Foundation Astronomy FA100

Following are the detailed course outlines of Foundation Astronomy FA100 –

Week 1

• Introduction to astronomy:
  • What is astronomy?
  • The history of astronomy
  • The scientific method
• The solar system:
  • The Sun
  • The planets
  • Moons, comets, and asteroids

Week 2

• Stars:
  • What are stars?
  • The life cycle of a star
  • Stellar classification
• Binary stars and star clusters

Week 3

• Galaxies:
  • What are galaxies?
  • Types of galaxies
  • The Milky Way galaxy

Week 4

• Cosmology:
  • The origin and evolution of the universe
  • The Big Bang
  • Dark matter and dark energy

Week 5

• Current events in astronomy
• Astronomy research projects

Week 6

• Course review and final exam

In addition to the lectures and activities listed above, the course could also include:

• Introduction to online observatories or planetariums
• Guest speakers from the astronomy community
• Hands-on activities, such as building a telescope or observing the night sky

The course would be assessed through a combination of quizzes, homework assignments, and projects.

Here is the tentative schedule for the six-week Foundation Astronomy FA100 course:

Week 1

• Monday: Introduction to astronomy
• Tuesday: The solar system
• Wednesday: The solar system (continued)
• Thursday: Videos and Quiz
• Friday: Homework assignment due

Week 2

• Monday: Stars
• Tuesday: The life cycle of a star
• Wednesday: Stellar classification
• Thursday: Binary stars and star clusters
• Friday: Homework assignment due

Week 3

• Monday: Galaxies
• Tuesday: Types of galaxies
• Wednesday: The Milky Way galaxy
• Thursday: Exam 1
• Friday: Homework assignment due

Week 4

• Monday: Cosmology
• Tuesday: The origin and evolution of the universe
• Wednesday: The Big Bang
• Thursday: Dark matter and dark energy
• Friday: Homework assignment due

Week 5

• Monday: Current events in astronomy
• Tuesday: Guest speaker from the astronomy community
• Wednesday: Astronomy research projects
• Thursday: Quiz on Weeks 4-5
• Friday: Homework assignment due

Week 6

• Monday: Course review
• Tuesday: Final exam

Assessment and Grading:
– Weekly quizzes (40% of final grade)
– Observation assignments (30% of final grade)
– Participation in discussion forums (10% of final grade)
– Final project (20% of final grade) – A research or observation project on a topic of your choice related to astronomy.