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Adam Frank
An introduction to modern astronomy's most important questions. The four sections of the course are Planets and Life in The Universe; The Life of Stars; Galaxies and Their Environments; The History of The Universe.
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What's inside
Syllabus
Are we alone in the Universe?
Planets and Life in The Universe - Exoplanets searches, exoplanet census, astrobiology
How do Stars Evolve and Die?
Read more
Syllabus
Are we alone in the Universe?
Planets and Life in The Universe - Exoplanets searches, exoplanet census, astrobiology
How do Stars Evolve and Die?
Read more
The Life of Stars - Star formation, fusion and stellar middle age, black holes and stellar death-
What Exists Outside our Galaxy?
Galaxies and Their Environments - Galaxy types, Active Galactic Nuclei, Clusters of Clusters of Galaxies
What is the Fate of the Universe?
The History of The Universe - Why the Big Bang? A History of Time, What Happened Before the Big Bang
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Course content explores significant topics like the existence of life in the universe, stellar evolution and death, galaxies and their environments, and the history of our cosmos
Suitable for learners interested in the broader field of astronomy, providing an overview of fundamental concepts and theories
Instructor Adam Frank is an acclaimed astrophysicist bringing expertise and authenticity to the course
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Save Confronting The Big Questions: Highlights of Modern Astronomy to your list so you can find it easily later:
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Reviews summary
Astronomy appreciation
Learners say “Confronting the Big Questions: Highlights of Modern Astronomy” is a largely positive course that offers a broad overview of astronomy, covering topics such as astrobiology, astrophysics, and cosmology. The course is taught by engaging Professor Adam Frank, who presents the material in an easy-to-understand way. Learners appreciate the challenging quizzes and recommend the course to anyone interested in astronomy.
Learners find the quizzes to be challenging.
"The tests were tough, but the course was extremely enjoyable and I learned a lot."
"I found the assignments challenging."
"By comparison, I recommend Chris Impey's U of Arizona 11 week astronomy course. In order to pass the tests an understanding of the material is required, and the tests are instructive and useful."
Professor Frank's lectures are highly praised.
"Excellent, thank you."
"The weekly quizzes had many mistakes!However, the course was really great."
"I like this course very much. Special about this course was the Mr. Adam Frank, his skills of teaching are one of the best in the world"
Learners note that the course content is outdated.
"it is an interesting subject but the content is now quite old and I think could do with updating."
"This is a good course but it's showing its age a little bit."
"bear in mind it hasn't been updated since 2014."
Learners report issues with the simulators and Flash technology.
"It is impossible to get 100% on a modern computer for the first two quizzes because they rely on obsolete technology."
"Some of the tests at the end require outdated simulators to solve the answer, software so old it could harm your computer."
"Even though the course is good, but the first chapters' graded quizzes are heavily dependent on simulators that have not been properly maintained and some are not working in modern browsers."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Confronting The Big Questions: Highlights of Modern Astronomy with these
activities:
Read: Astrophysics for People in a Hurry
Show steps
Provides a comprehensive overview of astrophysics concepts
View
Merlin's Tour of the Universe, Revised and...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read the book in its entirety
Watch a Documentary on Black Holes
Show steps
Helps to reinforce the concepts of black holes and their properties
Show steps
-
Find a relevant documentary
-
Watch the documentary
Compile a Glossary of Astronomy Terms
Show steps
Helps to reinforce the understanding of key astronomy terminology
Show steps
-
Gather astronomy terms
-
Define each term
-
Organize the glossary
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Exoplanet Classification Exercise
Show steps
Helps to reinforce the concepts of exoplanet classification and characteristics
Show steps
-
Use a planetary classification tool
-
Classify a given set of exoplanets
Create a Star Map
Show steps
Helps to reinforce the concepts of galaxies and their distributions
Show steps
-
Gather resources
-
Use software to create a map
-
Label and annotate the map
-
Draw a scale on the map
Join an Online Astronomy Discussion Group
Show steps
Helps to reinforce the concepts of the course through peer discussion
Show steps
-
Join an online astronomy discussion group
-
Participate in discussions
Create a Timeline of the Universe
Show steps
Helps to reinforce the concepts of the timeline of the universe and its history
Show steps
-
Gather information from various sources
-
Create a visual timeline
Read: Astrophysics for People in a Hurry
Show steps
Provides a comprehensive overview of astrophysics concepts
View
Merlin's Tour of the Universe, Revised and...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the book in its entirety
Watch a Documentary on Black Holes
Show steps
Helps to reinforce the concepts of black holes and their properties
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a relevant documentary
- Watch the documentary
Compile a Glossary of Astronomy Terms
Show steps
Helps to reinforce the understanding of key astronomy terminology
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather astronomy terms
- Define each term
- Organize the glossary
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Exoplanet Classification Exercise
Show steps
Helps to reinforce the concepts of exoplanet classification and characteristics
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Use a planetary classification tool
- Classify a given set of exoplanets
Create a Star Map
Show steps
Helps to reinforce the concepts of galaxies and their distributions
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather resources
- Use software to create a map
- Label and annotate the map
- Draw a scale on the map
Join an Online Astronomy Discussion Group
Show steps
Helps to reinforce the concepts of the course through peer discussion
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Join an online astronomy discussion group
- Participate in discussions
Create a Timeline of the Universe
Show steps
Helps to reinforce the concepts of the timeline of the universe and its history
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather information from various sources
- Create a visual timeline
Career center
Learners who complete Confronting The Big Questions: Highlights of Modern Astronomy will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Astrophysicist
Astrophysicist
Astrophysicists are physicists who specialize in the study of the universe. They use the laws of physics to understand the behavior of stars, planets, galaxies, and other celestial objects. This course would provide you with a strong foundation in the fundamentals of astronomy and physics, which would be essential for success in this field.
