2019 Syllabus

1. (A)Course Description:
   This course is to introduce various phenomena in astronomy with brief and comprehensive descriptions.  Through the semester, we will cover basic concepts about structures on large and small scales related to galaxies, including Milky Way and galaxies, and the solar system as well as the origin of planetary systems and exoplanet. 
   

2. (B)Textbook:
   Foundations of Astronomy by Seeds and Backman (Cengage)
   
   

3. (C)References:
   The Physical Universe by Frank H. Shu 1982 (University Science Books) for science majors
   
   

4. (D)Teaching Method: 
   Lectures and team projects
   
   

5. (E)Syllabus:
   

1. 1.The Milky Way Galaxy
   

2. 2.Galaxies
   

3. 3.Active galaxies and supermassive black holes
   

4. 4.Modern cosmology
   

5. 5.Origin of the Solar System
   

6. 6.Exoplanets
   

7. 7.Venus and Mars
   

8. 8.Jupiter and Saturn
   

9. 9.Kuiper Belt, Astroids, and Comets
   
   

6. (F)Evaluation:
   Presentations, problem sets, mid-term examination, and attendance