Astronomy: Life in the Universe

 

Spring 2006

Spring 2006 SyllabusRevised May 30, 2006

Math Primer

Although there won't be a lot of mathematical calculations in this course, some high-school level math will be used. This primer in intended to refresh your memory, and to introduce you to the units used in the course. When in doubt, check this web page. It is a quick way to be sure you are doing things correctly.

Lecture Notes

Lecture notes: These are currently in 2 formats: PowerPoint (ppt) files and HTML versions of the PowerPoint files (ppt-htm).

The ppt files are copies of the ones I show in class, with the color background removed and some of the text/formulas altered in color for easier printing. These files can be BIG if there are lots of figures/animations, so don't try to download them with a slow connection. If you do this on a UC computer, be sure to delete the file when you are done, and not clutter up the hard drive.

The ppt.htm versions will probably load faster, but may require you to print them one page at a time. Let me know if you have problems with either file format.

Use these in a manner that best suits your needs/abilities. Many students like to bring hard copies to class & annotate them during the lectures. You might try printing 4 pages to a sheet to save paper, although that cuts down on room for jotting your own notes.

WARNING: these notes can be quite terse, so it is highly inadvisable to assume that coming to lecture is not needed! I strongly recommend against relying only on the notes. You will do much better on the exams if you come to class AND read the notes (and the textbook).

 

1 - Introduction   ppt    ppt.htm

 

 

 

 

 

2 - Backdrop     ppt    ppt.htm

3 - Light   ppt    ppt.htm

4 - Scale of the Universe ppt  ppt.htm

5 - History of the Universe  ppt   ppt.htm

               Homework #1  doc     pdf

               Homework #1 answers

6 - Birth of Stars  ppt   ppt.htm

7 - Death of Stars  ppt    ppt.htm

8 - Life – I    ppt     ppt.htm

                Homework #2  doc     pdf

                Homework #2 answers

9 - Life – II    ppt     ppt.htm

10 - Life – III     ppt     ppt.htm

 What am I doing when I travel?

 11 - Life – IV     ppt     ppt.htm

Exam 1 Review Sheet  doc     pdf

 12 - Formation of the Solar System  ppt  ppt.htm

 13 – Impacts & Extinctions  ppt   ppt.htm

             Homework #3  doc      pdf

            Homework #3 Answers

14 – Venus   ppt   ppt.htm

15 – Mars – I   ppt     ppt.htm

16 – Mars – II   ppt     ppt.htm

              Homework #4   doc     pdf

              Homework #4 Answers

17 – Jovian Planets & Moons  ppt  ppt.htm

Exam 2 Review Sheet   doc   pdf

18 – Habitable Zones   ppt     ppt.htm

19 – Extrasolar Planets   ppt   ppt.hmt

20 – The Drake Equation   ppt  ppt.htm

21 – Spaceflight   ppt   hmt

22 – SETI    ppt     ppt.hmt

23 – The Fringe  ppt   ppt.htm

24 – Final Thoughts  ppt    ppt.htm

Exam 3 Review Sheet doc    pdf

 

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