For nonmajors. Present knowledge of the sun, the
planets, and other objects in the solar system; of
stars, star systems, galaxies, and the universe as
a whole. Focus on conceptual understanding rather
than on a catalog of objects. Basic laws of
physics, including Newton's laws of motion and
gravitation, laws governing energy and its
transformations, theories of matter and radiation.
How the distance, size, mass, brightness, and
composition of remote objects are determined.
General theory of stellar evolution including
nuclear synthesis, origins of life on earth, and
origin and fate of the solar system. Occasional
evening observations at the Karle Observatory atop
the Olin Center for Physics and Chemistry.
planets, and other objects in the solar system; of
stars, star systems, galaxies, and the universe as
a whole. Focus on conceptual understanding rather
than on a catalog of objects. Basic laws of
physics, including Newton's laws of motion and
gravitation, laws governing energy and its
transformations, theories of matter and radiation.
How the distance, size, mass, brightness, and
composition of remote objects are determined.
General theory of stellar evolution including
nuclear synthesis, origins of life on earth, and
origin and fate of the solar system. Occasional
evening observations at the Karle Observatory atop
the Olin Center for Physics and Chemistry.
- Teacher: Matthew Powell