| Semester 1, 2020 Online | |
| Short Description: | Astronomy 1 |
| Units : | 1 |
| Faculty or Section : | Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences |
| School or Department : | School of Sciences |
| Student contribution band : | Band 2 |
| ASCED code : | 010303 - Astronomy |
| Grading basis : | Graded |
Staffing
Examiner:
Rationale
This astronomy course is about planetary science, the study of planetary systems. Planetary science is a subject that helps us better understand the Earth, and teaches us how the Earth has formed and evolved, why it is the way it is today, and how our planet will continue to change. Planetary science enables Earth to be placed within the broader context of planets and planetary systems, and helps us appreciate the profound connections between astronomy and life on Earth. This course is especially relevant to physics students wishing to learn astronomy, to climatology students interested in Earth's ancient origins, and to education students planning to teach astronomy or earth science. Nevertheless, the course is open to all, and offers an accessible introduction to how science explains our place in the universe. Students in this course also can make use of Mt Kent Observatory to learn practical skills in observational astronomy and better appreciate the scientific method. The course complements PHY1107 Astronomy 2, an introductory course about the Sun, stars and galaxies.
Synopsis
This astronomy course forms an introduction to planetary science, the study of planetary systems. Astronomy is presented as a way to understand our origins and place in the universe. Some of the scientific and technological tools used in astronomy are then discussed, as a prelude to a review of our knowledge of the planets orbiting our Sun, and extrasolar planets orbiting other stars. Earth is recognised as a small terrestrial world among the many planets orbiting our star and others, and the history of our planetary system is traced from a cloud of gas and dust through to the diversity of large and small worlds we observe today. The course includes discussion of the geology and atmospheres of the terrestrial planets, jovian planet systems, and the interplanetary bodies of our solar system. Extrasolar planet studies are presented as an emerging research field transforming planetary science. Mt Kent Observatory is also made available to students enrolled in this course, to provide an opportunity for learning technical skills in observational astronomy. This course complements PHY1107 Astronomy 2, an introduction to the Sun, the stars and galaxies.
Objectives
On completion of this course students will be able to:
- Comprehend the sky motions of the Sun, Moon, planets & stars;
- Describe the historical basis of our understanding of the solar system;
- Describe astronomical telescopes and observatories;
- Explain the diversity of worlds in our solar system;
- Summarise how our solar system formed;
- Compare the geology of the solar system's terrestrial planets;
- Compare the atmospheres of the solar system's terrestrial planets;
- Compare the solar system's jovian planet systems;
- Compare the solar system's comets and asteroids;
- Examine the role of extrasolar planet studies in planetary science;
- Plan an astronomical observation.
Topics
| Description | Weighting(%) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | The Sky | 10.00 |
| 2. | The Science of Astronomy | 10.00 |
| 3. | Astronomical Observatories | 10.00 |
| 4. | The Solar System | 10.00 |
| 5. | Formation of the Solar System | 10.00 |
| 6. | Geology of the Terrestrial Planets | 10.00 |
| 7. | Atmospheres of the Terrestrial Planets | 10.00 |
| 8. | The Jovian Planet Systems | 10.00 |
| 9. | Interplanetary Bodies | 10.00 |
| 10. | Extrasolar Planets | 10.00 |
Text and materials required to be purchased or accessed
ALL textbooks and materials available to be purchased can be sourced from (unless otherwise stated). (https://omnia.usq.edu.au/textbooks/?year=2020&sem=01&subject1=PHY1101)
Please for alternative purchase options from USQ Bookshop. (https://omnia.usq.edu.au/info/contact/)
(includes Mastering Astronomy and Skygazer Planetarium Software. This book is the set text for both PHY1101 Astronomy 1 and PHY1107 Astronomy 2.)
Reference materials
(ISBN; 978-1259722622, .)
(ISBN-13: 9780495562030 .)
Student workload expectations
| Activity | Hours |
|---|---|
| Computer Managed Assessment | 24.00 |
| Examinations | 2.00 |
| Experiments | 24.00 |
| Private 精东传媒app | 100.00 |
| Tutorials or Electronic Discussion | 24.00 |
Assessment details
| Description | Marks out of | Wtg (%) | Due Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| REPORT | 20 | 20 | 16 Apr 2020 | |
| QUIZ | 20 | 20 | 28 May 2020 | |
| Take Home Exam | 60 | 60 | End S1 | (see note 1) |
Notes
- This will be an open examination. Students will be provided further instruction regarding the exam by their course examiner via 精东传媒appDesk. The examination date will be available via UConnect when the official examination timetable has been released.
