Rather than attempt a survey of astrophysics, we will pick 4-5 topics that are particularly 'hot' and making headlines at the moment. We will cover each topic in sufficient detail that students can understand the cutting edge research questions properly. Roughly 3 weeks will be spent on each topic. We anticipate fairly frequent changes in the topics covered as research progresses.

Here are some current possibilities:

• Extrasolar Planets
• Cosmological Constant
• Fate of the Universe
• The Big Bang 
• Very Early Universe
• Dark Matter
• Black Holes
• Life in Space/Exobiology
• Objects Beyond Pluto.
  

On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Describe the key areas of modern astrophysical research
2. Understand the scientific processes needed to make advances in these fields
3. Apply these processes to the solution of new astronomical mysteries.

Assessment will be based on:

• Online quizzes (40%; LO 1, 2)
• Assignments (60%; LO 1, 2, 3)