SC502 (802)

Page 1

Physics & Astronomy

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: learning@reasons.org

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,

SC502 (802)
Page 2

Physics & 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.

SC502 (802)
Page 3

Physics & Astronomy

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.

SC502 (802)
Page 4

Physics & Astronomy

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

SC502 (802)
Page 5

Physics & Astronomy

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%.

SC502 (802)
Page 6

Physics & Astronomy

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]

SC502 (802)
Page 7

Physics & Astronomy

GRADING RUBRIC
Study Questions
for M.A. STUDENTS

Evaluation Criteria
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)

Score

Comments

SC502 (802)
Page 8

Physics & Astronomy

GRADING RUBRIC
Study Questions
for D.MIN STUDENTS

Evaluation Criteria
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.)
TOTAL SCORE (050 points)

Score

Comments

SC502 (802)
Page 9

Physics & Astronomy

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?

SC502 (802)
Page 10

Physics & Astronomy

GRADING RUBRIC
Book Review
Evaluation Criteria
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.
TOTAL SCORE (0150 points)

Score

Comments

SC502 (802)
Page 11

Physics & Astronomy

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

SC502 (802)
Page 12

Physics & Astronomy

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

SC502 (802)
Page 13

Physics & Astronomy

GRADING RUBRIC
Case Study
(for M.A. students only)
Evaluation Criteria
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
TOTAL SCORE (0150 points)

Score

Comments

SC502 (802)
Page 14

Physics & Astronomy

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? 

SC502 (802)
Page 15

Physics & Astronomy

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-andcosmic-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

SC502 (802)
Page 16

Physics & Astronomy

GRADING RUBRIC
Research Paper
(for D.Min. students only)

Evaluation Criteria
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.)
TOTAL SCORE (0200 points)

Score

Comments

SC502 (802)
Page 17

Physics & Astronomy

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

SC502 (802)
Page 18

Physics & Astronomy

GRADING RUBRIC
Final Exam
Evaluation Criteria
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.)
TOTAL SCORE (0150 points)

Score

Comments

SC502 (802)
Page 19

Physics & Astronomy

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, May 22, 2015

Study question #2 due.

Friday, May 29, 2015

Study question #3 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.

SC502 (802)
Page 20

Physics & Astronomy

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.