Natural Sciences 102: THE PHYSICAL UNIVERSE
Lecture Groups L11 and L12H
Professor: Dr. Jill
Bechtold
TA: Mr. Ben
Oppenheimer
Lectures: TTh
11-12:15, ILC 130
Note: All
lectures take place in ILC 130 until further notice.
http://boojum.as.arizona.edu/~jill/ns102.html
or see link from Steward Observatory web page
http://www.as.arizona.edu/
An introduction to astronomical phenomena in the Universe, for
non-science majors.
The course covers three main topics: (1) the solar system and its
origin,
(2) stars (why they shine, and how they evolve), and (3) cosmology
(what are galaxies and how they are distributed in space; the history
and future of the
Universe). Basic physics required to understand astronomy will be
presented. Topics of current interest will also be covered, such as
whether there is life on other planets, the future of the space
program, the Hubble Space Telescope, and other topics of interest to
the students. We will also become acquainted with the night sky,
through naked eye observations and use of local telescopes.
No previous knowledge of astronomy is assumed.
Math at the High School algebra level will be used, so the student
should be familiar with basic algebra, trigonometry, and fractional
powers. For a review of math concepts required for the course, see the
class web page.
TEXTS and Other Readings:
1. The Cosmic Perspective, 4th Edition (2006), by Bennett,
Donahue, Schneider & Voit, see