• Semester 1 (Day)
• Semester 2 (External)

Synopsis

The  unit begins with a basic introduction to observational astronomy.
The  course material then reviews astronomy's historical origins,  and
the  telescopes  and techniques used in this branch of  science.   The
solar  system  is  discussed in detail, including a  study  of  planet
Earth.   The  births,  lives  and deaths of  stars  is  then  covered,
including  a  discussion  of black holes.  Our  Milky  Way  galaxy  is
reviewed, and followed by a survey of the different types of  galaxies
beyond our own.  The formation of the universe in the Big Bang is then
studied,  as  well as the overall structure and possible fate  of  the
universe.  The course concludes with an investigation into the chances
of extraterrestrial life and intelligence.

Topics   covered:  Observing  the  sky;  The  history  of   astronomy;
Astronomical techniques and telescopes; The solar system; The Sun; The
lives  of  the stars; The Milky Way and other galaxies; Cosmology  and
the Big Bang; The search for extraterrestrial life.