This course is approved by the Kansas Board of Regents for guaranteed transfer among all Kansas Regents public postsecondary institutions. Additional courses may also be eligible for transfer. Please visit a JCCC counselor or the JCCC Registrar's office, and the Transfer Kansas portal to learn more.
Courses
ASTR 120 Fundamentals of Astronomy (3 Hours)
This course is a study of the universe from the earth, moon and planets to the stars and the most distant galaxies. Topics include black holes, quasars, and the origin of the universe and the possibility of life on other planets. Current astronomical discoveries are discussed in class as they occur. Access to astronomical websites is available to students in this course. 3 hrs. lecture/wk.
ASTR 122 Astronomy (4 Hours)
This course is a study of the universe from the Earth, moon and planets to the stars and the most distant galaxies. Topics include black holes, quasars, and the origin of the universe and the possibility of life on other planets. Current astronomical discoveries are discussed in class as they occur. Access to astronomical websites is available to students in this course. 3 hrs. lecture, 3 hrs. lab/wk., 5 nighttime telescope sessions are required.
ASTR 291 Independent Study* (1-7 Hour)
Prerequisites : 2.0 GPA minimum and department approval.
Independent study is a directed, structured learning experience offered as an extension of the regular curriculum. It is intended to allow individual students to broaden their comprehension of the principles of and competencies associated with the discipline or program. Its purpose is to supplement existing courses with individualized, in-depth learning experiences. Such learning experiences may be undertaken independent of the traditional classroom setting, but will be appropriately directed and supervised by regular instructional staff. Total contact hours vary based on the learning experience.
ASTR 120
- Title: Fundamentals of Astronomy
- Number: ASTR 120
- Effective Term: 2025-26
- Credit Hours: 3
- Contact Hours: 3
- Lecture Hours: 3
Description:
This course is a study of the universe from the earth, moon and planets to the stars and the most distant galaxies. Topics include black holes, quasars, and the origin of the universe and the possibility of life on other planets. Current astronomical discoveries are discussed in class as they occur. Access to astronomical websites is available to students in this course. 3 hrs. lecture/wk.
Textbooks:
http://bookstore.jccc.edu/Supplies:
Refer to the instructor's course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.Objectives
-
Locate, identify, and predict the characteristics of celestial objects.
-
Explain the scientific method and its importance for individuals and societies.
-
Discuss the major contributions to astronomy made by scientists and mathematicians throughout history.
-
Discuss the formation and evolution of planets, stars, galaxies, and our Universe in terms of the appropriate scientific models.
-
Generate and communicate conclusions based on data and analysis of observation.
-
Interpret astronomical observations and demonstrate critical thinking and basic problem solving skills.
-
Explain and critique science as presented in the media.
Content Outline and Competencies:
I. Observing the Universe Through the Sky Around Us
A. Employ celestial coordinates for determining the positions of objects in the sky.
B. Identify constellations in the sky.
C. Compare the motions of the Sun, Moon, planets and stars in our sky.
D. Explain how seasons on Earth are determined.
E. Recognize the various phases of the Moon.
F. Explain the conditions necessary for a lunar eclipse and a solar eclipse.
II. History of Astronomy
A. Give examples of ancient astronomical observations.
B. Contrast the geocentric and the heliocentric views of the Universe.
C. Summarize the contributions made to astronomy by Copernicus, Brahe, Kepler, Galileo and Newton in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries.
D. Describe Kepler’s Three Laws of Planetary Motion.
E. Identify the main characteristics of the elliptical motion of planets.
F. Describe the effects of Galileo’s telescopic observations on the existing view of the Universe.
G. Describe Newton’s Laws of Motion and his Law of Gravitation.
III. The Solar System
A. Name the various types of celestial bodies in our solar system and describe their general physical and orbital features.
