PHS 307 Principles of Astronomy

3.0 Credit(s)

The purpose of this course is to explore topics in theoretical and observational astronomy using a quantitative approach. Principles of physics, including the laws of gravitation, thermodynamics, and quantum mechanics will provide a foundation to understand how the universe began and continues to evolve, where the elements came from, why stars shine, how planetary climates change, and which extraterrestrial worlds may be habitable. Observational techniques, practiced on periodic required visits to the Collins Observatory, will reveal the evidentiary basis of modern astronomy. Three lecture hours per week.
Prerequisites: PHS211A and PHS212A, or PHS221 and PHS222, or PHS207 and MAT150, or permission of Department Chairperson.