Astronomy 220 - TOPC: PUBLIC POLICY

Topics course.: This seminar explores the intersection of physical science, social science, psychology, politics and the environment. How do scientists, decision makers and the public communicate with each other, and how can scientists do it better? What should the scientist’s role be in advocacy and social movements? How does scientific information influence lifestyle and behavior choices among the public? We focus on three topics with close ties to astronomy: (1) global climate change (2) light pollution and (3) controversial mountaintop observations such as the Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea, HI. Prerequisite: one college science course and MTH 111 or equivalent.