Planck sky image

ASTR 2010 (Modern Cosmology)
Spring 2018 (Tu-Th: 9:30 - 10:45 am)

Instructor: Prof Michael Shull
(michael.shull@colorado.edu)
Office Hours: MWF (9-11 am) or by appointment

Teaching Assistant: None (Just Me!)

Class Meeting Times: Tu-Th (9:30 am - 10:45 pm)
in Duane G130 (Physics & Astrophysics Building)

Midterm Exams: In Class (Feb 6 , Mar 13, Apr 19)
Final Exam: Monday May 7, 2018 (4:30 - 7:00 pm)

Observing Nights (Jan 30, Feb 13, Mar 15, Mar 20, Apr 5, Apr 18)

Course Information

Course Calendar and Syllabus

Instructor Contact Information

ASTR 2010 is an introductory course on the Arts & Sciences Core Curriculum, covering the origin, evolution, and structure of the Universe. Designed for non-science majors, this class has no University prerequisites. Some knowledge of mathematical reasoning (proportional scaling and algebra) is needed as quantitative work is required. There will be regular homework, writing assignments, and tests. We will discuss theories for how the Universe began (Big Bang, Inflation) and the roles of spacetime and gravity. Early classes will present an overview of classical physics and astrophysics (forces, energy, matter, light) applied to stars and galaxies. We will introduce concepts of modern physics (relativity and quantum mechanics) as they relate to photons, neutrinos, protons, neutrons, and other sub-atomic particles. We will discuss evidence for "dark matter and dark energy". We will connect cosmology to our culture and philosophy, as they shape ideas of the cosmos.