First Year Seminar 191CNS1 - FYS- RAP First Year Seminar

Explores a variety of issues related to a Residential Academic Program (RAP) topic from both current and historical contexts. Students participate in small group projects and class discussions. Provides a supportive environment for personal reflection and critical thinking on the topics germane to the course content. Students will identify ways to incorporate personal interests with academic interests.

This course is only open to students registered for the CNS First Year Seminar RAP in Cance Hall. First-year (R1ST) Topic: The Big Bang and Beyond: The History and Future of the Universe
How did the Universe begin? What is the fate of the Earth? Of our entire Solar System? What will happen millions, billions, and even trillions of years in the future? While it?s hard to say for sure, why not see what we can learn by diving into current cosmological theories? In this course, we will consider the history and future of the Universe on the largest and smallest (-ish) scales, all the way from the Big Bang to the death of our Sun. Along the way, we will also learn about how we study the Universe, and how physics can provide us with a unique perspective on the world we live in. Like other First Year Seminars, we will cover resources on campus and learning strategies to help you succeed in your first semester at UMass Amherst.