Important assessment information
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Attendance requirements:
There are no attendance requirements for this course. However, it is the students' responsibility to study all material provided to them or required to be accessed by them to maximise their chance of meeting the objectives of the course and to be informed of course-related activities and administration. -
Requirements for students to complete each assessment item satisfactorily:
Due to COVID-19 the requirements for S1 2020 are: To satisfactorily complete an individual assessment item a student must achieve at least 50% of the marks for that item.
Requirements after S1 2020:
To satisfactorily complete an assessment item a student must achieve at least 50% of the marks or a grade of at least C. Students do not have to satisfactorily complete each assessment item to be awarded a passing grade in this course. Refer to Statement 4 below for the requirements to receive a passing grade in this course. -
Penalties for late submission of required work:
Students should refer to the Assessment Procedure (point 4.2.4) -
Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course:
Due to COVID-19 the requirements for S1 2020 are: To be assured of receiving a passing grade a student must achieve at least 50% of the total weighted marks available for the course.
Requirements after S1 2020:
To be assured of receiving a passing grade a student must obtain at least 50% of the total weighted marks available for the course (i.e. the Primary Hurdle), and have satisfied the Secondary Hurdle (Supervised), i.e. the end of semester examination by achieving at least 40% of the weighted marks available for that assessment item.
Supplementary assessment may be offered where a student has undertaken all of the required summative assessment items and has passed the Primary Hurdle but failed to satisfy the Secondary Hurdle (Supervised), or has satisfied the Secondary Hurdle (Supervised) but failed to achieve a passing Final Grade by 5% or less of the total weighted Marks.
To be awarded a passing grade for a supplementary assessment item (if applicable), a student must achieve at least 50% of the available marks for the supplementary assessment item as per the Assessment Procedure (point 4.4.2). -
Method used to combine assessment results to attain final grade:
The final grades for students will be assigned on the basis of the aggregate of the weighted marks obtained for each of the summative assessment items in the course. -
Examination information:
Due to COVID-19 the requirements for S1 2020 are: An Open Examination is one in which candidates may have access to any printed or written material and a calculator during the examination
Requirements after S1 2020:
Candidates are allowed access only to specific materials during a Restricted Examination. The only materials that candidates may use in the restricted examination for this course are: writing materials (non-electronic and free from material which could give the student an unfair advantage in the examination); calculators which cannot hold textual information (students must indicate on their examination paper the make and model of any calculator(s) they use during the examination). Students whose first language is not English, may, take an appropriate unmarked non-electronic translation dictionary (but not technical dictionary) into the examination. Dictionaries with any handwritten notes will not be permitted. Translation dictionaries will be subject to perusal and may be removed from the candidate's possession until appropriate disciplinary action is completed if found to contain material that could give the candidate an unfair advantage. -
Examination period when Deferred/Supplementary examinations will be held:
Due to COVID-19 the requirements for S1 2020 are: The details regarding deferred/supplementary examinations will be communicated at a later date
Requirements after S1 2020:
Any Deferred or Supplementary examinations for this course will be held during the next examination. -
精东传媒app Student Policies:
Students should read the USQ policies: Definitions, Assessment and Student Academic Misconduct to avoid actions which might contravene 精东传媒app policies and practices. These policies can be found at .
Assessment notes
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The due date for an assignment is the date by which a student must despatch the assignment to the USQ. The onus is on the student to provide proof of the despatch date, if requested by the Examiner.
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In accordance with 精东传媒app Policy, the Examiner may grant an extension of the due date of an assignment in extenuating circumstances.
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The Faculty will NOT accept submission of assignments by facsimile.
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Students who do not have regular access to postal services or who are otherwise disadvantaged by these regulations may be given special consideration. They should contact the examiner of the course to negotiate such special arrangements.
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In the event that a due date for an assignment falls on a local public holiday in their area, such as a Show holiday, the due date for the assignment will be the next day. Students are to note on the assignment cover the date of the public holiday for the Examiner's convenience.
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Students who, for medical, family/personal, or employment-related reasons, are unable to complete an assignment or to sit for an examination at the scheduled time may apply to defer an assessment in a course. Such a request must be accompanied by appropriate supporting documentation. One of the following temporary grades may be awarded IDS (Incomplete - Deferred Examination; IDM (Incomplete Deferred Make-up); IDB (Incomplete - Both Deferred Examination and Deferred Make-up). Deferred Examination; IDM (Incomplete Deferred Make-up); IDB (Incomplete - Both Deferred Examination and Deferred Make-up).
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Students may be required to provide a copy of assignments submitted for assessment purposes. Such copies should be dispatched to the USQ within 24 hours of receipt of a request to do so.
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Harvard (AGPS) is the referencing system required in this course. Students should use Harvard (AGPS) style in their assignments to format details of the information sources they have cited in their work. The Harvard (AGPS) style to be used is defined by the USQ Library's referencing guide.
Other requirements
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Students will require access to e-mail and internet access to UConnect for this course.