ASTR 338 - The Cosmos

Units: 3 ; Breadth Area: GE-UDB
A grand view of astronomy covering the origin and evolution of the Universe. Topics of study include cosmological models, relativity, particle physics, the Big Bang, the origin and evolution of stars and galaxies, and the search for extra-terrestrial life. Formerly PHYS 338.

Strongly Recommended Preparation: Upper division status (greater than 60 earned semester units) and completion of lower division Areas B1-B3.
Prerequisites: Completion of GE Areas A1, A2, A3 and B4 with grade C- (CR) or better.
Equivalent Quarter Course: PHYS 3700.
Possible Instructional Methods: Entirely On-ground.
Grading: A-F or CR/NC (student choice).
Breadth Area(s) Satisfied: GE-UDB - Upper Division Science Inquiry and Quantitative Reasoning
Course Typically Offered: Fall & Spring

Student Learning Outcomes - Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

relate our planet and our solar system to the rest of the Universe in terms of size and age;
summarize the evolution of the Universe from the Big Bang through the present state;
qualitatively describe general and special relativity theory and use this understanding to describe the motion of celestial bodies from the small scales of planets and moons to the much larger scales of the galactic superclusters;
describe the particle makeup of the Universe and the observations which support the existence of dark matter;
summarize historically significant transitions in human thought on the evolution of the Universe.

UD-B. Upper-division Science Inquiry and Quantitative Reasoning Learning Outcomes

demonstrate advanced and/or focused science or quantitative content knowledge in a specific scientific field, using appropriate vocabulary and referencing appropriate concepts (such as models, uncertainties, hypotheses, theories, and technologies);
apply advanced quantitative skills (such as statistics, algebraic solutions, interpretation of graphical data) to scientific problems and evaluate scientific claims;
demonstrate understanding of the nature of science and scientific inquiry and the experimental and empirical methodologies used in science to investigate a scientific question or issue; and
apply science content knowledge to contemporary scientific issues (e.g., global warming) and technologies (e.g., cloning), where appropriate.