Course Details & Outcomes 
Course Description 
Is there life beyond the Earth? What do we learn from modern day telescopes and satellites? In this course, students will be introduced to the physics of the Universe from scales ranging from our Solar System and extrasolar planets to the origin and fate of the Universe, gaining an 
PHYS1160 Introduction to Astronomy - 2024 Printed: 10/9/2024 | 1 of 10
understanding and appreciation of what is known about the Universe and the techniques scientists use to make discoveries. Students will also gain experience in effectively communicating knowledge to different audiences and in how to separate science fact from science fction. Topics to be covered include: astronomical techniques, history of astronomy across cultures, beginnings of the Universe, formation and evolution of galaxies, origin of life on Earth and search for life elsewhere, stellar structure and evolution, planet formation, black holes, and compact objects. This course has asynchronous lectures and no face-to-face classes. This course is intended primarily as a general education subject with no assumed prior knowledge. Students wishing to proceed on to PHYS2116 and PHYS3116, or with a good prior background in physics and astronomy, may instead wish to take PHYS1116 Astrophysics, which is a more technical version of the subject intended for physics majors and science students. 
Course Aims 
The aim of this course is to give students an introduction to the Universe and the study of astronomy. Topics covered include the Big Bang, galaxy evolution, the formation of stars and planets, and the formation of the Earth. Students will develop their scientifc writing and research skills, and gain exposure to the practice of astronomy. 
Course Learning Outcomes 

Course Learning Outcomes 

CLO1 : Describe key concepts in astronomy and astrobiology, including the formation of stars, planets, and galaxies; the history of life on Earth; and the beginning and ultimate fate of the Universe. 

CLO2 : Synthesise multiple scientifc perspectives to distinguish between scientifc fact and pseudoscience. CLO3 : Search appropriate literature to identify and explain supporting evidence for or against scientifc claims. CLO4 : Justify how, using experimental techniques (such as simple data analysis), astrophysical phenomena can be observed and used to demonstrate our understanding of the Universe. CLO5 : Communicate concepts in astronomy accurately in written and verbal forms and at an appropriate level for general audiences. 

CLO3 : Search appropriate literature to identify and explain supporting evidence for or against scientifc claims. 

CLO4 : Justify how, using experimental techniques (such as simple data analysis), astrophysical phenomena can be observed and used to demonstrate our understanding of the Universe.

 CLO5 : Communicate concepts in astronomy accurately in written and verbal forms and at an appropriate level for general audiences. 

CLO1 : Describe key concepts in astronomy and astrobiology, including the formation of stars, planets, and galaxies; the history of life on Earth; and the beginning and ultimate fate of the Universe. • Weekly Quizzes • Short Report • Project on 'Astronomy Picture of the Day' (APOD) • Experiment 

CLO2 : Synthesise multiple scientifc perspectives to distinguish between scientifc fact and pseudoscience. • Short Report 

CLO3 : Search appropriate literature to identify and explain supporting evidence for or against scientifc claims. • Project on 'Astronomy Picture of the Day' (APOD) • Short Report 

CLO4 : Justify how, using experimental techniques (such as simple data analysis), astrophysical phenomena can be observed and used to demonstrate our understanding of the Universe. • Experiment 

CLO5 : Communicate concepts in astronomy accurately in written and verbal forms and at an appropriate level for general audiences. • Project on 'Astronomy Picture of the Day' (APOD)