Spring 2010: ASTR 1020
Introductory Astronomy-2
Instructor: Professor Michael Shull
Teaching Assistant: Jessica Lovering
Class Lectures:
Tu-Th (11:00 am - 12:15 pm)
ECCR-150 (Engineering Complex)
Recitation (Monday, either 1 pm or 2 pm) - MUEN E130
Midterm Tests: Feb 2, Mar 16, Apr 22 (in-class)
Final: Tuesday May 4, 2010 (4:30-7:00 pm)
Instructor/TA: Contact Information
ASTR 1020 is the second-semester in the Introductory Astronomy (ASTR 1010/1020)
sequence on the Arts & Sciences Core Curriculum. This course will cover the
astronomy of stars, galaxies, quasars, clusters, and interstellar gas
in the general context of the origin, evolution, and structure of the
universe. An attached one-hour recitation provides opportunities for
in-depth discussion, practice in problem-solving, and astronomical topics
of general interest. Students should have basic ability in QRMS (quantitative
reasoning and math skills) such as proportional scaling, algebra, and numerical
calculation. The course begins with reviews of material from ASTR 1010:
electromagnetic radiation, gravity, spectra, and classical physics (forces,
energy, matter). We then discuss the structure and evolution of stars and
galaxies, star formation and stellar death (white dwarfs, neutron stars,
black holes), and quasars. Latter portions of the term consider the expansion
of the universe, dark matter, and dark energy. Throughout the class, we will
relate cosmology to our culture and philosophy, as they shape our ideas of
the cosmos.