Course goals

By taking this course, students will...

• develop an understanding of the scale, structure and patterns of the observable universe
• develop an understanding of the techniques of astronomical observation, and demonstrate how Earth- and space-based telescopes, robotic probes, and direct human exploration have expanded our knowledge of the cosmos
• explore the connection between astronomical phenomena and the existence of life
• demonstrate that our knowledge of the universe is evolving, and continues to inspire questions in the human imagination and controversy in human society

Student learning objectives

By the end of this course, students will be able to...

• use qualitative and quantitative terms to describe the scale of the universe
• describe how astronomers use multi-wavelength observations of "light" to interpret the life cycle, temperature, size, composition, and motion of stars and galaxies
• justify the statement that "In a very real sense, we are made of star-stuff." (-Carl Sagan)
• describe the main theories and evidence for how galaxies, our solar system, and the Earth-Moon system were formed
• describe and distinguish the major types of astronomical objects - including stars, galaxies, planets, asteroids, comets, and other solar system objects - in terms of what is known of their composition, structure, dynamics, and life-cycle
• describe and debate the significance of recent discoveries of water, methane and organic molecules beyond Earth
• describe how astronomers have recently been able to identify planets beyond our own solar system, and debate the significance of this information
• describe how science can (and cannot) address the question of life existing elsewhere in the universe
• describe how science can (and cannot) address questions on the origin and fate of the universe
• describe and debate how knowledge gained from space exploration may impact the human condition
• describe and debate potential benefits and tradeoffs in pursuing astronomical knowledge as a society