Astronomy 111 - Exploring the Cosmos

What is the shape of the universe? How do stars die? What happens when galaxies collide? This course will explore questions such as these through an introduction to modern galactic and extragalactic astronomy. Topics covered include: the nature and evolution of stars, what is known about our own Milky Way galaxy, and what observations of other galaxies reveal about the origin, size, shape, and fate of the universe itself. Our investigations of galactic and extragalactic phenomena will build both qualitative and quantitative understanding of astronomical concepts. The course will conclude with students designing and conducting activities that teach one or more course concepts at the College’s annual “Astronomy Night” community outreach event. In discussion sections, students will be challenged to construct scale models, make predictions and observations of their own, and test assumptions about the nature of the universe against real data. 

Section 01 is intended for non-STEM majors. Topics will be covered with the same level of rigor as other sections, but with more scaffolding around mathematical concepts and operations. 
Limited to 25. Students who have taken MATH 111 are not eligible to enroll in this section. Preference by seniority. 

Section 02 is intended for students who have already taken MATH 111 or its equivalent. Comfort and familiarity with algebra, trigonometry, and data graphics will be assumed. Limited to 25. Preference by class year (sophomores, juniors, then seniors). 10 slots reserved for first-year students. Students who have taken a 200-level physics or astronomy course are not eligible to enroll in this section, and should instead enroll in ASTR 121. 

Fall semester Professor Follette
 

How to handle overenrollment: Preference by seniority

Students who enroll in this course will likely encounter and be expected to engage in the following intellectual skills, modes of learning, and assessment: quantitative work and working in groups