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Extragalactic Astronomy & Cosmology ASTR232 SP

This course will focus on a detailed study of galaxies and the Universe. Two major themes will be developed. First, the properties of galaxies as ensembles of stars will be explored. Topics will include morphological types, physical properties, photometric and spectroscopic characteristics, stellar content and star-formation histories, chemical abundances and elemental enrichment, the interstellar medium, dynamics and masses, and activity such as starbursts and active galactic nuclei. The second theme will consider galaxies as signposts of the Universe, and illustrate how they can be used to explore the properties of the Universe as a whole. This portion of the class will include discussions of distance determinations, Hubble's Law, the large-scale distribution of matter and clustering, and galaxies at high redshift. The course will conclude with an overview of Cosmology, focusing on a synthesis of observation and current theory to develop a picture of the creation and subsequent evolution of the Universe. Key items to be covered will include the standard big bang model, microwave background radiation, primoridal nucleosynthesis, and prospects for the future of our Universe. Throughout the course, emphasis will be placed on recent key discoveries in the field.

MAJOR READINGS

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

COURSE FORMAT: Lecture

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UG Credit: 1.00

Prerequisites: ASTR231

Last Updated on MAR-03-1998