Overview of the Course Structure and Objectives

What will you, the student, gain from this course? Below are outlined the general course objectives:
  1. You will be able to describe the Big Bang and the origin of the elements.
  2. You will be able to explain the age and origin of the Solar System and illustrate differences between Earth and other planets in the Solar System.
  3. You will be able to describe the basic tools used in observational astronomy and the methods astronomers use to determine the distances to the stars.
  4. You will be able to summarize conditions necessary for life and to assess scientific evidence for life on other planets.
  5. Best of all, you will able to intelligently read an article about astronomy in a magazine or newspaper and explain to somebody else.
Good luck in your journey across space and time!