Worlds Beyond: The Search for Life in the Universe
ASTR 109
Spring 2020
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01
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We are living through a unique time with the recent discovery of other worlds, planets orbiting nearby stars, and the capability to obtain detailed observations of those planets in the coming decades. This makes tangible the age-old question of whether we are alone in the universe, as the only known life-bearing planet. This introductory course for non-science majors will explore the fundamental concepts that are needed to place life into a cosmic context. We will discuss planetary systems near and far, stars as the integral hosts of planets, and prospects for finding and identifying life elsewhere in the universe. Occasional evening sessions will provide the opportunity to observe celestial objects through Wesleyan's telescopes. |
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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, knowledge of high-school-level mathematics (algebra and trigonometry) is expected. This course is intended for students who have not already taken one of our introductory astronomy courses (ASTR103, 105, 107, 108, 111). Several observing sessions will be scheduled at night and will make use of the telescopes at Van Vleck Observatory. |
| Instructor(s): Redfield,Seth Times: .M.W... 10:50AM-12:10PM; Location: VVO110; |
| Total Enrollment Limit: 44 | | SR major: 0 | JR major: 0 | | |
| Seats Available: -1 | GRAD: X | SR non-major: 11 | JR non-major: 11 | SO: 11 | FR: 11 |
| Drop/Add Enrollment Requests | | | | | |
| Total Submitted Requests: 15 | 1st Ranked: 1 | 2nd Ranked: 5 | 3rd Ranked: 2 | 4th Ranked: 2 | Unranked: 5 |
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