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This course introduces the student to Astronomy. Material presented will describe the makeup of the solar system, nature of stars and their evolution, the organization of galaxies and the large-scale structure and evolution of the universe. We will also consider how science enables us to understand these systems. The tools and instruments that make this information possible will also be reviewed. We will discuss how the largest structures in the universe are intimately linked to the smallest scales known, elementary particles. We will also learn how our understanding of light and matter, and therefore our interpretation of experiments, has changed over time. Students will improve their ability to think quantitatively and critically, by tackling many abstract problems. Students will gain knowledge of some of the most basic structures in the universe, follow their scientific investigation, and gain an appreciation of the techniques used to gain that knowledge.
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