Course Description
ASTR 101 Astronomy (5) NW, QSR Introduction to the Universe, with emphasis on conceptual, as contrasted with mathematical, comprehension. Modern theories, observations; ideas concerning nature, evolution of galaxies; quasars, stars, black holes, planets, solar system. Not open for credit to students who have taken 102 or 301; not open to upper-division students majoring in physical sciences or engineering.
Autumn 2009: This course involves a substantial amount of class participation and teamwork. This particular section is taught with a fair amount of math (the language of the Universe). You will find yourself involved in discussions, in problem solving, in analyzing real data, and thus in discovering what astronomy today is all about. Take the time to preview each of the links at the left. They are all important and should never be neglected during the next 10-11 weeks. In particular, much of what we do centers around the material in the three projects for this quarter and our "Course Pack." Please bring your course pack to every class - both the lectures and the sections. So, get ready to sit back and prepare yourself for a journey from the local night sky to the most distant galaxies known, from the here-and-now to the beginning of space and time.
"Speeding through the Universe; thinking is the best way to travel." Moody Blues
