This course embarks on an astronomical journey into the final frontier! A broad range of topics will be discussed including: the night sky, fundamental properties of light and matter, telescopes, planets and other solar system objects (in our own and other solar systems), stars and their birth and death, white dwarfs, neutron stars, black holes, galaxies, dark matter, dark energy, the origin and development of the universe, and the possibility of life beyond the Earth.

Required Course Material

Textbook, workbook and laboratory manual are REQUIRED. The textbook is The Essential Cosmic Perspective, 6th edition, by Bennett et al. The workbook to be used will be announced before the beginning of the semester. The laboratory manual and star charts will be available for purchase in the York University Bookstore.

Evaluation:

Laboratory exercises 17.5%, term projects 20% (several hours spread over the year for observing the stars and moon, plus time to write up your reports), class work 17.5% fall term examination 22.5%, winter term examination 22.5%.

Format
Three lecture hours per week and a total of six to eight two-hour laboratory periods approximately every three to four weeks. Attendance at lectures and laboratory periods is an essential part of the course.

Course Credit Exclusions

SC/NATS 1880 6.00, AK/NATS 1720 6.00, AK/NATS 1750 6.00.  No credit will be retained if this course is taken after SC/PHYS 1070 3.00.  Not open to any student enrolled in the Astronomy stream.

Mathematical Content:

Although the mathematics is kept to a minimum, it is recommended that students be familiar with the basic principles of geometry and algebra up to the level of Grade 11 (no calculus is required). Simple algebra and geometry is needed in some labs. Key numerical concepts are discussed in the lectures or laboratory periods.

Name

E-mail Address

Office Location

Phone #

P. Hall

  phall@yorku.ca

337, Petrie Science Building

(416)736-2100 x 77752

Fall/Winter 2011-12

Course outline

Web page