Syllabus for ASTR 347

Fall 2007

This is a rough and evolving list of the main topics we may be covering in class, in the rough order they will appear. These may change depending on interest. It is difficult to attach dates to them since to some extent the time we'll spend discussing each topic will depend on class interest and participation. Likewise, if there are other particular areas that would be of interest to the class we can try to accommodate them as well.

Part 1: Doing "Science"
            What is Science? (What is Pseudo-Science?)
            Models, hypotheses, (truth?)
                    Construction/Evaluation
                    Data, Theories, Skepticism
            Observational uncertainties
            Correlation vs. coincidence
            Human factors, peer review

Part 2: Classic Controversies
            Meteorites - academics vs. public
            Cosmology:
                    Ancient cosmology (especially Greek)
                    Copernican revolution
                    Galileo: observational revolution
                    Newton: theory + observation
                    Island universes debate
                    Expanding universe (or not?)

Part 3: Modern Controversies
            Life in the universe
            Known:
                    Earth
            Unknown:
                    Mars
                    UFOs
                    SETI
                    ???
            Gravity
                    Alternative theories
                    Dark matter, dark energy
            Astrology
            Other topics ???