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    Overview

    Introduction to modern astronomy with a minimum of mathematics, exploring the Sun-Earth system and our place in the universe. Topics include the history of astronomy, stellar evolution, planets, and cosmology.

    Special topics included are: "the size and age of the universe", "the search for extra-terrestrial intelligence" and "what would be the effect of a large meteor impact on the Earth?" This paper is intended for students who have an interest in a broad education. We aim to facilitate a continuing interest in astronomy and space exploration.

    About this paper

    Paper title Introduction to Astronomy
    Subject Physics
    EFTS 0.15
    Points 18 points
    Teaching period Summer School (On campus)
    Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $1,141.35
    International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
    Schedule C
    Science
    Notes
    This paper is not a prerequisite for Physics 200-Level major subject requirements.
    Contact
    craig.rodger@otago.ac.nz
    Teaching staff

    Professor Craig Rodger

    Dr Jonathan Squire

    Textbooks

    Recommended textbook; Seeds and Backman (Foundations of Astronomy, Thomson Brooks/Cole, 14th edition, 2019)

    Graduate Attributes Emphasised
    Global perspective, Interdisciplinary perspective, Lifelong learning, Scholarship, Critical thinking, Information literacy, Self-motivation. View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
    Learning Outcomes

    Students completing this paper will:

    1. Be aware of the essential aspects of our understanding of the wider universe
    2. Know the importance of historical aspects and the progressive development of ideas
    3. Grasp the range of scale sizes and numerical values needed to describe astronomical scales of time, space and mass

    Timetable

    Summer School

    Location
    Dunedin
    Teaching method
    This paper is taught On Campus
    Learning management system
    Blackboard

    Lecture

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend
    A1 Monday 13:00-13:50 2-5, 7
    Tuesday 13:00-13:50 2-7
    Wednesday 13:00-13:50 2-7
    Thursday 13:00-13:50 2-7

    Practical

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend
    A1 Thursday 15:00-17:50 2-7

    Tutorial

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend
    A1 Wednesday 15:00-15:50 2-7
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