Descriptive Astronomy
ASTR 105
Spring 2011
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01
02
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This course unveils the universe and how we have come to understand our place in it. We will touch on a full range of astronomical topics, including the mechanics of our solar system, the discovery of planets around other nearby stars, the stellar life cycle, the formation and evolution of galaxies, the big bang, and the ultimate fate of the universe. Special attention is paid to the universe's dark side--dark matter, dark energy, and black holes. In addition, since developments in astronomy have so often accompanied the development of modern scientific thought, we examine astronomy from an historical perspective, gaining insight into how human factors affect progress in science. |
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Essential Capabilities:
Quantitative Reasoning
Students will explore mathematical and physical models of the universe.
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| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
NSM ASTR |
| Course Format: Lecture | Grading Mode: Graded |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: None |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: None |
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Past Enrollment Probability: Not Available |
| SECTION 01 |
Major Readings: Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore
Bennett, Donahue, Schneider, and Voit, THE COSMIC PERSPECTIVE
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Examinations and Assignments:
In-semester exams plus final exam, regular problem sets, laboratory assignments and/or observing projects. |
Additional Requirements and/or Comments:
This is a general education course for students not intending to major in science. Although the majority of the course will be qualitative, a good knowledge of high-school-level mathematics (algebra and trigonometry) is expected. Some of the labs will meet at night and make use of the telescopes at Van Vleck Observatory. |
| Instructor(s): Redfield,Seth Times: ..T.R.. 10:30AM-11:50AM; Location: VVO110; |
| Total Enrollment Limit: 48 | | SR major: 0 | JR major: 0 | | |
| Seats Available: 1 | GRAD: X | SR non-major: 12 | JR non-major: 12 | SO: 12 | FR: 12 |
| Drop/Add Enrollment Requests | | | | | |
| Total Submitted Requests: 12 | 1st Ranked: 0 | 2nd Ranked: 1 | 3rd Ranked: 1 | 4th Ranked: 0 | Unranked: 10 |
| SECTION 02 |
Major Readings: Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore
Same as Section 01 Above |
| Examinations and Assignments: Same as Section 01 Above |
| Additional Requirements and/or Comments: Same as Section 01 Above |
| Instructor(s): Redfield,Seth Times: ..T.R.. 01:10PM-02:30PM; Location: VVO110; |
| Total Enrollment Limit: 48 | | SR major: 0 | JR major: 0 | | |
| Seats Available: 2 | GRAD: X | SR non-major: 12 | JR non-major: 12 | SO: 12 | FR: 12 |
| Drop/Add Enrollment Requests | | | | | |
| Total Submitted Requests: 12 | 1st Ranked: 0 | 2nd Ranked: 1 | 3rd Ranked: 0 | 4th Ranked: 0 | Unranked: 11 |
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