 |
Nick StrobelProfessor, |
| Personal Information | Contact Information | Current Classes | BC Homepage | Physical Science Dept. |
|
Nick StrobelProfessor, |
| Personal Information | Contact Information | Current Classes | BC Homepage | Physical Science Dept. |
| BS -- Astronomy and Physics (double major) -- University of Arizona 1987 |
| MS -- Astronomy -- University of Washington 1990 |
| PhD -- Astronomy -- University of Washington 1995 |
| Computer programmer/research assistant -- Speckle Interferometry group Univ. AZ -- 1985 - 1988 |
| Married to Lisa Strobel -- 1989 - present |
| Research assistant -- Univ. of WA -- 1990 - 1995 |
| Teaching assistant (astronomy) -- Univ. of WA -- 1988 - 1995 |
| Professor, physical science -- Bakersfield College -- 1996 - present |
| Planetarium director -- Bakersfield College -- 1996 - present |
Office
|
 |
Astronomy 1 - Elementary Astronomy (3 units)
Introductory college-level course emphasizing the fundamental observations
and the underlying physical principles in scientific models of astronomy. Among
topics included: the motions, properties, and evolution of the Sun, planets,
stars, galaxies, and universe; the properties of electromagnetic radiation;
atomic structure; and astronomical instruments. Prerequisite: Reading Level 1 (College level reading).
Recommended: Math A (first semester algebra) with grade “C” or
equivalent.
Hours: (54) 3 lecture. Offered: F, S. CCS: Liberal Arts
& Sciences. Transferable: UC, CSU and private colleges.
This is a college-level survey of the Universe, from the everyday observations we make of the sky (and what they mean) to our ideas about the inner workings (physics) of the planets, stars, galaxies and overall characteristics of the Universe. Throughout the course we examine the process and philosophy of science from the astronomical perspective. A few constellations may be learned but the focus of the course is how things work and how we know. This is NOT a course in astrology!
Modern astronomy is mostly a "physics of the cosmos"—how things work and how we know. Astronomy is a visually beautiful and intellectually stimulating subject. We live in a beautiful universe on a gorgeous planet. Understanding how it became the way it is and how the parts interact with each other enriches and deepens our appreciation for the artistry around us. It is my hope that you will take the time and spend the effort to learn how our universe works.
I teach this course in three formats: regular face-to-face lecture, ITV, and over the internet. Select this link to go to the astronomy class homepage where links to the current syllabi and class calendars can be found for the astronomy courses. I wrote the text Astronomy Notes for the face-to-face lecture, internet, and ITV astronomy sections I teach. The main content is available on-line, but the in-class assignments and skywatch project are available in the hardcopy version. Select this link to the online textbook if you are not in the class website environment (you do not see any navigation icons at the top of the window).
Select the planetarium link to find out more about the William M Thomas Planetarium (the link will appear in a new window). The astronomy classes are taught in the Planetarium and several thousand K12 school children visit the planetarium every year.
last updated: January 9, 2007