Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey

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PHYS0155A-F23

Introduction to the Universe

An Introduction to the Universe
Our universe comprises billions of galaxies in a rapidly expanding fabric. How did it begin? Will it expand forever, or how may it end? How do the stars that compose the galaxies evolve from their births in clouds of gas, through the tranquility of middle age, to their often violent deaths? How can scientists even hope to answer such cosmic questions from our vantage point on a small planet, orbiting a very ordinary star? Are there other planets, orbiting other stars, where intelligent beings may be pondering similar issues? This introductory astronomy course, designed for nonscience majors, will explore these and other questions. Students will also become familiar with the night sky, both as part of our natural environment and as a scientific resource, through independent observations and sessions at the College Observatory. The approach requires no college-level mathematics, but students should expect to do quantitative calculations using scientific notation and occasionally to use elementary high-school algebra. 3 hrs. lect./1 hrs.disc.
Course Reference Number (CRN):
91456
Subject Code:
PHYS
Course Number:
0155
Section Identifier:
A

Course

PHYS 0155

All Sections in Fall 2023

Fall 2023

PHYS0155A-F23 Lecture (Brumback)
PHYS0155X-F23 Lab (Brumback)
PHYS0155Y-F23 Lab (Brumback)
PHYS0155Z-F23 Lab (Brumback)