NAT161 - Astronomy: Explore the Night Sky

Subject Title
Astronomy: Explore the Night Sky

Subject Description
The night sky has been a source of fascination for people of all ages for millennia.  This introductory subject provides the basic tools for locating, viewing and understanding the nature of many fascinating celestial objects including the moon, planets, and stars as well as transient phenomena such as comets and meteor showers. Students will develop a true understanding of the "Big Bang" theory. The course also includes discussions of the features, use and selection of telescopes and binoculars to help individuals consider which is best suited for their interests. 

Credit Status
One General Education elective credit in the Sciences and Social Sciences category for Seneca Diploma programs.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

• Identify and locate bright planets visible in the night sky.
• Recognize basic constellations in the local night sky.
• Explain in verbal and written form current understanding of celestial phenomena and events in the night sky.
• Explain the effect of Space Weather on the Earth, on astronauts and the solar system.
• Demonstrate successful use of a telescope by pointing, focusing and operating.
• Categorize the life and death stages of stars. 
• Criticize the demotion of Pluto.
• Differentiate between Astronomy and Astrology.
• Appraise astronomy falsehoods in popular movies and TV.
• Predict exciting night sky events such as meteor showers, comets and satellite passes.

Essential Employability Skills

    •  Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken and visual form that fulfils the purpose and meets the needs of the audience.

    •  Respond to written, spoken, or visual messages in a manner that ensures effective communication.

    •  Execute mathematical operations accurately.

    •  Apply a systematic approach to solve problems.

    •  Use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve problems.

    •  Manage the use of time and other resources to complete projects.

    •  Take responsibility for one's own actions, decisions, and consequences.

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.