Astronomy 201
Cosmology
Fall 2009
Professor: Dr. Jill Bechtold
TA: Mr. Stephane Herbert-Fort
Tu & Th, 9:30-10:45am
in Steward Observatory
N210
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Astronomy 201 Cosmology Fall 2009 Professor: Dr. Jill Bechtold TA: Mr. Stephane Herbert-Fort Tu & Th, 9:30-10:45am in Steward Observatory N210 |
DESCRIPTION: Extragalactic astronomy and cosmology are among the fastest developing fields in astronomy. This course presents cosmology as a modern, quantitative science. It describes what we know about galaxies, the large scale structure of the universe and the beginnings and evolution of the Universe. (3 units) PREREQUISITES: Two courses from Tier One, Natural Sciences (NATS 101, 102, 104). Math at the High School algebra level will be used, so the student should be familiar with basic algebra, trigonometry, and fractional powers. For a review of math concepts required for the course, see the "Math Toolkit" below. |
Week of Nov. 17 Next Lecture PPT Sign up to do the Telescope Lab and go to the telescope, if you haven't already done so. Quiz 10 Due next Tuesday, November 24. Galaxy Zoo Project Due November 24. Grades of all homework assignments and quizes will be posted on D2l as soon as they become available. Quiz grades must be entered by hand so will not appear immediately. |
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External Links: Class Fractals Fractals in Nature Photos contributed by the class, see if you agree these are fractals. Department of Astronomy Astronomy Picture of the Day Earth Science Picture of the Day Lunar Picture of the Day The Steward Observatory Public Evenings Mt. Lemmon Sky Center Astronomy Camp Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association Article from LA Times about the significance of the Mt. Wilson Observatory in cosmology. |
"The fact that I understand this rose -- the light reflected off its surface, how it is composed of cells, why it is red, the evolutionary origin of the bees' attraction to it, and so on -- these things do not in any way diminish my appreciation of its beauty. In fact, they enhance my ability to enjoy the rose." -- Richard Feynman , Nobel Laureate in Physics "My goal is simple. It is complete understanding of the universe, why it is as it is and why it exists at all. " -- Stephen Hawking "The greatest benefit derived from the study of science is that it lifts you out of and above the littleness of daily trials. We learn to live in the universe as a part of it; we cannot separate ourselves from it -- our every act connects us with it -- our every act affects the whole. Standing under the canopy of stars and remembering their presence you could scarcely do a petty deed, or think a wicked thought." -- Maria Mitchell (1818-1889), first woman astronomer in the United States "Do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it. Do not believe in anything simply because it is spoken and rumored by many... Do not believe in anything merely on the authority of your teachers and elders. Do not believe in traditions because they have been handed down for many generations. But after observation and analysis, when you find that anything agrees with reason and is conducive to the good and benefit of one and all, then accept it and live up to it." -- Buddha "What really interests me is whether God had any choice in the creation of the world." --Albert Einstein |
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