PHYS 105 A Cosmic Perspective: From Ancient Skies to Life in the Universe

This course traces how humanity's worldview evolved from ancient skywatching through the scientific revolutions of Copernicus, Galileo, Newton, and Hubble, culminating in today's exploration of exoplanets, astrobiology, and the search for life. Emphasis is on how we know: evidence, measurements, and reasoning from data. A recurring theme is perspective - our place in space (Solar System - Galaxy - Universe) and in time (cosmic history and the "cosmic calendar"). Qualitative and graphical reasoning are foregrounded. Short in-class activities and weekly practicals help students internalize scales, uncertainty, and the scientific process.