Professor
Gregory Shields
Office: RLM 15.224
Hours: TBA
Phone: (512) 471-1402
email
TA
[Section 50395]
TBA
TA
[Section 50400]
TBA
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Course Description
What are the stars? How old are they, how were they born, and when will they die? How does our Milky Way compare to
other galaxies? How did the Universe begin? What processes led to the formation of stars and planets? What is the future
of the solar system, the Galaxy, and the universe? Are we alone in the universe?
These questions fascinate everyone. Astronomers have some answers, but many questions remain. This course gives a
survey of modern astronomy with a focus on stars, galaxies, and the universe at large. Topics include stars, interstellar
gas, galaxies, the Big Bang, dark matter and dark energy, and life in the universe. The course describes the contents and
evolution of the universe, as revealed by increasingly powerful scientific instruments. The goals are to leave the student
with a picture of our place in the universe and an appreciation of scientific thinking that may be useful in later life.
Lectures will be illustrated with images and films. Mathematics will include high school algebra but no calculus.
Prerequisite: None
Grading: Course grade will be based on three one-hour exams in class and homework. Exams will be closed
book, multiple choice and essay. Exams will cover lectures, assigned reading, and homework. Make-up tests will not
be given except for a compelling reason presented in advance or in case of illness. Exam weights and tentative dates are:
First Exam
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20%
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Date TBA
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Second Exam
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25%
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TBA
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Third Exam
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30%
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TBA
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Homework will count 25%, based on grading of selected problems from homework sets.
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