ASTRO 1106 Relativity, Cosmology, and Black Holes
Course description
Explanation of Einstein's theory of Special Relativity, which brought about a fundamental change in our conceptual understanding of space and time. The consequences of the theory: the relativity of simultaneity; mass-energy equivalence, nuclear fission and fusion and thermonuclear processes in stars; why we can't travel faster than the speed of light; and how it all makes sense, including the resolution of some apparent paradoxes. Cosmology, studying the evidence for the evolution and future of the universe, and the considerations and evidence driving our theories, including an introduction to General Relativity and investigation of Dark Matter and Dark Energy. The death of stars: white dwarfs, neutron stars and pulsars, and black holes.
Prerequisites
High school algebra and trigonometry.
Summer 2025: Online course
| Section ID: | ASTRO 1106 001-LEC |
| Number: | 1330 |
| Session: | Summer 6-week |
| Class dates: | June 23-August 1, 2025 |
| Mode of instruction: | Online (async+sync) |
| Days / times: | M-F 10 AM - 11:15 AM |
| Final exam/project due: | Tuesday August 05, 11:59 PM (see Final exams) |
| Credit: | 3 |
| Grade: | Student option |
| Instructor: | Brazier, A. (ab447) |
| Max. enroll: | 30 |
| Notes: | Instructor will work with students from different time zones. Students watch 2-3 recorded lectures every day, averaging 35-40 minutes of commitment, plus a 45-minute daily Zoom session. Students also asynchronously do 18 homeworks, 2 prelims and a final project. |
| To enroll: |
See Online Learning FAQs. This course is open to all registrants, including undergraduates and precollege students. |