This course will cover the general ideas behind the Big Bang Theory and expansion of the universe. The essential physics of cosmology will be presented as accurately as possible, keeping jargon and mathematics to a minimum. Some historical background for the discovery that the universe “began” about 13.8 billion years ago will be presented and the evolution of the universe from the big bang to the present time will be described. The discoveries made in cosmology in the last half century or so rank with the greatest intellectual achievements in all of history. It is hoped that participants will gain a reasonable grasp of these great ideas bypassing most of the complicated mathematics necessary for a full understanding.

Recommended Reading (optional): At the Edge of Time: Exploring the Mysteries of Our Universe’s First Seconds, Dan Hooper  (0691183562)

Registration Deadline: Oct. 20