In ASTR 300, we begin by looking at our solar system as a whole to understand the basic processes that are occurring within it. Then we move outward to learn about the stars: why they shine, what they are like, and where they are. During our explorations, we will use our Sun as our standard to which we compare other stars. We will explore how stars are formed and how they die. After stars die, they become one of several exotic types of objects: white dwarfs, neutron stars, or black holes, and we will learn about each of these.
In the next part of the course, we will think about large groups of stars: galaxies. We will learn about our own galaxy, the Milky Way, as well as other galaxies. We will see that galaxies also change over time, and we will study how those changes occur through supermassive black holes and galaxy collisions.
This class is aimed at non-science majors. It will emphasize the methods scientists use to determine what we know about astronomical objects. The math skills required are those you should possess upon entry to the university and completion of your CORE math requirement: some algebra, the use of scientific notation and units, and how to interpret graphs.