, discipline: astronomy, physical sciences.
Year of study, semester:3yr/5sem
Prerequisites: before the start of classes the student should have basic knowledge of mathematics and physics.
Hours of didactic classes: 30 hours of lecture,15 hours of laboratory
Teaching methods: lecture, discussion, consultation,
solving mathematical problems related to astronomy, observations, student's own work at home,
ECTS points: 3.
The lecture covers the following topics:
1. The essence of astronomy. Astronomical instruments.
2. The Earth and the Moon.
3. The Kepler's law.
4. The Solar System and the Sun.
5. The extrasolar planets.
6. The stars and their evolution.
7. Galaxies.
8. Cosmology.
Laboratory. The topics of the classes concern the following issues:
1. The rotation of the sky sphere as a result of the spinning of the Earth.
2. Movement of the Sun in relation to the stars, seasonal changes in the position of the stars, and the season as a consequence of the Earth's solar motion.
3. Calendars, time zones, date change line.
4. Eclipses of the Sun and the Moon.
5. Astronomical coordinates.
6. Pogson equation. Stellar classification and a luminosity class.
7. Solving typical problems connected with basic astronomy.
8. Observations of the sky (visual, using binoculars and telescope).
Type of course
Mode
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
Student
1. obtains basic knowledge of astronomy and knows the rules of performing simple astronomical observations (K_W18);
2. is able to present basic problems in astronomy and astrophysics (K_U16);
3. is able to understand and critically use the literature and Internet resources in relation to astronomy problems (K_U17);
4. knows the limitations of his/her knowledge and understands the need for further education, professional, personal and social competences (K_K01);
5. is able to work in a team assuming various roles, including, in particular, a managerial role, and is able to assume responsibility for a team task (K_K02);
Assessment criteria
Credit for the assessment. The necessary condition for passing the subject is passing the laboratory. The final grade in the course depends on the assessment from the laboratory and the lecture.
After the end of the laboratory, a test is carried out (questions, calculation of tasks). After the lecture, a test is carried out or an essay should be written on three drawn issues.
In the case of the test.
0-49% correct answers - 2.0 (F)
50-59% - 3.0 (E)
60-69% - 3.5 (D)
70-79% - 4.0 (C)
80-89% - 4.5 (B)
90-100% - 5.0 (A)
Bibliography
Recommended literature:
1. J. Beck, S. Benecchi, J. Bochanski, et al., Astronomy, OpenStax free iBook, Rice University, 2016 (rev. 2020), https://openstax.org/details/books/astronomy
2. B. Basu, T. Chattopadhaya, S. Biswas, An introduction to astrophysics, Phi Learning Private Limited, Delhi, 2013
Additional literature:
1. Sources from NASA, ESA, web sites.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: