SES_Syllabus_Physics & Astronomy502 & 802_2015

SC502 (802) Physics & Astronomy Page 1

SOUTHERN EVANGELICAL SEMINARY

Department: Apologetics Campus: On Campus Course Title: Physics & Astronomy Course Number: SC502 (for M.A.) or SC802 (for D.Min.) Credit Hours: 3 Semester/Year: Summer 2015

Hugh Ross PhD in Astronomy, University of Toronto Jeff Zweerink PhD in Astrophysics, Iowa State University 818 Oak Park Road Covina, CA 91724 Tel: (626) 3351480 (Ask for Krista or Sarah at Reasons Institute) Email: [email protected]

I. DESCRIPTION OF THE COURSE Some of the most exciting and fast-paced areas of scientific discoveries are in the fields of astronomy and physics. Advances in these arenas are revealing the astounding complexity of the universe. These advances also serve as the most compelling evidence that the universe from the work of a Creator. This course is designed to introduce students to the key concepts in astronomy and physics that will allow them to appreciate these advances and be able to effectively use discoveries in astronomy and physics to make the case for astronomical design. Students who have a limited background in science will be targeted, but those students with advanced degrees in the life sciences will also find this course of interest. A practical emphasis will be placed on using insights from astronomy, physics, and string theory research for apologetics and evangelism.

II. ROLE OF THE CLASS IN PROGRAM OF STUDY

This class fulfills a course requirement in the Certificate of Scientific Apologetics and an Apologetics or free elective in other degree programs.

III. OBJECTIVES:

After completing the course, the student should be able to: 1. Critically engage the arguments for and against supernatural design, based on astronomy,


cosmology, physics, and string theory research.

2. Communicate to lay and technical audiences how the latest advances in astronomy, cosmology, physics, and string theory research support the Christian faith.

3. Use the latest insights from astronomy, cosmology, physics, and string theory research for outreach and evangelism.

4. Make use of new discoveries in astronomy, cosmology, physics, and string theory research to develop new scientific apologetic arguments for the Christian faith

IV. REQUIRED RESOURCES FOR THE COURSE

All students (B.A., M.A., and D.Min.):

Jones, Andrew Zimmerman. String Theory for Dummies. (Hoboken, NJ: Wiley, 2009). Pincock, Stephen. The Origins of the Universe for Dummies. (Hoboken, NJ: Wiley, 2012). Ross, Hugh. Why the Universe is the Way it Is. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2008. Zweerink, Jeffrey. Whos Afraid of the Multiverse? Glendora, CA: Reasons To Believe, 2008 Choose ONE of the following texts (students choice):

Davies, Paul. The Cosmic Jackpot. New York: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2007. Stenger, Victor. God: The Failed Hypothesis. Amherst, NY: Prometheus Books, 2007.

Additional texts for both M.A. students and D.Min. students: Kasting, James F. How to Find a Habitable Planet. Princeton, NJ; Woodstock: Princeton University Press, 2012. Ross, Hugh. The Creator and the Cosmos. Glendora, CA: Reasons To Believe, 2003.

Additional texts for D.Min. students only:

Ross, Hugh. Beyond the Cosmos, 2nd edition. Glendora, CA: Reasons To Believe, 2003.


V. REQUIREMENTS FOR THE COURSE All students: A. Attendance and participation

Attendance is required for each class. Attendance will be reported at the end of the course. One excused absence is allowed. The instructor can deduct appropriate grades for more than one excused absence. The student is required to keep his or her own attendance record and will turn it in on the last day of class. The professors have designed this course to help students develop their apologetics and evangelistic ministry. As such, they want to encourage students to be curious, ask questions and be prepared to actively participate in class discussions.

B. Reading Students are required to complete all assigned reading. A reading schedule is listed below.

C. Study Questions All students must respond to five study questions (students choice) based on the lectures and reading material. These study questions are designed to hold students accountable for hearing and applying the material presented in the lectures and in the reading. These study questions are open-book, so students may use lecture notes, readings, Bibles, and whatever other resources in order to assist with answers.

D. Book Review All students must complete a 4 page (~1000 words) book review of either The Cosmic Jackpot or God: The Failed Hypothesis. This report should be written in such a manner as it could be published in a professional journal. Great care should be taken to respectfully evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the book, as the tone of the review will be weighted as a significant part of the grade. Extended instructions for this assignment are included below.

E. Exam Students must take a final exam. The exam will contain one essay question that will require the student to integrate a variety of information from the course in order to solve a problem. This is an open-book exam. Extended instructions for this assignment are included below.

Additional assignment for M.A. students only (excluding D.Min. students): F. Case Study

Students will gain real-world experience in making connections between the latest scientific discoveries and the Christian faith by interacting with astronomical research. All students must complete an 800-word essay analyzing a peer-reviewed article and integrating it with the Bible (similar in format to a Todays New Reason to Believe article or Science News Flash podcast on the reasons.org web site). Great care should be taken to accurately summarize the research and integrate lecture content and textbook readings, including relevant biblical material. Extended instructions for this assignment are included below.


Additional assignments for D.Min. students only: G. Study Questions

All D.Min. students must respond to three additional study questions (eight altogether).

H. Research paper All students must write a research paper (original work) describing the apologetic implications of recent discoveries in astronomy, cosmology, physics, or string theory. The purpose of this assignment is to deepen the students understanding of the astronomical case for design. Extended instructions are included below.

VI. GRADING

Final grades will be determined on the following basis for M.A. students: Attendance and participation................................................................... 100 points Study questions (5 questions x 80 pts. each) ......................................... 400 points Book review ........................................................................................... 150 points Case study .............................................. 150 points Final exam... 200 points

TOTAL 1,000 points

Final grades will be determined on the following basis for D.Min. students:

Attendance and participation................................................................... 100 points Study questions (8 questions x 50 pts. each) ......................................... 400 points Book review ........................................................................................... 150 points Research paper ....................................................................................... 200 points Final exam... 150 points

TOTAL 1,000 points


VII. OUTLINE OF THE COURSE Monday Hugh Ross

1. Big picture: Why the universe is the way it is Tuesday Hugh Ross

2. Age of the Universe 3. Origin of the Universe 4. Trans-dimensionality of God

Wednesday Hugh Ross

5. Astrobiology 6. Faint Sun Paradox

Thursday Jeff Zweerink

7. Unification and the laws of physics 8. Particle physics

Friday Jeff Zweerink

9. Multiverse Saturday Jeff Zweerink

10. Exoplanets 11. Strategy for dealing with new discoveries 12. Astronomy and evangelism

VIII. GUIDELINES FOR WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS

Written Assignment Format Written assignments should conform to the SES style guidelines and be set in Times New Roman 12-point font, double-spaced, with 1 margins.

Grading Rubrics All written assignments will be graded for form (25%) and content (75%) consistent with the nature of the assignment. See detailed rubrics below. All work must be completed to the satisfaction of the instructor.

Late Assignments Late assignments may be penalized at the rate of 1% per day they are late, up to 10%.


STUDY QUESTIONS

Answer the following questions based on the lecture and reading material. Each response should be at least 500 words.

1. Compare and contrast a one-creation model of non-Christian religions with the two- creation model of Christianity?

2. Summarize the major points of what the Bible says about the origin, history and current properties of the universe. How you might use this information as a bridge in evangelism with an unbeliever?

3. Describe the process for how astronomers make measurements of the physical and chemical properties of the universe, galaxies, stars and planets. Comment on the reliability and trustworthiness of these methods.

4. Describe three ways exoplanet research has contributed to our understanding about the nature and design of our solar systems planets.

5. Why do scientists think pursuing the unification of the four fundamental forces will produce good scientific results, and how has the pursuit yielded additional evidence for design in the universe? Summarize how you might use insights from particle physics as a bridge in evangelism with an unbeliever.

6. Summarize and assess the evidence for the multiverse. How do some unbelieving scientists try to use the multiverse to account for evidence for the beginning and design of the universe? How does the multiverse affect the way Christians use cosmological and teleological arguments for the existence of God? Why do certain theories of the multiverse ultimately fail to support atheism?

7. Describe some ways that you think Christian apologists could possibly overstate design evidence. What will you do to avoid these pitfalls?

8. Discuss the potential usefulness of string-theory and multiple dimensions might be useful in your personal evangelism with unbelievers. What could be some of its potential limits or pitfalls? [for D.Min. students only]


GRADING RUBRIC Study Questions

for M.A. STUDENTS

Evaluation Criteria Score Comments FORM (020 points; 25%) Length, Font, Spacing, Margins (10 pts.)

Spelling, Grammar and Writing Style (10 pts.)

CONTENT (060 points; 75%) Answer directly relates to the question (10 pts.)

Integrates appropriate lecture and reading material (30 pts.)

Quality of analysis from a Christian worldview (10 pts.)

Appropriately applies issues to the students personal ministry and evangelism (10 pts.)

TOTAL SCORE (080 points)


GRADING RUBRIC Study Questions

for D.MIN STUDENTS

Evaluation Criteria Score Comments FORM (012 points; 25%) Length, Font, Spacing, Margins (6 pts.) Spelling, Grammar and Writing Style (6 pts.)

CONTENT (038 points; 75%) Answer directly relates to the question (5 pts.)

Integrates appropriate lecture and reading material (23 pts.)

Quality of analysis from a Christian worldview (5 pts.)

Appropriately applies issues to the students personal ministry and evangelism (5 pts.)



BOOK REVIEW GUIDELINES

Write a review of the book, either The Cosmic Jackpot or God: The Failed Hypothesis. The book review should be double-spaced and approximately 1000 words in length. This report should be written in such a manner as it could be published in a professional journal. Keep in mind that the purpose of your review is to communicate to potential readers whether or not they should invest time and effort to read the book. Great care should be taken to fairly evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the book, as the tone of your review will be weighted as a significant part of your grade.

Guidelines: Your book review should contain the following components:

1. Author Information and Qualifications (1 paragraph) Identify the author. Briefly outline his qualifications. Identify any stated motivations for writing this book. What interest or personal involvement does the author have with the material

included in the book?

2. Brief Summary or Thesis (12 paragraphs) What is the books main thesis? How is the book organized? What material does the book cover? What are the authors main arguments?

3. Evaluation (at least 1 page)

This is your opportunity to interact with the authors ideas and evaluate the book. What are the books strengths? What are the authors best/most persuasive

arguments? What are the books weaknesses? What are the authors weakest/least persuasive

arguments? Did the author adequately support his thesis? Why or why not? What could be done to improve the book?

4. Recommendation (12 paragraphs)

Who would be interested in this book? Does the books content, style, level of difficulty fit its intended audience? Would you recommend the book? Why or why not? Who would you recommend the book to?


GRADING RUBRIC Book Review

Evaluation Criteria Score Comments FORM (040 points; 25%) Organization and development of the essay (15 pts.)

Font, Spacing, Margins, and Length (10 pts.)

Spelling, Grammar, and Punctuation (15 pts.)

CONTENT (0110 points; 75%)

Author Qualifications (20 pts.) Clearly describes the authors qualifications, interest and motivations.

Summary (20 pts.) Clearly describes the books main thesis and contents.

Evaluation (50 pts.) Provides a compelling and cogent discussion of the books strengths and weaknesses. Provides a coherent valuation of the book, including an analysis from a Christian worldview perspective.

Recommendation (20 pts.) Clearly identifies appropriate audience for the book. Recommendation is clear and useful.



CASE STUDY GUIDELINES (for M.A. students)

Students will gain real-world experience in making connections between the latest scientific discoveries and the Christian faith by interacting with astronomical research. Students must complete an 800-word essay analyzing a peer-reviewed article and integrating it with the Bible (similar in format to a Todays New Reason to Believe article or Science News Flash podcast on the reasons.org web site). Great care should be taken to accurately summarize the research and integrate lecture content and textbook readings, including relevant biblical material. Guidelines: Your case study should contain the following components: (1) Locate an article on the Science Daily web site (http://www.sciencedaily.com) related to one

of the following topics: origin of the universe (big bang cosmology) design of the universe (anthropic principle) exoplanets multiverse

Example: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/08/130807134508.htm The article must have appeared within the last 12 months.

(2) Locate an online version of the original peer-reviewed article on which the popular story is

based. Example: http://prl.aps.org/abstract/PRL/v111/i4/e041301

(3) Carefully read the abstract of the peer-reviewed article. You are not required to read the

entire technical article; just the abstract. It might also be helpful to read the final paragraph or two where the researchers summarize their findings.

(4) Craft an 800-word essay analyzing the findings of the peer reviewed article and integrating it with a Christian worldview. Your analysis should include a clear statement of the researchers thesis and a summary of their findings. (Note: the news articles posted on science news web sites tend to not report the scientists findings accurately, so read the abstract of the technical article carefully.) You should also include insights from the lecture and reading material, as well as relevant biblical material, to tie it to the Christian faith. Your essay should be in the spirit of a Todays New Reason to Believe article or Science News Flash podcast on the reasons.org web site.

Example: http://www.reasons.org/articles/3-surprising-new-exoplanet-finds


To help you get started, you might consider using this search engine for astronomy papers and abstracts at http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abstract_service.html. Here is a list of common academic journals that cover topics related to physics and astronomy:

New Scientist Science Astronomy & Astrophysics Publications of the National Academy of Science Astrophysical Journal Icarus


GRADING RUBRIC Case Study

(for M.A. students only)

Evaluation Criteria Score Comments FORM (040 points; 25%) Organization and development of the essay (5 pts.)

Font, Spacing, Margins, and Length (5 pts.)

Spelling, Grammar, and Punctuation (5 pts.)

CONTENT (0110 points; 75%) Summary (30 pts.) Clearly and accurately summarizes the journal articles main thesis and key data.

Course Content (15 pts.) Integrates appropriate lecture and reading material

Evaluation (50 pts.) Quality analysis of the researchers findings, including an understanding of the data from a Christian worldview perspective

Tone (15 pts.) Discussion displays a tone of gentleness, respect and a clear conscience



RESEARCH PAPER GUIDELINES (for D.Min. students)

Write about two or three articles from sciencedaily.com (or a similar website) published within the last two years that: 1) describe related discoveries in astronomy, cosmology, physics, or string theory and 2) can be used to make the case for astronomical design. Assume that you are communicating these discoveries and the case for design to an intelligent lay audience. Provide the necessary scientific background so that a layperson can understand the scientific and apologetic significance of the scientific advances. As you make the case for design if possible employ the three approaches discussed in the course. Also discuss the response that an unbelieving astronomer would make to your argument, and, in turn, offer a rejoinder to his/her response.

A. Length Requirements 15 pages (between 3,750 to 4,500 words, excluding footnotes)

B. General Guidelines Great care should be taken to respectfully evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each

side of the debate, as the tone of the analysis will be weighted as a significant part of the final grade.

A quality paper should not simply be a restatement or summary of class or textbook material. It should include unique analysis and application of key concepts of the course to a topic either not explicitly covered in class or expand on a topic that was only lightly covered in class.

C. Content The following content should be included in your research paper: Background Information:

Provide sufficient background so that the general reader can appreciate the context of the research.

What outstanding scientific questions does the study seek to address? What work has been done to date to address these questions? Why is previous work deficient? Brief Summary: What was the general approach used by the researchers? Why did they use this approach? Provide a general summary of their results Were there any unexpected results? Were there any unexplained results? How certain are the researchers of the conclusions they drew from the study?


Future Implications of the Work: Did the research provide answers to the questions that motivated the study? Why or why

not? What are the implications of the study for the evolutionary paradigm? For creationist

models?

Considerations: What outstanding questions still remain? What future work is indicated by the results of the study?

Endnotes: Include references to popular resources or review articles that will provide the general

reader with the necessary background information to appreciate the significance of the study.

As you discuss the implications of the work, give references that support your points.

D. Sample Topic Ideas These links to web articles and podcasts are listed as a frame of reference to help you get started. Again, these are just ideas.

http://www.reasons.org/articles/honing-in-on-dark-energy-design http://www.reasons.org/podcasts/creation-update-2/testing-general-relativity-and-

cosmic-creation http://www.reasons.org/articles/tnrtb-classic-exoplanet-studies http://www.reasons.org/articles/the-higgs-boson-discovered-or-nonexistent http://www.reasons.org/articles/tnrtb-classic-the-benefits-of-bombardments


GRADING RUBRIC Research Paper

(for D.Min. students only)

Evaluation Criteria Score Comments FORM (050 points; 25%) Font, Spacing, Margins, Length (12 pts.)