B. Compare and contrast the physical characteristics of terrestrial and Jovian planets.
C. Identify the major spacecraft involved in the exploration of each planet.
D. Explain the causes and effects of tidal forces.
E. Explain the currently accepted theory of the origin of our moon.
F. Describe the distinguishing features of each of the planets and their major moons, minor bodies, and the current theories regarding their origins.
G. Summarize the discoveries of the planets Uranus, Neptune and Pluto.
H. Explain the currently accepted theory of planetary system formation.
I. Describe methods for finding exoplanets and techniques for measuring their physical and orbital properties.
IV. Light and Telescopes
A. Identify and rank domains of the electromagnetic spectrum with respect to wavelength, frequency and photon energy.
B. Identify and describe the particle-like and wave-like characteristics of light.
C. Explain the Doppler effect for light and how the radial velocity of a celestial object is determined using its measured Doppler shift.
D. Describe the origin of line spectra and how they are used to determine composition and speed.
E. Describe Max Plank’s theory of blackbody radiation and how to obtain temperature from a blackbody spectrum.
F. Describe the inverse-square law for light.
G. Explain the concepts of focal length, magnification, resolving power, and light gathering power as they apply to telescopes.
H. Explain how modern tools and technologies are used to observe and study the Universe today.
V. The Sun and the Stars
A. Identify the different layers of the Sun and stars.
B. Explain the behavior and cause of the Sun’s sunspot cycle.
C. Describe the nuclear fusion processes responsible for stellar energy production.
D. Describe space weather and its various effects here on Earth.
E. Explain how the following are used to determine distances to stars:
1. stellar parallax
2. spectroscopic parallax
3. period-luminosity relationship for Cepheid variable stars
F. Describe and contrast the two methods of measuring a star's brightness:
1. Absolute magnitude
2. Apparent magnitude
G. List the spectral classes of stars and the characteristic color and temperature of each class.
H. Construct an HR Diagram and describe its use.
I. Explain the importance of stars in binary systems for determining stellar masses.
J. Explain the relation between a star’s mass, its lifetime, and its location on the main sequence.
K. Compare and contrast open clusters versus globular clusters of stars.
L. Analyze the role of interstellar materials in the formation of stars.
M. Describe the formation and evolution of stars.
N. Distinguish between evolutionary outcomes of high-mass stars and low-mass stars.
O. Describe the features and dynamics of a white dwarf, a neutron star and a black hole.
P. Summarize the processes that cause the following types of stellar explosions:
1. recurrent (dwarf) nova
2. type Ia supernova
3. type II supernova
VI. Galaxies and Beyond
A. Discuss the process of discovering the size and shape of our galaxy.
B. Name the various regions of our galaxy and locate the Sun’s position in it.
C. Describe the content and types of activity present in the various regions of our galaxy.
D. Estimate the amount of matter in our galaxy.
E. Describe the content and shape of the four types of galaxies: spirals, barred spirals, ellipticals and irregulars.
F. Explain Hubble’s Law in connection with the expansion of the Universe.
G. Discuss the evidence for dark matter and dark energy and their apparent influences on galaxies and the Universe.
H. Describe the features of active galactic nuclei.
I. Describe the major influences that are believed to play roles in the birth and evolution of galaxies.
J. List the assumptions contained in the cosmological principles.
K. Discuss the factors to be considered in determining the age of the Universe.
L. Explain the concepts of a bound universe and an unbound universe.
M. Describe the Inflationary Big Bang Theory and compare it to alternative scientific theories of the origin of the Universe.
VII. Science and the Media
A. Summarize current findings and discoveries in the fields of Astronomy, Astrophysics and Space Flight.
B. Discriminate between scientific reporting and pseudoscience-based opinion writing.
C. Justify the importance of having basic scientific literacy in modern society.
Method of Evaluation and Competencies:
Graded work for the course will include homework, tests, quizzes, written assignments, and a cumulative final exam.
