[
Wesleyan Home Page
] [
WesMaps Home Page
]
[
Course Search
] [
Course Search by CID
]
The Universe
ASTR107 SP
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 which led ultimately
to the big bang theory. This is
followed by a closer look at the constituents of the universe--stars, galaxies and clusters of 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. 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
Last Updated on MAR-24-2000
Contact
wesmaps@wesleyan.edu
to submit comments or suggestions.
Copyright Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut, 06459