This course provides a general acquaintance with some of the facts, concepts and scientific methods of astronomy. It is a liberal studies course. Therefore, our goal is not only to help you understand facts and concepts but also to help you gain an appreciation of astronomy as a science, the universe about us and the current scientific ideas about its history and its future. The classes consist of lectures and planetarium shows. These, however, do not necessarily cover every single topic in the book. It is in your interest and you are strongly encouraged to study the text as well as attend the classes to obtain a better understanding of astronomy. We highly recommend that you read the relevant chapter before the corresponding lecture, in order to familiarize yourself with the material, and make the time spent in class more profitable. The lectures may cover some topics not covered by the text. We provide each week a set of homework questions from the text. This homework should be answered through the Web AstroPortal and will be automatically graded there. This is an interesting course that we hope you will find both challenging and enjoyable.

Here are some of the questions that we will try to answer in this class:

         What causes the change of the seasons (spring, summer, fall, and winter)?
         Where were the chemical elements that make up carbon-based life forms like us made?
         What energy source fuels the Sun? How much longer will it shine?
         How can we learn important information about stars simply by looking at starlight?
         What are white-dwarfs, neutron stars, black holes, and quasars?
         What killed the dinosaurs 65 millions years ago?
         How likely is Armageddon - the collision of Earth with an asteroid?
         What evidence do we have that life is present on other celestial bodies, e.g. Mars?
         Are we alone in the universe?

Your final grade will be based on the results of the Weekly Mini-Quizzes, two Mid-Term Exams and the Final Exam, on-line Tutorials, and Homework. The contribution of the Weekly Mini-Quizzes will be 20%, of the (two) Mid-Term exams 30%, of the Final Exam 30%, Online Tutorials 10%, and of the Homework 10%.  Neither the mid-term nor the final exams may be missed. If you do miss a test, for a reason judged valid by your instructor, it must be made up by an oral exam arranged promptly with your instructor. If you miss the final exam, again for a valid reason, it must be made up the next time a final exam is given in this course. It is your responsibility to make sure that a missed test, or a missed final exam, is made up. You can  earn up to 5% extra credit towards your final grade by class participation. This extra credit can significantly improve your grade, and you are  strongly encouraged to take advantage of this.

You are required to attend all the lectures in class. You will be automatically dropped if you miss the first lecture, but you can re-enroll with the Registrar during the enrollment period.

You are strongly encouraged to seek help from your instructor by: asking questions before, during or after the lectures, coming to my office hours, calling me  on the phone, or  sending me email. DO NOT HESITATE TO ASK FOR HELP OR CLARIFICATION, AND I WOULD BE MORE THAN HAPPY TO HELP EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU !

This class will not use a standard printed textbook. Instead, it will use a new marvel of modern technology: an electronic textbook, i.e. an "eBook". The eBook is an interactive on-line version of the text available at approximately half the text price (via online purchase). It contains the full text, and you can take notes, highlight, and bookmark, mirroring the print-book experience. You can access the eBook at https://www.macmillanhighered.com/launchpad/dtu10e/11572079 . The corresponding LaunchPad is a complete online learning solution containing the eBook, study resources such as tutorials and animations, and an Assignment manager. We will be using the LaunchPad for assigned coursework, so you will need to obtain access to it by purchasing package of textbook and access code available from the bookstore, or you can purchase access to the LaunchPad directly from the Web site at https://www.macmillanhighered.com/launchpad/dtu10e/11572079. Please note that the LaunchPad includes the eBook – you do not need to acquire both.

Students with disabilities needing academic accommodations should, within the first week of class: 1) register with and provide documentation to the Student Disability Resource Center (SDRC); 2) bring a letter to me from SDRC indicating you need academic accomodations, and what they are. This and other class materials are available in alternative format upon request.