Courses, Northwestern College Preparation Program | Northwestern University School of Professional Studies - Northwestern School of Professional Studies

View Courses

ASTRON 120-0 : Highlights of Astronomy (Highlights of Astronomy)

Description

This course will explore our modern ideas about the solar system, stars, galaxies, and the universe. Topics to be discussed include extrasolar planets, supernovae, black holes, dark matter, the big bang theory and the search for life in the universe.

Learning Objectives:

• Correlate understanding of basic physical principles to astrophysical applications in order to explain how we know what we know about the universe
• Explain the development of fundamental theories such as the Nebular Hypothesis of solar system formation and the Big Bang theory of the universe\'s origin and evolution.
• Analyze levels of certainty in the fundamental theories (Nebular Hypothesis, Big Bang theory, etc.) compared to alternative ideas.
• Apply fundamental concepts in astronomy to current research results.
• Analyze a scientific theory to determine whether it is a good theory.

Natural Sciences Distro Area

Additional Information:

Class Materials (Required):  Universe, 10th Edition: Freedman & Kauffman, ISBN: 9781464124921.

Class Notes:

This class is intended for non-science majors and no previous background in physics or astronomy is needed. Although equations are introduced in class, no mathematical problem solving is required. We will cover foundational principles of gravity, light and motion that are needed to understand astronomy phenomena and astronomical theories.