It is therefore important that the course also serve as an introduction to science in general. It has a rich heritage dating back to the myths and legends of antiquity, and it is filled with historical characters whose discoveries brought conflict with the government, the church, and with the prevailing beliefs of the day. In this course, students are exposed to overwhelming change in the culture of western civilization brought about by the quest to understand the events in the celestial realm based on factual observation as opposed to cultural tradition. This historical development of astronomy serves as an excellent introduction to die development of scientific theories in general. Students learn what scientists mean when they refer to a theory, how theories are tested and accepted or rejected, and how theories form the basis for extensions of scientific thought.
Astronomy is in many ways an interdisciplinary study.
Planets are described by their geology. Stars are characterized by the chemical elements present in their hot gases. Ultimately, however, all these roads lead to physics, which, as die most fundamental of the natural sciences, deals with the composition, creation, structure, motion, and interactions of all things physical. Because of its history, its appeal to man s curiosity and sense of wonder of die heavens, and its interdisciplinary nature, astronomy is an ideal introduction to science. These six objectives correspond to six of die eight characteristics of the MSU graduate.