Spring 2009: ASTR 2010
Modern Cosmology
Instructor: Professor Michael Shull
Teaching Assistant: Elizabeth Beckel
(Elizabeth.Beckel@colorado.edu)
Class Meeting Times:
Tu-Th (9:30 - 10:45 am)
Duane G1B-20 (Duane Physics & Astrophysics)
Final:
Saturday May 2, 2009 (4:30 - 7:00 pm)
Instructor/TA: 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 does not require
any University prerequisite. Some knowledge of mathematical reasoning
(proportional scaling and algebra) is needed, since quantitative
work is required. We will start by addressing the scientific method and
discussing some traditional theories for how the Universe began.
I will give an overview of classical physics and astrophysics (forces,
energy, matter, light). Later in the term, we will introduce concepts of
modern physics (relativity and quantum mechanics) and discuss the
intertwined roles of space and time. With this background, we will move
into the theory of modern cosmology, the expansion of the universe, dark
matter, and dark energy.
Throughout the class, we will spend time relating cosmology to
our culture and philosophy, as they shape our ideas of the cosmos.