Introduction to General Astronomy-E2
| Numbering Code | U-LAS15 10012 LE56 | Year/Term | 2022 ・ First semester |
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| Number of Credits | 2 | Course Type | Lecture |
| Target Year | All students | Target Student | For all majors |
| Language | English | Day/Period | Wed.4 |
| Instructor name | LEE, Shiu Hang (Graduate School of Science Senior Lecturer) | ||
| Outline and Purpose of the Course |
The quest to understand our origins, the origins of the universe is probably one of the oldest of human kind. In this course the latest advances in our knowledge of the universe are learned in plain language. The spatial and temporal scales of the universe and the key components (planets, stars, and galaxies, and their structures) are described in detail, and the basic techniques and logic employed in astronomical science are discussed. |
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| Course Goals | To obtain an overview understanding of the universe currently obtained by humankind, and to learn the basics of astronomical observations and theories employed in discoveries about the cosmos. Through the above, students will cultivate in themselves an scientific attitude which can be applied in their daily life and future career. | ||
| Schedule and Contents |
The following topics will be introduced (but not necessarily in this order): 1. Overview of modern astronomy and astrophysics 2. Planets, moons and other objects in the Solar System 3. Formation of planetary systems 4. Observation of exo-planets 5. Our Sun 5. Stars 6. Stellar evolution (low-mass stars and massive stars) 7. Supernova explosions 8. Neutron stars and pulsars 9. Blackholes and general relativity 10. Active galaxies 11. Gamma-ray bursts Each item above will be covered in 1 to 1.5 lectures, except stellar evolution which will be covered in 2 lectures. Including the feedback period, the course will be covered in 15 lectures in total. If possible, the lectures will be delivered via both in-class and online methods (hybrid) to ensure the possibility of remote attendance necessitated by emergency status issued by the government and/or the University. |
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| Evaluation Methods and Policy |
Evaluation based on: 1) Weekly online homework (due every Tuesday), and 2) Class attendance and participation (taken after registration period) (Details are explained during class) |
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| Course Requirements | None | ||
| Study outside of Class (preparation and review) | Read the lecture notes, online materials and reference book | ||
| References, etc. | Universe, Freedman, Geller and Kaufmann, (W. H. Freeman), ISBN:1319248640, 11th edition (2019) (10th edition is also acceptable) | ||
