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Natural Sciences 102: Text, Lecture Notes, and Study Guide

In addition to the material linked below, some of the class material will be distributed via Adobe pdf files. Your computer probably already can read them, but if not you can get a reader free at: http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html

If your computer won't play the movies, you can download a player at http://www.real.com/player. To get the free version, which works fine, click on  RealPlayer FREE Download. You may want to make this player the default for all formats. Another free player (Quicktime) can be found at http://www.apple.com/quicktime/win.html. If the some of the movies still won't play, check the default programs your computer is using. For example, Windows Media Player refuses to play Quicktime (*.mov) so you need to make the Quicktime player the default for any with the .mov extension.

Below is the table of contents for this text, arranged to be parallel with the class syllabus. If events cause changes in the schedule, they will be reflected in changes in the syllabus but not in the table of contents, so use the syllabus as your primary reference! The class will also include a number of in-class exercises and also library information-literacy research projects.

Syllabus

Get an outline for the first set of lectures here.

How did astronomy get started?

The story of our gaining an understanding of the planetary motions now begins. It allows us to examine how science works, in slow motion (about 15 centuries worth).

Science has built an understanding of nature and along with it, the tools to observe the Universe.

Get an outline for the next set of lectures here.

We begin the story of what we have learned with these tools by looking at the origin of the Universe itself.

Stars and galaxies are the foundation of our understanding of the Universe. Our understanding of stars starts with the sun. We then compare it with other stars.

What happens as stars get older?

Get an outline for the next set of lectures here.

Galaxies are huge systems of stars, gas, dust, and dark matter.

Galaxies have a broad variety of characteristics, including cores containing supermassive black holes that produce dramatic activity.

Star formation shapes the appearance of the Universe

Get an outline for the final lectures here.

Each planet in our solar system has unique properties that provide clues to the formation of the system

We learn more about the solar system from its smaller members.

Is there intelligent life "out there?"

Final exam: Tuesday, May 10, 1:00 - 3:00 pm