Credit
hours: 3; will need to register in January, no
pre-registration available
Time:
5:30pm to 8:30pm (Tuesdays or Thursdays)
Instructors:
Tom Campbell (SDSM&T) and Ron Dyvig (Badlands Observatory)
E-mail:
tomnmel@mato.com
Phone:
718-2288
Course
Description:
This
course is designed to help students expand upon their knowledge of astronomy
through interactive seminars and observing sessions. The focus of this course will be placed on:
1) developing a more comprehensive background in stellar and galactic
astronomy as well as solar system
structure, and 2) developing observational and data collection skills using
state of the art telescopes. Background
knowledge in the above mentioned subjects will be fostered through
instructor-supervised seminars led by the students.
Students will use current web-based and advanced amateur/professional
publications to lead the seminar sessions.
Current theories on the formation of the solar system, stars, galaxies,
and the universe will also be covered. Advanced
observing sessions will be held off-campus at the Badlands Observatory in Quinn,
South Dakota. Observing sessions
will incorporate advanced 26-inch and 18-inch Newtonian telescopes provided by
the instructors along with advanced CCD imaging software for data collection and
image manipulation. Observing
sessions will also promote student involvement in active research concerning the
search for near-Earth asteroids.
Course
Objectives:
This
course will provide students with a better and deeper understanding of astronomy
and allow them to work collaboratively to so they will be actively involved in
their own learning. Direct
engagement by the instructors with the students may develop an interest in
astronomy and physics that might lead to additional students in the Physics
Department and possibly a career choice.
Teaching Methodology:
Topics in this
course will be investigated through discussion sessions, Power Point lecture
presentations, demonstrations, group activities, and guest speakers.
Course
Outline: The following outline is tentative;
content may change to meet student interest brought out in discussion.
2.
The
Solar System and its origin; focusing on meteors, comets,
asteroids, Oort Cloud, and Kuiper Belt
3.
Stellar
astronomy: multiple star systems and variable stars
4.
Galactic
astronomy: classification, structure, and origin of
galaxies
5.
The
Universe and modern cosmology
Note:
Messier Marathon on or near March 16th!
Course sponsored in part by South Dakota Space Grant Consortium