Astronomy and Astrophysics (ASTR) 210
Introduction to Astronomy and Astrophysics (Revision 1)
Delivery Mode: Individualized study with a home lab component. This course is charged a lab fee.
Credits: 3
Area of Study: Science
Prerequisite: None
Precluded Course: ASTR 200 or SCIE 280 (ASTR 210 may not be taken for credit if credit has already been obtained for ASTR 200 or SCIE 280.)
Faculty: Faculty of Science & Technology
ASTR 210 has a Challenge for Credit option.
Overview
ASTR 210 is a course on modern astronomy and astrophysics for the student with some background in science. The course presents and discusses the physical laws responsible for a variety of astronomical and astrophysical phenomena. Laboratory exercises emphasize the scientific techniques of astronomy and other sciences.
ASTR 210 is meant as a second astronomy course. ASTR 205 or equivalent is suggested for beginning students of astronomy. Those needing six credits of introductory astronomy may enrol in both courses in the sequence ASTR 205, ASTR 210.
Outline
- Unit 1: Humanity and the Cosmos
- Unit 2: Tools of the Astronomer
- Unit 3: The Solar System
- Unit 4: Stars and Their Properties
- Unit 5: Galaxies and Cosmology
Evaluation
To receive credit for ASTR 210, you must achieve a course composite mark of at least a D (50 percent) and a grade of at least 50 percent on the final examination and laboratory exercises. The weighting of the composite mark is as follows:
| Activity | Weighting |
|---|---|
| 5 Quizzes (3% each) | 15% |
| Lab Exercise 1 | 5% |
| Lab Exercise 2 | 10% |
| Lab Exercise 3 | 10% |
| Lab Exercise 4 | 10% |
| Lab Exercise 5 | 10% |
| Final Exam | 40% |
| Total | 100% |
The final examination for this course must be taken online with an AU-approved exam invigilator at an approved invigilation centre. It is your responsibility to ensure your chosen invigilation centre can accommodate online exams. For a list of invigilators who can accommodate online exams, visit the Exam Invigilation Network.
To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University's online Calendar.
Course Materials
Textbook
Freedman, R. A, and W. J. Kaufmann III. Universe, 8th ed. New York: W. H. Freeman, 2007.
Software
Astronomy 210: Laboratory Tools (CD). Athabasca, AB: Athabasca University, 2007.
Other Materials
The course materials also include a student manual, study guide, laboratory manual, and forms.
Challenge for Credit Course Overview
The Challenge for Credit process allows students to demonstrate that they have acquired a command of the general subject matter, knowledge, and intellectual and/or other skills that would normally be found in a university level course.
Full information for the Challenge for Credit can be found in the Undergraduate Calendar.
- Undergraduate Challenge for Credit Policy
- Undergraduate Challenge for Credit Procedures
Challenge Evaluation
To receive credit for the ASTR 210 challenge registration, you must achieve a grade of at least “C-” (60 percent) on the examination.
Paper Exam (3 hours)
Undergraduate Challenge for Credit Course Registration Form
Athabasca University reserves the right to amend course outlines occasionally and without notice. Courses offered by other delivery methods may vary from their individualized-study counterparts.
Opened in Revision 1, November 22, 2007.
Updated February 13 2019 by Student & Academic Services