[ Wesleyan Home Page ] [ WesMaps Home Page ] [ WesMaps Archive ] [ Course Search ] [ Course Search by CID ]
Academic Year 2005/2006


The Universe
ASTR 107 SP

This course focuses on the modern scientific conception of the universe, including its composition, size, age and evolution. 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
BUBBLES, 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.

COURSE FORMAT: Lecture

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

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

Prerequisites: NONE Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-30-2006


Contact wesmaps@wesleyan.edu to submit comments or suggestions. Please include a url, course title, faculty name or other page reference in your email

Copyright Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut, 06459