Instructor Name: Jane Sample Instructor
Seattle Campus

Official description:
Introduction to the universe, with emphasis on a conceptual, as contrasted with mathematical, comprehension. Modern theories observations; ideas concerning nature, evolution of galaxies; quasars, stars, black holes, planets, solar system. Not open for credit to students who have taken 102 or 101; not open to upper-division students majoring in physical sciences or engineering.

What students can expect to learn from this course
We start with the fundamentals needed to grasp astronomy and what astronomers do today: our place in the Universe, gravity and the other 4 forces, light and telescopes. We then move onto a study of our Sun and an appreciation for the power that drives its life-giving energy. Stars are viewed in the context of objects that are born, live, and die. Their characteristics, classification, and unique populations are examined closely, and students will learn why the mass of a star determines everything about its life. When we move onto galaxies and cosmology, the students will find out that there are many different kinds of galaxies and will examine the various theories that attempt to explain why there is such a variety. As the course closes, the students will learn how the expansion of the Universe leads to the concept of a violent beginning, a start. We examine newly forming galaxies observed at the edge of the observable universe and how we use "look-back time" to trace the evolution of galaxies.

General method of instruction
Interactive lectures plus student-involved sections.

Recommended preparation for success in the course
Review of high school algebra. A desire to learn about our place in the Universe.

General nature of assignments
Combination of single concept activities and multi-leveled labs that include taking and analyzing data.

Basis on which grades are assigned
Exams, labs, activities, homework, participation.

URL of web page with additional information (optional)
Text trigger of link page (e.g. for more information)