Universe: Past, Present and Future

Course Description

In this class students will learn about the current scientific theories on the history of the Universe, about the formation and properties of galaxies, stars and the solar system as well as about our understanding of the Universe from the perspective of culture at large. The course is intended for non-science majors. As for the required knowledge of mathematics, we might use only some basic algebra, geometry and trigonometry. 3.0 Credits

General Information

I will use power point presentations in class and post the slides on this web page together with the homework assignments and the course announcements. Please check the page frequently. During the class I will often give you short conceptual problems to be solved in groups. Discussion with your colleagues has proved to be a fun and effective way to learn new material. It will be necessary to put a little additional effort for this active learning approach but it will pay off, since you will learn concepts during the class faster than on your own, at home. I will not have the time to cover completely the content of each chapter but will expect from you to know all the material, unless otherwise noted. I will try to explain all difficult concepts and leave you to deal only with common sense material. Please feel free to make comments or suggestions at any time. I will make all the necessary adjustment to ensure you find the course both challenging and rewarding. Also, do not hesitate to contact me if you have difficulties with the course or if you feel you are falling behind: let me know and we will find a way to sort it out. 

Required Textbook

J.Bennet et al., The Essential Cosmic Perspective, third edition, San Francisco, Pearson, 2005.

Lectures

SEC 18, M at 6:00 PM - 8:40 PM, in ELC-116

Course Requirements

Your final grade will be based on the following work:

• On every class I will assign problems to be solved either in the groups at the end of the class, or if we ran out of time, to be solved as home works. You should hand me in solved problems at a beginning of the next class. I will accept late home works, but the number of points you would get will be lower for 25% with each week you are late for;

• Projects: there will be two out of classroom projects. Please check the course web page later on to find more about projects.
• Exams: we will have a midterm and a final exam. The problems on the exams will often be derived from problems assigned in class.

Grading

Homework / Group work	20%
Midterm	20%
Final	40%
Project I	5%
Project II	15%

Office Hours

Twenty minutes before and after the class, or by appointment.

Download

Syllabus [doc]

Academic Integrity

The NEIU policy on academic integrity can be found here.