The exact order and depth of coverage are flexible, but topics covered likely will include stellar properties and evolution, unusual objects such as supernovae and black holes, galactic formation and nature, and the origin and fate of the Universe. Each week, one or more sets of class notes corresponding to the required reading assignment will be posted on the WWW site, along with other illustrative material, appropriate links to other Internet sites, and other useful study material. The notes are intended to illuminate the reading material, and in many cases to provide background or otherwise interesting material in addition to the reading. In addition to the readings, there will be 6 to 8 project assignments, some of which will require students to make some simple outdoor observations. Some projects can be done on the computer, or printed out and completed in a traditional manner.
None requires any special equipment or knowledge.
Optional opportunities for outdoor observation through a telescope with the instructor will be announced. Most if not all of the project assignments will be listed on the WWW site. Astronomy on the Internet is similar to a self-paced course in that you do not attend weekly classes, but do set your own study time, and perform some of the laboratory assignments on your own. This type of arrangement works best for those who can set and follow a good work schedule, and who can study well alone. Being able to set your own hours emphatically does not mean that you can squeeze in your study time whenever you get around to it.