ASTR 212 - Galactic Astronomy and Cosmology

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SP, alternate years. This course is an introduction to modern astronomy and astrophysics for students with some science and mathematics preparation. The first portion of the course includes a study of our own Galaxy, its structure, its contents (including the interstellar medium and dark matter), and its formation and development. The second portion of the course covers other galaxies, including their classification, clustering, and development, as well as active galaxies and quasars. The final portion of the course covers physical cosmology, including expansion of the universe, its age and ultimate fate, and the formation of elements. Students may take both ASTR 211 and this course, but one is not a prerequisite for the other. Prerequisite(s): one course in college calculus (such as MATH 132 or MATH 171) and one course in high school or college physics, or permission of the instructor.