http://www.merlot.org:80/merlot/ A search of MERLOT materials Copyright 1997-2013 MERLOT. All rights reserved. Sat, 25 May 2013 10:14:11 PDT Sat, 25 May 2013 10:14:11 PDT http://www.merlot.org:80/merlot/images/merlot.gif http://www.merlot.org:80/merlot/ 44 34 http://www.merlot.org/merlot/viewMaterial.htm?id=379184 The University of California, Irvine Extension, supported by generous grants from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation and The Boeing Company, is developing online courses to prepare science and mathematics teachers for the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET). This module is part of the preparation for CSET Science Subtest I. It covers fifteen (15) topics in Astronomy: 1. The Stars 2. Phases of the Moon 3. The Solar System 4. Formation of the Solar System 5. Astronomical Distance Measurement 6. Evidence for Planets Around Other Stars 7. Characteristics of Galaxies 8. Our Place in the Milky Way 9. Star Color, Temperature, Size, and Luminosity 10. Fusion in Stars 11. Stellar Balance and Evolution 12. Distinguishing Stars from Planets 13. Accelerators in Astronomical Research 14. Astronomical Instruments 15. Additional Material http://www.merlot.org/merlot/viewMaterial.htm?id=555633 This course covers the fundamentals of astrodynamics, focusing on the two-body orbital initial-value and boundary-value problems with applications to space vehicle navigation and guidance for lunar and planetary missions, including both powered flight and midcourse maneuvers. Other topics include celestial mechanics, Kepler's problem, Lambert's problem, orbit determination, multi-body methods, mission planning, and recursive algorithms for space navigation. Selected applications from the Apollo, Space Shuttle, and Mars exploration programs are also discussed. http://www.merlot.org/merlot/viewMaterial.htm?id=554705 Space Propulsion begins with a review of rocket propulsion fundamentals. The course then proceeds into advanced propulsion concepts, ranging from chemical to electrical engines. Propulsion system selection criteria and mission analysis are introduced. The bulk of the semester is devoted to the physics and engineering of various engine classes, including electrothermal, electrostatic and electro-magnetic. Specific topics include arcjets, ion engines, Hall thrusters and colloid thrusters. http://www.merlot.org/merlot/viewMaterial.htm?id=554856 This class is an introduction to classical mechanics for students who are comfortable with calculus. The main topics are: Vectors, Kinematics, Forces, Motion, Momentum, Energy, Angular Motion, Angular Momentum, Gravity, Planetary Motion, Moving Frames, and the Motion of Rigid Bodies. http://www.merlot.org/merlot/viewMaterial.htm?id=554950 Study of physical effects in the vicinity of a black hole as a basis for understanding general relativity, astrophysics, and elements of cosmology. Extension to current developments in theory and observation. Energy and momentum in flat spacetime; the metric; curvature of spacetime near rotating and nonrotating centers of attraction; trajectories and orbits of particles and light; elementary models of the Cosmos. Weekly meetings include an evening seminar and recitation. The last third of the semester is reserved for collaborative research projects on topics such as the Global Positioning System, solar system tests of relativity, descending into a black hole, gravitational lensing, gravitational waves, Gravity Probe B, and more advanced models of the Cosmos. http://www.merlot.org/merlot/viewMaterial.htm?id=554629 Introduction to Astronomy provides a quantitative introduction to the physics of the solar system, stars, the interstellar medium, the galaxy, and the universe, as determined from a variety of astronomical observations and models. http://www.merlot.org/merlot/viewMaterial.htm?id=554765 This course provides a graduate-level introduction to stellar astrophysics. It covers a variety of topics, ranging from stellar structure and evolution to galactic dynamics and dark matter. http://www.merlot.org/merlot/viewMaterial.htm?id=554849 This is the second course in a two-semester sequence on astrophysics. Topics include galactic dynamics, groups and clusters on galaxies, phenomenological cosmology, Newtonian cosmology, Roberston-Walker models, and galaxy formation. http://www.merlot.org/merlot/viewMaterial.htm?id=656569 Academic Earth offers free in-depth Online classes and courses from the world's leading scholars to encourage worldwide distance learning without any physical boundardies. 1500+ Video-based lectures in a variety of subjects from 30+ universities. http://www.merlot.org/merlot/viewMaterial.htm?id=659377 An astronomy course with lectures, exercises, and animations. Level is freshman college for the non-science major. This is a survey course of Astronomy/Astrophysics, as taught at Valdosta State University.