Cosmologist
Cosmologist
Cosmologists study the origin and evolution of the universe. They use observations and theories to understand how the universe began and how it has changed over time. This course would provide you with a strong foundation in the fundamentals of astronomy and cosmology, which would be essential for success in this field.
Astrobiologist
Astrobiologist
Astrobiologists study the origin and evolution of life in the universe. They use a variety of techniques to search for life on other planets and moons, and to understand the conditions that are necessary for life to exist. This course would provide you with a strong foundation in the fundamentals of astronomy and astrobiology, which would be essential for success in this field.
Astronomer
Astronomer
Astronomers study the stars, planets, and other bodies in the universe. They use telescopes to observe and collect data on these objects, and then analyze the data to learn more about their composition, structure, and behavior. This course would provide you with a strong foundation in the fundamentals of astronomy, which would be essential for success in this field.
Planetary Scientist
Planetary Scientist
Planetary scientists study the planets, moons, and other bodies in our solar system. They use telescopes, spacecraft, and other instruments to observe and collect data on these objects, and then analyze the data to learn more about their composition, structure, and behavior. This course would provide you with a strong foundation in the fundamentals of astronomy and planetary science, which would be essential for success in this field.
Science Writer
Science Writer
Science writers communicate complex scientific concepts to the general public. They write for a variety of audiences, including newspapers, magazines, websites, and books. This course would provide you with a strong foundation in the fundamentals of astronomy, which would be essential for success in this field.
Science Educator
Science Educator
Science educators teach science to students at all levels, from elementary school to college. They develop and implement lesson plans, and assess student learning. This course would provide you with a strong foundation in the fundamentals of astronomy, which would be essential for success in this field.
Museum curator
Museum curator
Museum curators are responsible for the care and display of museum collections. They may also conduct research on the objects in their collections, and develop educational programs for the public. This course would provide you with a strong foundation in the fundamentals of astronomy, which would be essential for success in this field.
Technical Writer
Technical Writer
Technical writers create instruction manuals, technical reports, and other documents that explain complex technical concepts. They may work in a variety of industries, including software, engineering, and manufacturing. This course would provide you with a strong foundation in the fundamentals of astronomy, which may be helpful for success in this field.
Librarian
Librarian
Librarians help people find and access information. They may work in a variety of settings, including public libraries, school libraries, and university libraries. This course would provide you with a strong foundation in the fundamentals of astronomy, which would be helpful for success in this field.
Management Consultant
Management Consultant
Management consultants help businesses improve their performance. They analyze business processes and make recommendations on how to improve efficiency and profitability. This course may provide you with some of the analytical and problem-solving skills necessary to succeed in this field.
Financial Analyst
Financial Analyst
Financial analysts help businesses make investment decisions. They analyze financial data and make recommendations on which stocks and bonds to buy or sell. This course may provide you with some of the analytical skills necessary to succeed in this field.
Patent Attorney
Patent Attorney
Patent attorneys help inventors obtain patents for their inventions. They must have a strong understanding of the patent process and the law. This course may provide you with some of the knowledge necessary to succeed in this field.
Software Engineer
Software Engineer
Software engineers design, develop, and test software applications. They may work in a variety of industries, including software development, web development, and data science. This course may provide you with some of the problem-solving skills necessary to succeed in this field.
Data Scientist
Data Scientist
Data scientists collect, analyze, and interpret data to help businesses make better decisions. They may work in a variety of industries, including finance, healthcare, and retail. This course may provide you with some of the analytical skills necessary to succeed in this field.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/8qdmzr/confronting
Reading list
We've selected 13 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Confronting The Big Questions: Highlights of Modern Astronomy.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of modern astrophysics, covering topics such as the formation and evolution of stars, galaxies, and the universe. It valuable resource for students taking this course who want to gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of astronomy, covering topics such as the solar system, stars, galaxies, and cosmology. It valuable resource for students taking this course who want to gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
Provides a concise and accessible overview of astrophysics, covering topics such as the solar system, stars, galaxies, and cosmology. It valuable resource for students taking this course who want to gain a basic understanding of the subject matter.
Classic work of popular science that provides a sweeping overview of the universe. It valuable resource for students taking this course who want to gain a broader perspective on the subject matter.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the planets in our solar system. It valuable resource for students taking this course who want to gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of galaxies. It valuable resource for students taking this course who want to gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
Provides a comprehensive overview of black holes and time warps. It valuable resource for students taking this course who want to gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of string theory. It valuable resource for students taking this course who want to gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the universe. It valuable resource for students taking this course who want to gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the hidden dimensions of the universe. It valuable resource for students taking this course who want to gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the universe. It valuable resource for students taking this course who want to gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the history of the universe. It valuable resource for students taking this course who want to gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the universe. It valuable resource for students taking this course who want to gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/8qdmzr/confronting
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Effort
3-4 hours/week
Level
Introductory
Via
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Institution
University of Rochester
Instructor
Adam Frank
Language
English
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Good to know
Course content explores significant topics like the existence of life in the universe, stellar evolution and death, galaxies and their environments, and the history of our cosmos
Suitable for learners interested in the broader field of astronomy, providing an overview of fundamental concepts and theories
Instructor Adam Frank is an acclaimed astrophysicist bringing expertise and authenticity to the course
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