PHYS0270
Introduction to Astronomy [ Course Website ] [ Lab Website ]
PHYS 0270 is a one-semester course providing an introduction to astronomy. The topics covered are similar to those in PHYS 0220 but with more emphasis on physical and mathematical understanding. Topics covered will include - the night sky and constellations; telescopes; some aspects of our solar system and planets; the formation, aging and death of stars; galaxies - including our galaxy, normal and active galaxies and clusters of galaxies; and cosmology.
Students must be comfortable with algebra, geometry and trigonometry and also have some understanding of calculus and classical mechanics (Newton's laws). Enrollment is limited to 50 students. Instructor's permission is required to enroll.
Format:
Lectures are given once a week on Wednesday afternoons. There are a number of laboratories; laboratories typically meet at night and will involve using astronomical instrumentation (telescopes, CCD cameras and spectrometers) to observe the sky. Due to weather, students should anticipate that laboratory schedules are subject to change on short notice. Labs should be an enjoyable way to put what you learn into practice. Labs will be held almost every week on the roof of the Barus&Holley building, where there is an observatory.
There is one required textbook, which is available in the Brown Book Store and on reserve in the science library. The textbook is
Astronomy: A Physical Perspective, second edition by Marc L. Kutner.
There are other textbooks on reserve in the science library which provide a different presentation of the course material:
Universe, seventh edition, by William J. Kaufmann III and Roger Freedman.
The Physical Universe: An Introduction to Astronomy, by Frank Shu
Introductory Astronomy and Astrophysics, by Michael Zeilik and Stephen Gregory.
