ASTR107 - The Universe

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Academic Year 2001/2002

The Universe
ASTR 107 FA

This course focuses on the modern scientific conception of the universe--its composition, size, age and evolutionary history. We begin with the history of astronomy, tracing the development of thought that led ultimately to the big bang theory. This is followed by a closer look at the primary constituent of the universe--galaxies. We end with consideration of the origin and ultimate fate of the universe.

MAJOR READINGS

THE COPERNICAN REVOLUTION by Thomas Kuhn
BUBLES, VOIDS AND BUMPS IN TIME: THE NEW COSMOLOGY ed. James Cornell
A BRIEF HISTORY OF TIME: FROM THE BIG BANG TO BLACK HOLES by Stephen Hawking

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Two term tests and a final exam, weekly laboratory assignments.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

This is a general education course intended primarily for non-science majors. It does not require mathematics beyond a modest high school preparation. There are weekly laboratory assignments and meetings associated with the course, some of which will be at night so that objects may be viewed through telescopes at the Van Vleck Observatory. Students join the wait list by sending email to the professor and coming to the first class.

Unless preregistered students attend the first class meeting or communicate directly with the instructor prior to the first class, they will be dropped from the class list. NOTE: Students must still submit a completed Drop/Add form to the Registrar's Office.

COURSE FORMAT: Laboratory

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD Credit: 1 Gen Ed Area Dept: NSM ASTR Grading Mode: Graded

Prerequisites: NONE

SECTION 01

Instructor(s): Herbst,William

Times: .M.W.F. 11:00AM-11:50AM; ..T.... 02:40PM-04:00PM; Location: VVO110

Reserved Seats: (Total Limit: 20)

SR. major: X Jr. major: X

SR. non-major: 5 Jr. non-major: 5 SO: 5 FR: 5

Special Attributes:

Curricular Renewal: Quantitative Reasoning, Focused Inquiry Course

SECTION 02