Class: MWF 2 pm and 3 pm in Brief Class Description:This is a
one semester survey course that satisfies the QU requirement,
but is intended for non-science majors. We will discuss and
analyze a broad range of astronomical phenomenon, from
properties of the night sky, to extrasolar planets, to the life
histories and properties of stars, galaxies, and the universe as
a whole. This course is organized conceptually by the questions
listed below in the course outline. There are no prerequisites;
We will use basic algebra, geometry, and statistics. Goals:These
are adapted from Goals for "Astro 101": Reports of Workshops for
Department Leaders Course Outline:Conceptually, this class is
organized as a series of questions, roughly one of which will be
addressed each week: |1. What is science?| |2. Where, when, and
how big are we?| |3. Does the Universe revolve around me?| |4.
Why should I believe anything astronomers say?| |5. Are we
alone?| |6. How can data be effectively visualized?| |7. Why do
some stars in the sky