Course Description
Students learn a broad swath of the history of the evolution of the universe, from the Big Bang, when the universe began, to the origins of life on earth. Based on this knowledge, we narrow the topic for each session to the connections between various issues in modern society and astronomy and think about this topic deeply. The lectures have a wide scope, from fundamental science (physics, chemistry, biology, geology) to modern society (social activities, human activities). The world of stars that we can see when we look up at the night sky is becoming increasingly familiar. This course welcomes students from all fields who are interested in interdisciplinary study.
Course Plan
To begin, we review the history of astronomy to gain background information. Next, we discuss the relationships between astronomy and various fields of fundamental science, as well as the relationships between astronomy and scientific technologies (mainly astronomical observation technologies). Finally, we reflect on the relationship between astronomy and modern society and culture, based on the knowledge gained.
A. Introduction
1. Orientation
B. The history of astronomy: Changes in humanity’s view of the world and space
2. History of astronomy
C. Fundamental knowledge on astronomy: Imagining a map of space
3. From the Earth to the solar system
4. From our Galaxy to galaxy zoo
5. From galaxy clusters to thecosmic large scale structure
⇒ Students attain fundamental knowledge on astronomy
D. Fundamental science and astronomy: Through the history of the universe
6. The Big Bang universe (relationship with fundamental physics)
7. The chemical evolution of the universe (relationship with chemistry)
8. Forming the solar system and its planets (relationship with geology)
9. Astrobiology (relationship with biology)
⇒ Students learn about the relationships between astronomy and fundamental science
E. Applied science (technology) and astronomy:Developments in observation technologies
10. The history of astronomical telescopes (from Galileo to space telescopes)
11. Highly individual observation devices (imaging, spectroscopic, photometric observation)
12. Multiwavelength astronomical observation (from radio to gamma rays)
⇒ Students learn about the mechanisms of observational technologies and the history of their development
F. Social and human activities and astronomy: Astronomy in daily life
13. Social activities and astronomy (politics, economy, environment)
14. Human activities and astronomy (literature, art, pseudoscience)
15. The outlook for space development (space travel and relocation plans); class questionnaire (15 minutes)
⇒ Students learn about the relationships between astronomy and our everyday life
G. Summary
16. Final test
⇒ A test will be held to confirm students’ level of understanding of the lessons.
* A questionnaire on the class content is conducted in each session. These questionnaires are published in aggregate the following week.
