Astronomy: Exploring the Cosmos w/lab

Introduction to the basic concepts of astronomy as well as the history of their development. Includes a laboratory component. Credit not awarded for both ASTR 1400 and ASTR 1405.

Co-located with ASTR 1405 A, Total enrollment = 160, Open to Degree and PACE students

This course is an introduction to the study of astronomy. For the first part of the semester, the course will focus on the tools needed to understand both what we know in astronomy and how we figure those things out. This includes discussions concerning the nature of matter and light, some basic laws of physics, and a look at the fundamental patterns that shape our view of the universe. The remainder of the semester will be spent exploring the wonders of, first, our solar system, including planets, moons, and the Sun, then stepping out into studies of the stars, galaxies, and the universe as a whole. This course is designed for all students, with no prerequisites. Math is used, but is kept to a minimum, and high school level algebra suffices. Learning Goals: The following is a brief list of big picture things that students will take from the course. 1. Understand the scales of things in the universe, and understand your place in it. 2. Understand what science is and how such an understanding can make you a better person. 3. Understand how quantitative reasoning can aid in our understanding of science, as well as a variety of other subjects. 4. Be able to connect the physics of the cosmos with that of everyday life. 5. Understand the structure and origin of our solar system and the main bodies within it. 6. Understand something about our galaxy, galaxies in general, and the universe as a whole.

This a lecture course, with some inactivity in the form of clicker questions. Students will be expected to spend several hours a week on reading assignments and homework assignments. Students will need to purchase access to an online learning system and to the iClicker system.

Students will have weekly homework assignments, in-class iClicker participation, several midterm exams, and a final exam.