PHYS 105 - Astronomy

Taught by: Thomas Olsen

Content: For nonmajors. Present knowledge of the sun, the planets, and other objects in the solar system; of stars, star systems, galaxies, and the universe as a whole. Focus on conceptual understanding rather than on a catalog of objects. Basic laws of physics, including Newton’s laws of motion and gravitation, laws governing energy and its transformations, theories of matter and radiation. How the distance, size, mass, brightness, and composition of remote objects are determined. General theory of stellar evolution including nuclear synthesis, origins of life on earth, and origin and fate of the solar system. Regular evening observations at the Karle Observatory atop the Olin Center for Physics and Chemistry.

Prerequisite: Mathematics 055 or equivalent. Mathematics proficiency should be sufficient for entry into precalculus. An advisory entrance examination may be given at the beginning of the semester.

Semester Credits:4