Astronomy 201H (Honors)

---

Overview:

This course describes the workings and life cycles of stars and galaxies; black holes and other "exotic" astrophysical phenomena; the mystery of dark matter; the Big Bang theory of the history of the Universe; space travel and life in the Universe. We will also touch on more domestic issues like electrical power generation, and the fate of Life on Earth. Some class time will be spent doing activities that clarify how astronomers obtain and interpret information about untouchable stars.

Learning Outcomes:

Students completing this course successfully will be able to:

• Describe in detail, using proper terminology, the physical nature of stars, galaxies, and the universe;
• Describe the scientific explanations for the formation and development of stars, galaxies, and the universe, and support them using scientific observations and theories;
• Explain how scientists use observation and mathematics to learn more about the universe, and use basic forms of some of these methods;
• Relate some astronomical concepts to issues facing mankind today.