Course Specifications

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Course Title: Computer Application in Astronomy Course Code: ASTR 304

Program: ASTR-MATH

Department: Astronomy

College: Science

Institution: King AbdulAziz University

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A. Course Identification

1. Credit hours:

2. Course type

a. ^University ^College ^Department  ^Others

b. Required  ^Elective

3. Level/year at which this course is offered: 5th Level / 3rd Year 4. Pre-requisites for this course (if any): ASTR 202, PHYS 202

5. Co-requisites for this course (if any): None

6. Mode of Instruction (mark all that apply)

No Mode of Instruction Contact Hours Percentage

1 Traditional classroom 3 100%

2 Blended

3 E-learning 4 Correspondence

5 Other

7. Actual Learning Hours (based on academic semester)

No Activity Learning Hours

Contact Hours

1 Lecture 30

2 Laboratory/Studio 15

3 Tutorial

4 Others (specify)

Total 45

Other Learning Hours*

1 Study 60 (minimum)

2 Assignments

3 Library

4 Projects/Research Essays/Theses

5 Others (Lab. report + exercises) 30

Total 90

* The length of time that a learner takes to complete learning activities that lead to achievement of course learning outcomes, such as study time, homework assignments, projects, preparing presentations, library times

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B. Course Objectives and Learning Outcomes

1. Course Description

This course contains the following subjects: An introduction to the basic principles of programming using the BASIC language. Applications to astronomy (Sunrise, Sunset, Twilight calculations, determining the starting of months at different calendars, search and determination of periodicity. Finding the paths of the planets, commits, and artificial satellites. Determination of Makkah. Determination of the effect of the atmospheric refraction on celestial objects coordinates energy curves of stars, other application).

2. Course Main Objective

Train the students in acquiring computer skills and techniques to address astronomical issues

3. Course Learning Outcomes

CLOs Aligned

PLOs 1 Knowledge:

1.1 Define the basics of Mathematica language. K9

1.2 Describe the structure of a Mathematica code. K9

1.3 List some functions and commands of Mathematica language. K1, K9 2 Skills :

2.1 Explain how to use Mathematica language in solving astronomy and physics problem.

S5, S6, S11 2.2 Use computer language to assist in the solution of physical problems S5, S9 2.3 Write and present a report on solving one of astronomical problem that

solved using a Mathematica code.

S12, S13 2.4 Use the computer software to collect data and images from telescope. S1, S9, S14

3 Competence:

3.1 Work in a group or individual through building a Mathematica code C1, C3, C4

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5 Hours

1

An introduction to Mathematica: Part I.

Lab. 1: Mathematica Syntax: basics

Lab. 2: Mathematica Syntax: Functions and operators

9

2

An introduction to Mathematica: Part II.

Lab. 3: Mathematica Syntax: Manipulation of lists Lab. 4: Mathematica Syntax: Loops

9

3

Application in Astronomy (1): sunrise, sunset, twilight calculations – determination the starting months at different calendars – Qiblah direction – astronomical calendars.

Lab. 5: Mathematica Syntax: visualization Lab. 6: Calculating prayer times I

Lab. 7: Calculating prayer times II

Lab. 8: Calculating moonset and the starting of lunar months

9

4

Application in Astronomy (2): finding the paths of the planets, comets and artificial satellites.

Lab. 9: Determining Qibla direction for a set of cities Lab. 10: Calculation of the orbital elements

Lab. 11: Determining the orbit of a planet

9

5

Application in Astronomy (3): determination of the effect of the Earth atmosphere on studying the celestial objects.

Lab. 12: Determining the path of a comet

Lab. 13: Determining the orbit of an artificial satellite I Lab. 14: Determining the orbit of an artificial satellite II

9

Total 45

D. Teaching and Assessment

1. Alignment of Course Learning Outcomes with Teaching Strategies and Assessment Methods

Code Course Learning Outcomes Teaching Strategies Assessment Methods 1.0 Knowledge

1.1 Define the basics of Mathematica Presentation &

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Code Course Learning Outcomes Teaching Strategies Assessment Methods language.

computer training Exams 1.2 Describe the structure of a

Mathematica code.

1.3 List some functions and commands of Mathematica language.

2.0 Skills

2.1 Explain how to use Mathematica language in solving astronomy and physics problem.

Lectures notes, handouts

Exams 2.2 Use computer language to assist in

the solution of physical problems 2.3 Write and present a report on solving

one of astronomical problem that solved using a Mathematica code.

Write and present a report on solving one of astronomical problem that

solved using a Mathematica code. Oral discussion, lab. Report & Lab. exam 2.4 Use the computer software to collect

data and images from telescope.

3.0 Competence

3.1 Work in a group or individual through

building a Mathematica code Group discussion, lab. Report & Lab. exam

2. Assessment Tasks for Students

# *Assessment task Week Due Percentage of Total

Assessment Score

1 Exam 1 4th 15%

2 Exam 2 10th 20%

4 Lab Exam 13th 15%

5 Reports 4^th, 8^th,12th 10%

6 Final Exam 15th 40%

*Assessment task (i.e., written test, oral test, oral presentation, group project, essay, etc.)

E. Student Academic Counseling and Support

Arrangements for availability of faculty and teaching staff for individual student consultations and academic advice :

Office hours: 3 hours per week

F. Learning Resources and Facilities

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7 Materials

Cambridge University Press, 1991.

Astronomy on the Personal Computer: 2000. 4th. edition. T. Pfleger.

Springer ,Germany.

Electronic Materials http://www.wolfram.com/

Other Learning Materials

Mathematica software

2. Facilities Required

Item Resources

Accommodation

) Classrooms, laboratories, demonstration

rooms/labs, etc (.

Class room with 15 seats, Computer Lab Technology Resources

) AV, data show, Smart Board, software,

etc (.

Data show Other Resources

) Specify, e.g. if specific laboratory equipment is required, list requirements or

attach a list (

G. Course Quality Evaluation

Evaluation

Areas/Issues Evaluators Evaluation Methods

Course contents Students Course evaluation questionnaire

(Direct) Learning resources and

equipment Students Student experience questionnaire

(Direct) Effectiveness of teaching and

assessment Students Student experience questionnaire

(Direct) Course contents and

materials Faculty members By department council discussion

(Indirect)

Evaluation areas (e.g., Effectiveness of teaching and assessment, Extent of achievement of course learning outcomes, Quality of learning resources, etc.)

Evaluators (Students, Faculty, Program Leaders, Peer Reviewer, Others (specify) Assessment Methods (Direct, Indirect)

H. Specification Approval Data

Council / Committee Reference No.

Date September 2017