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Astronomy 141 - Autumn Quarter 2008
Life in the Universe

Prof. Scott Gaudi - MWF 9:30am-10:48am - 0120 Baker Systems Engineering

Unit 1: Introduction to Science and Astronomy [September 24, 26, 29, October 1]

Lecture 1: Overview and Goals [Sep 24]
Lecture 2: Introduction and Modern Science [Sep 26]
Lectures 3 & 4: Basic Physical Concepts [Sep 29 and Oct 1]
Related Readings in Life in the Universe
Chapter 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4
Chapter 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4
Chapter 3.1,3.2, 3.4, 3.5
Chapter 12.1
Web links for Further Exploration in Unit 1
Astrobiology.com: Website devoted to all things Astrobiological.
The Astrobiology Nework: Exploring the Living Universe: Another website devoted to Astrobiology.
Drake Equation Calculator: briefly explains Drake's Equation, and provides a web interface that computes the number communicating civilizations in the galaxy.

The links to the lectures provide outlines of the material covered in each class. In some cases they have additional text and links covering supplemental material or graphics. I will attempt to make the online lecture notes are made available starting the week in which the lectures occur, but some notes may not be accessible until later in the week for various reasons.

Please feel free to print out copies of these lecture outlines in advance of class, so you can follow along with the lecture. Many students find this helps them listen without the pressure of taking down detailed notes of their own, but while still making additional notes in the margins to highlight particularly emphasized points.

See A Note about Graphics to learn why some of the graphics shown in the lectures are not reproduced with these notes.

Students looking to explore these topics further using the Internet might want to look at Prof. Richard Pogge's Selected Astronomical Internet Links for this unit.

[ Return to the Astronomy 141 Main Page | Go forward to Unit 2 ]

Updated: 2006 December 27
Copyright © Scott Gaudi All Rights Reserved.