AS 102 - The Astronomical Universe
This is a course intended to introduce non-science majors to the
science of astronomy (science
majors should enroll in AS 203).
The focus of AS 102 is on astronomy
outside of our own solar system. We will cover in depth the formation
and evolution of stars, the interstellar medium, the Milky Way (our
home galaxy), the universe of galaxies, and current theories of the
formation and evolution of the universe from the Hot Big Bang to the
present day. If you are primarily interested in learning about the
solar system (the moon, planets, comets, meteors, and asteroids), you
should enroll in AS 101 instead of AS 102.
There are no prerequisites for this course but students will be
expected to perform some mathematical calculations for the laboratory
exercises, homework, and examinations. No mathematics beyond the
high school level will be required. Astronomy involves, in many ways, the
application of the laws of physics
as we know them on earth to the universe as a whole.
Therefore, throughout our studies we will be learning about many of the
laws of physics and how their application to very distant
astronomical objects provides direct information
about those objects.