30-50% Tests
30-50% Assignments
10-20% Final Exam
Total: 100%
Grade Criteria:
90 - 100% = A80 - 89% = B
70 - 79% = C
60 - 69% = D
0 - 59% = F
Caveats:
Students will need basic word processing and Internet searching skills for the completion of some papers, exercises and projects.
Student Responsibilities:
Disabilities:
JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you are a student with a disability and if you are in need of accommodations or services, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services and make a formal request. To schedule an appointment with an Access Advisor or for additional information, you may send an email or call Access Services at (913)469-3521. Access Services is located on the 2nd floor of the Student Center (SC 202).
ASTR 122
- Title: Astronomy
- Number: ASTR 122
- Effective Term: 2025-26
- Credit Hours: 4
- Contact Hours: 6
- Lecture Hours: 3
- Lab Hours: 3
Description:
This course is a study of the universe from the Earth, moon and planets to the stars and the most distant galaxies. Topics include black holes, quasars, and the origin of the universe and the possibility of life on other planets. Current astronomical discoveries are discussed in class as they occur. Access to astronomical websites is available to students in this course. 3 hrs. lecture, 3 hrs. lab/wk., 5 nighttime telescope sessions are required.
Textbooks:
http://bookstore.jccc.edu/Supplies:
Refer to the instructor's course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.Objectives
-
Locate, identify, and predict the characteristics of celestial objects.
-
Explain the scientific method and its importance for individuals and societies.
-
Discuss the major contributions to astronomy made by scientists and mathematicians throughout history.
-
Effectively utilize the analytical and observational tools of astronomy.
-
Describe the formation and evolution of planets, stars, galaxies, and the Universe using appropriate scientific models.
-
Generate and communicate conclusions based on data and analysis of observation.
-
Interpret astronomical observations and demonstrate critical thinking and basic problem-solving skills.
-
Explain and critique science as presented in the media.
Content Outline and Competencies:
I. Observing the Universe Through the Sky Around Us
A. Employ celestial coordinates to determine the positions of objects in the sky.
B. Identify constellations in the sky.
C. Compare the motions of the Sun, Moon, planets, and stars in our sky.
D. Explain how seasons on Earth are determined.
E. Recognize the various phases of the Moon.
F. Demonstrate the relationship between the position of the Sun and Moon, time of day, and phase of the Moon.
G. Explain the conditions necessary for a lunar eclipse and a solar eclipse.
II. History of Astronomy
A. Give examples of ancient astronomical observations.
B. Contrast the geocentric and the heliocentric views of the Universe.
C. Summarize the contributions made to astronomy by Copernicus, Brahe, Kepler, Galileo and Newton in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries.
D. Describe Kepler’s Three Laws of Planetary Motion.
E. Identify the main characteristics of the elliptical motion of planets.
F. Calculate orbital period and average orbital radius using Kepler's Third Law of Planetary Motion.
G. Calculate the eccentricity of an elliptical orbit.
H. Describe the effects of Galileo’s telescopic observations on the existing view of the universe.
I. Describe Newton’s Laws of Motion and his Law of Gravitation.
J. Calculate the mass of a celestial body using Newton's and Kepler's laws.
III. The Solar System
A. Name and describe the various types of celestial bodies in our solar system and describe their general physical and orbital features.
B. Compare and contrast the physical characteristics of terrestrial and Jovian planets.
C. Identify the major spacecraft involved in the exploration of each planet.
D. Explain the causes and effects of tidal forces.
E. Explain the currently accepted theory of the origin of our moon.
F. Describe the distinguishing features of each of the planets, major moons, and minor bodies and the current theories regarding their origins.
