AST-9: Concepts of the Cosmos (Spring 2016)
Brief description:
AST-9 is a general course on the cosmos aimed at an introductory understanding of the concepts and science of modern astronomy. Topics include gravity, light, matter, telescopes, properties and evolution of stars, normal and active galaxies, cosmic distance measurements, super-massive black holes, structures of galaxies and their growth, galaxy formation and evolution, dark matter, dark energy, expansion and fate of the universe, the Big Bang, and inflation. Lectures are supplemented by outside readings, as well as projects and problem sets requiring analytic reasoning. Students are expected to solve simple quantitative problems. Intended for undergraduate students not planning to major in the physical sciences.
Recommendations: An understanding of algebra and plane trigonometry.
