Astronomy: Investigating Our Universe

This course will introduce students to the basics of astronomy, with an emphasis on analyzing observational data and using the Digital Visualization Theater (DVT) to communicate the results. Topics will include exoplanets, the life-cycle of stars, galaxies, cosmology, and the fate of the universe. Students will learn data analysis techniques using astronomical software. This course will make heavy use of the DVT by the instructors, and will culminate in students creating their own short DVT presentation to explain the results of their own explorations. Students will also perform their own observations with the 1.3 m Sarah L. Krizmanich Telescope on the roof of Jordan Hall of Science and take a day trip to Adler Planetarium in Chicago.