G. Summarize the discoveries of the planets Uranus, Neptune and Pluto.
H. Explain the currently accepted theory of planetary system formation.
I. Describe methods for finding exoplanets and techniques for measuring their physical and orbital properties.
IV. Light and Telescopes
A. Identify and rank domains of the electromagnetic spectrum with respect to wavelength, frequency and photon energy.
B. Identify and describe the particle-like and wave-like characteristics of light.
C. Explain the Doppler effect for light.
D. Calculate the radial velocity of a celestial object using its measured Doppler shift.
E. Describe the origin of line spectra and use it to determine composition.
F. Describe Max Plank’s theory of blackbody radiation.
G. Calculate a blackbody's temperature from analysis of its spectrum.
H. Describe and use the inverse-square law formulas for light.
I. Calculate the objective and eyepiece focal lengths, and magnification power of a telescope.
J. Compute the resolving power of a telescope given its diameter.
K. Compare the light gathering power of two telescopes of different diameters.
L. Explain how modern tools and technologies are used to observe and study the Universe today.
V. The Sun and the Stars
A. Identify the different layers of the Sun and stars.
B. Explain the behavior and cause of the sun’s sunspot cycle.
C. Describe the nuclear fusion processes responsible for stellar energy production.
D. Describe space weather and its various effects here on Earth.
E. Utilize the following methods to calculate the distances to stars:
1. stellar parallax
2. spectroscopic parallax
3. period-luminosity relationship for Cepheid variable stars
F. Describe and contrast the two methods of specifying a star's brightness:
1. absolute magnitude
2. apparent magnitude
G. List the spectral classes of stars and the characteristic color and temperature of each class.
H. Construct an HR Diagram and describe its use.
I. Compute the masses of stars in binary systems.
J. Explain the relation between a star’s mass, lifetime, and its location on the main sequence.
K. Compare and contrast open clusters versus globular clusters of stars.
L. Analyze the role of interstellar materials in the formation of stars.
M. Describe the formation and evolution of stars.
N. Distinguish between evolutionary outcomes of high mass stars and low mass stars.
O. Describe the features and dynamics of a white dwarf, a neutron star and a black hole.
P. Summarize the processes that cause the following types of stellar explosions:
1. recurrent (dwarf) nova
2. type Ia supernova
3. type II supernova
VI. Galaxies and Beyond
A. Discuss the process of discovering the size and shape of our galaxy.
B. Name the various regions of our galaxy and locate the Sun’s position in it.
C. Describe the content and types of activity present in the various regions of our galaxy.
D. Estimate the amount of matter in our galaxy.
E. Describe the content and shape of the four types of galaxies: spirals, barred spirals, ellipticals and irregulars.
F. Explain Hubble’s Law in connection with the expansion of the universe.
G. Calculate the distance to galaxies beyond our Local Group using Hubble's Law.
H. Discuss the evidence for dark matter and dark energy and their apparent influences on galaxies and the Universe.
I. Describe the features of active galactic nuclei.
J. Describe the major influences that are believed to play roles in the birth and evolution of galaxies.
K. List the assumptions contained in the cosmological principles.
L. Discuss the factors to be considered in determining the age of the Universe.
M. Explain the concepts of a bound universe and an unbound universe.
N. Describe the currently accepted model for the evolution of the Early Universe and compare it to alternative scientific models.
VII. Science and the Media
A. Summarize current findings and discoveries in the fields of astronomy, astrophysics and space science.
B. Discriminate between scientific reporting and pseudoscience-based opinion writing.
C. Justify the importance of having basic scientific literacy in modern society.
Method of Evaluation and Competencies:
30-50% Tests
20-30% Assignments
10-30% Laboratory and Observation
10-20% Final Exam
Total: 100%
Grade Criteria:
90 - 100% = A80 - 89% = B
70 - 79% = C
60 - 69% = D
0 - 59% = F
Caveats:
- There will be five evening observation sessions.
- Students will need basic word processing and Internet searching skills for the completion of some papers, exercises and projects.
Student Responsibilities:
Disabilities:
JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you are a student with a disability and if you are in need of accommodations or services, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services and make a formal request. To schedule an appointment with an Access Advisor or for additional information, you may send an email or call Access Services at (913)469-3521. Access Services is located on the 2nd floor of the Student Center (SC 202).