ASTR 122: Stars & Galaxies
Introduction to celestial objects and phenomena beyond the Solar System, and their governing basic physical principles; galaxies, quasars, and structure of the universe; dark matter and dark energy; the Big Bang and the fate of the universe; the Milky Way; the interstellar medium and the birth of stars; stellar distances, motions, radiation, structure, evolution, and remnants, including neutron stars and black holes. Emphasis will be placed on problem-solving and scientific methods.
- Teacher: Aditya Bhartia
- Teacher: Bryan Dunne
- Teacher: Shantanu Solanki
ASTR 330: Extraterrestrial Life
In this course, we will address one of the greatest scientific questions of all time: Are we alone? This question reaches beyond simple scientific curiosity and touches nearly every phase of our civilization. We will approach this question from a purely scientific basis. Thus, my goal for a graduate of this course is that they will understand our current scientific view of life in the universe, conceptualize the factors involved with the ultimate question, propose what the future may hold for the field, make informed decisions about science policies, and hold any discovery of extraterrestrial life to a high scientific standard of proof.
- Teacher: Bryan Dunne
- Teacher: Xinyang Lu
- Teacher: Tony Wong
- Teacher: Paul Ricker