Spelling, Grammar, Punctuation (12 pts.)

Organization and Development (13 pts.) Quality of references and citation format (13 pts.)

CONTENT (0150 points; 75%) Identifies key issues of Christian theology as they relate to general and special revelation (40 pts.)

Analyzes issues from a biblical and scientific point of view (35 pts.)

Uses appropriate academic tone and accurately represents contrary positions in a fair manner (20 pts.)

Appropriately synthesizes reading and wider research into the assignment (35 pts.)

Issues are applied appropriately to the students life and evangelism (20 pts.)



FINAL EXAM STUDY GUIDE

The final exam will contain one essay question, which will require the student to integrate a variety of information from the course in order to solve a problem. This final exam is open notes.

Preparation: Review your course notes in preparation for a final exam. Focus your study, in particular, on the following issues:

1. Anthropic principle and the design of the universe to accommodate complex life 2. Major differences between naturalism and Christian worldviews, especially as they

pertain to the interpretation of the astronomical record What youll need in order to take the test:

Computer w/ MS Word High-speed internet access and ability to watch a YouTube video clip Access to course notes, textbooks and a Bible A quiet environment for several hours


GRADING RUBRIC Final Exam

Evaluation Criteria Score Comments FORM (040 points; 25%) Font, Spacing, Margins, Length (10 pts.)

Spelling, Grammar, Punctuation (15 pts.)

Organization and development of the essay (15 pts.)

CONTENT (0110 points; 75%) Demonstrates an accurate understanding of the different perspectives presented, identifying key ideas, evaluating their strengths and weaknesses (50 pts.)

Incorporates relevant ideas from course lectures and readings into the essay (30 pts.)

Uses appropriate academic tone and accurately represents contrary positions in a fair manner (15 pts.)

Issues are applied appropriately to the students life and evangelism (15 pts.)



IX. SCHOOL POLICIES: PLAGAIRISM

Academic Integrity The principle rule of academic integrity is that you will do your own work, executed to the best of your own ability, exclusively for the assignment for which it is presented. All forms of dishonesty, including plagiarism or cheating in any form, are wrong, nonproductive, and contrary to the Universitys educational objectives and your best interests. Any breaches of academic integrity will have serious consequences. Please refer to the academic integrity statement in the SES student handbook for a more extended discussion.

X. CLASS SCHEDULE (Readings/Assignments/Exams with due dates) The following readings are due before the start of class on Monday, May 4, 2015.

All students: Jones, Andrew Zimmerman. String Theory for Dummies. (Hoboken, NJ: Wiley, 2009). Kasting, James F. How to Find a Habitable Planet. Princeton, NJ; Woodstock: Princeton

University Press, 2012. Pincock, Stephen. The Origins of the Universe for Dummies. (Hoboken, NJ:

Wiley, 2012). Ross, Hugh. The Creator and the Cosmos. Glendora, CA: Reasons To Believe, 2003. Ross, Hugh. Why the Universe is the Way it Is. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2008. Zweerink, Jeffrey. Whos Afraid of the Multiverse? Glendora, CA: Reasons To Believe,

2008

Friday, May 15, 2015 Study question #1 due.



Friday, June 5, 2015 Study question #4 due.

Friday, June 12, 2015 Study question #5 due.

Friday, June 19, 2015 Study question #6 due. (D.Min. students only)

Friday, June 26, 2015 Study question #7 due. (D.Min. students only)

Thursday, July 2, 2015 Beyond the Cosmos reading due (D.Min. students only) Study question #8 due. (D.Min. students only)

Friday, July 10, 2015 The Cosmic Jackpot OR God: The Failed Hypothesis book review due.


Friday, July 24, 2015 Final exam due.

Friday, August 7, 2015 Case study due (M.A. students only) OR Research paper (D.Min. students only)

XI. OTHER SUGGESTED READINGS OR BIBLIOGRAPHY

Recommended: Students will find it helpful to have access to college-level textbooks on astronomy, physics, cosmology or string theory.

Documents

SES_Syllabus_Physics & Astronomy502 & 802_2015