Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Surveys astronomy to include historical development of the universe, earth as a planet, earth’s moon, planets of the solar system, the sun, stars and galaxies. Includes weekly lab. Prerequisite: WR 115, RD 115 and MTH 65 or equivalent placement test scores. Audit available. Additional course description, including outcomes, themes, and topics to be covered can be found on the course content outcome guide.

To do well in this class you primarily need to be engaged in making sense out of some mind-stretching information about the universe. Ask questions in class and in your learning journal. Experiment with different ways of understanding and picturing the universe around you. Consider your classmates’ points of view and notice where you agree or disagree, and why. Do not be intimidated if some of the material is confusing or does not make sense at first, or involves math or physics/astronomy terms that are unfamiliar. To succeed, you do not have to figure it all out. Part of the value of astronomy is in really connecting to the deep mysteries of the cosmos, knowing we will never understand the universe completely. It is important that you stay engaged with the ideas: react to them, notice what you find difficult to understand, ask questions to pinpoint sources of confusion, and write about your thought process in your learning journal.

During the term, will have Classes and/or Labs at the Kendall Planetarium at the Oregon Museum of Science & Industry.  Depending on the weather and schedule, there are possibilities of some observational astronomy.  The instructor will determine and announce the date and time for each outing.  At the beginning of the term each student will be required to sign PCC Agreement Acknowledging Participant Responsibility, Express Assumption of Risk & Release of Liability form.

Before enrolling in the course, ask yourself if you can:
-access computers that meet the minimum technical requirements
-send, receive and attach documents to an email
-navigate computer screens and the Internet easily
-create, save, retrieve and browse for computer files
-download media players, software plug-ins and other free software available on the WebDepending on your course, additional computer skills may be required.
Although specific technical requirements may vary by online course or program, the following general technical requirements are required for the courses.
-Active Email Account
-Current Operating System: Windows or Mac
-Internet Connection: DSL/Cable (recommended)
-Current Internet Browser: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox or Safari
-Word Processing Software: Microsoft Word (recommended)
-Additional Free Software Downloads (as necessary)