2017-2018 Academic Bulletin 
    
    Apr 18, 2024  
2017-2018 Academic Bulletin [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

PHYS 129 - Fundamentals of Astronomy


Credits: 4
A study of the Earth and heavenly bodies, their observed characteristics and motions, and the theories that account for them. The course is designed to give the students an understanding of the tools and fundamental physical concepts of astronomy. Topics covered include celestial timekeeping, gravity, orbits, light, the birth and evolution of stars, basic relativity theory, black holes and other compact objects, dark matter, dark energy, and the big bang theory. One laboratory per week.

Corequisite: MATH 157 , MATH 159 , or equivalent (placement into MATH 160  is sufficient).

Distribution Requirements: QR, SP.

Students may not receive credit for both PHYS 020  and PHYS 129.