Introduction to the Universe
An Introduction to the Universe Our universe comprises billions of galaxies in a rapidly expanding fabric. How did it begin? Will it expand forever, or how may it end? How do the stars that compose the galaxies evolve from their births in clouds of gas, through the tranquility of middle age, to their often violent deaths? How can scientists even hope to answer such cosmic questions from our vantage point on a small planet, orbiting a very ordinary star? Are there other planets, orbiting other stars, where intelligent beings may be pondering similar issues? This introductory astronomy course, designed for nonscience majors, will explore these and other questions. Students will also become familiar with the night sky, both as part of our natural environment and as a scientific resource, through independent observations and sessions at the College Observatory. The approach requires no college-level mathematics, but students should expect to do quantitative calculations using scientific notation and occasionally to use elementary high-school algebra.
An Introduction to the Universe Our universe comprises billions of galaxies in a rapidly expanding fabric. How did it begin? Will it expand forever, or how may it end? How do the stars that compose the galaxies evolve from their births in clouds of gas, through the tranquility of middle age, to their often violent deaths? How can scientists even hope to answer such cosmic questions from our vantage point on a small planet, orbiting a very ordinary star? Are there other planets, orbiting other stars, where intelligent beings may be pondering similar issues? This introductory astronomy course, d …Read more
Professor Glikman is very enthusiastic about this class. The class is 100% lecture, with no discussion. She spends most of the class writing on the board, but we do occasional practice problems in the tutorials book. This class is pretty easy, and is definitely intended for freshmen/sophomores. As an upperclassman, this class was an easy somewhat-interesting class.
I agree with a previous reviewer, that I had different expectations for this course than is the reality. It is quite difficult, and it can be hard to keep up with the amount of material Brumback is attempting to convey in one semester, since the class truly is an overview of the workings of the Universe. I would recommend this class to someone who already knows they are interested in Physics, but who wants to explore it from a different angle. I am not a Physics person and have had quite a hard time keeping up with the pace.
I agree with a previous reviewer, that I had different expectations for this course than is the reality. It is quite difficult, and it can be hard to keep up with the amount of material Brumback is attempting to convey in one semester, since the class truly is an overview of the workings of the Universe. I would recommend this class …Read more
Professor Brumback was very effective at introducing and explaining new course material. The class was fast paced, but even as a non-STEM major, I was able to keep up, and all of the math was algebra. The weekly problem sets and final were somewhat challenging, but with enough preparation they were manageable.
I really enjoyed this class with Prof Brumback. I would definitely recommend this class for someone who doesn't plan to major in or continue physics. It is extremely interesting and not too hard. It took me a few classes to get used to the pacing and homework structure, but once I did, it was a great class. Professor Brumback is extremely enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the subject and was able to efficiently transfer that to our class. I highly recommend
I really enjoyed this class with Prof Brumback. I would definitely recommend this class for someone who doesn't plan to major in or continue physics. It is extremely interesting and not too hard. It took me a few classes to get used to the pacing and homework structure, but once I did, it was a great class. Professor Brumback is extr …Read more
I love the professor for this course, she seems to really enjoy what she does and I loved going observing. With that being said, the new professor is a lot less of an "easy A" than what I heard about the class previously- the workload is solid, and the material is challenging. Overall a super interesting class, just not as easy as I had heard!
As someone who had always been interested in fun space facts, this class was incredibly interesting. Eilat is extremely passionate about the subject, and it makes the class all the more interesting. The workload is not bad at all, one problem set a week, biweekly quizzes, one incredibly easy "project", and a final. Highly recommend this class, especially to non-physic majors and non-stemy people
As someone who had always been interested in fun space facts, this class was incredibly interesting. Eilat is extremely passionate about the subject, and it makes the class all the more interesting. The workload is not bad at all, one problem set a week, biweekly quizzes, one incredibly easy "project", and a final. Highly recommend t …Read more
Professor Glikman has endless passion and enthusiasm for the universe. This is a non-major course that is not math or physics heavy, so if you are somewhat interested in anything beyond planet Earth, this (or 255 if you are in Physics) is a must-take. Basic concepts like Newton's Laws are also mentioned. You also get to take pictures on our very own, very real telescope. The weekly homework can feel tiring though and those should really be due Sunday instead of Friday.
Professor Glikman has endless passion and enthusiasm for the universe. This is a non-major course that is not math or physics heavy, so if you are somewhat interested in anything beyond planet Earth, this (or 255 if you are in Physics) is a must-take. Basic concepts like Newton's Laws are also mentioned. You also get to take pictures …Read more
I thoroughly enjoyed this course. I thought it gave a very in depth insight into astronomy without overcomplicating things with the math. I enjoyed this course more than PHYS 255 intro to astrophysics. I have TAd for this course ever since I took it. It seems like the difficulty most students have is how to get started on questions rather than the math required to solve them. Glikman has 2 TA sessions / wk, so this course is very manageable and in my opinion, very worth it.
I thoroughly enjoyed this course. I thought it gave a very in depth insight into astronomy without overcomplicating things with the math. I enjoyed this course more than PHYS 255 intro to astrophysics. I have TAd for this course ever since I took it. It seems like the difficulty most students have is how to get started on questions r …Read more
this course was super interesting but it was more difficult than anticipated. I would say take this class if you're interested in space and astronomy, the math is only algebra, so if you're willing to put in the work, it is not too bad.
This was an interesting course and it was different material from other physics courses I had taken. Although there was some work, mostly weekly problem sets, it was not extremely demanding time wise.
The class is very easy but can be a little bit of busy work if you are not interested in the material. That being said its really interesting so I definitely recommend- fun and easy class if you are interested in space!
Not a very difficult course overall, occasionally the homework or bi-weekly quizzes will be a grind but they are graded pretty easily and she lets you drop the two lowest. Despite her enthusiasm, which I greatly appreciated, sometimes the lectures got boring. For anyone from the humanities looking for a DED or SCI credit, you can't do much better.