• 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
births,  lives and deaths of stars are 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 studied, as well  as  the
overall structure and possible fate of the universe.  The solar system
is discussed in detail, including a study of planet Earth.  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 Sun;  The  lives  of  the
stars;  The Milky Way and other galaxies; Cosmology and the Big  Bang;
The solar system; The search for extraterrestrial life.