PHYS0220
Beginning Astronomy [ Course Website ] [ Lab Website ]
This is a second semester course of Introductory Astronomy. It has some overlap with PHYS 0210, which is offered the first semester, but can be taken independently. While the main topic of PHYS 0210, is the historical development of astronomy and the study of our planetary system, PHYS 0220 concentrates on the stars and their evolution, galaxies and cosmology. Pulsars, neutron stars, black holes, quasars, and modern views of the evolution of our universe will be covered, together with some relevant ideas of particle physics. Knowledge of high school math, algebra and plane geometry is sufficient as a background for this course.
There are two lectures of 1½ hours weekly and required and optional laboratory sessions about two hours every other week in the evening using telescopes, cameras, and a spectroscope and other instruments at the Barus & Holley Observatory and at Ladd Observatory. Those students that have taken PHYS 0210 will do more advanced laboratory work.
