Descriptive Astronomy
ASTR 105
Spring 2015
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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 a historical perspective, gaining insight into how human factors affect progress in science. |
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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: 50% - 74% |
| 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, in-class assignments and observing sessions. |
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. Several observing sessions will be scheduled at night and will 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: -2 | GRAD: X | SR non-major: 12 | JR non-major: 12 | SO: 12 | FR: 12 |
| Web Resources: Syllabus |
| Drop/Add Enrollment Requests | | | | | |
| Total Submitted Requests: 19 | 1st Ranked: 1 | 2nd Ranked: 4 | 3rd Ranked: 3 | 4th Ranked: 0 | Unranked: 11 |
| SECTION 02 |
Major Readings: Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore
Prather et al., 3RD EDITION OF LECTURE-TUTORIALS FOR INTRODUCTORY ASTRONOMY |
| Examinations and Assignments: Same as Section 01 Above |
| Additional Requirements and/or Comments: Same as Section 01 Above |
| Instructor(s): Flaherty,Kevin Times: .M.W.F. 10:00AM-10:50AM; Location: VVO110; |
| Total Enrollment Limit: 19 | | SR major: X | JR major: X | | |
| Seats Available: 1 | GRAD: X | SR non-major: 5 | JR non-major: 5 | SO: 5 | FR: 4 |
| Web Resources: Syllabus |
| Drop/Add Enrollment Requests | | | | | |
| Total Submitted Requests: 4 | 1st Ranked: 0 | 2nd Ranked: 0 | 3rd Ranked: 0 | 4th Ranked: 0 | Unranked: 4 |
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