ASTR109 - Frontiers of the Universe

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Academic Year 2002/2003

Frontiers of the Universe
ASTR 109 SP

This course provides an overview of some of the most recent discoveries in Astronomy through articles in the popular press. The background necessary to understand the articles will be provided through lectures, and remaining questions answered through in-class discussions. Topics include: the search for planets beyond the Solar System; gravitational lensing; black holes in the centers of galaxies; large scale structure in the Universe; and the Cosmological Constant. We will also discuss the instruments that have made these advances in observations possible. The ultimate aim is to leave the student with an appreciation of the process of scientific investigation and discovery.

MAJOR READINGS

1 text book
5-10 articles from newspapers and/or popular astronomy magazines

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Weekly readings and problem sets, two mid-terms and one final exam.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

This is a general education class intended for non-science majors. Although the majority of the course will be qualitative, a good knowledge of high-school level mathematics such as trigonometry and algebra is expected. Class attendance is important since in class exercises and discussion are key components of the course

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: Lecture/Discussion

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

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

Prerequisites: NONE

SECTION 01

Instructor(s): Johnston,Kathryn V.

Times: .M.W... 01:10PM-02:30PM; Location: VVO110

Reserved Seats: (Total Limit: 19)

SR. major: Jr. major:

SR. non-major: Jr. non-major: SO: FR: 19

Special Attributes:

Curricular Renewal: Quantitative Reasoning

FYI: First Year Initiative:Seminar

Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-18-2003