Study Programmes 2015-2016
| SPAT0050-1 | ||
| History of sciences of the universe | ||
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Duration :
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| 15h Th | ||
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Number of credits :
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Lecturer :
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| Marc-Antoine Dupret | ||
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Language(s) of instruction :
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| French language | ||
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Units courses prerequisite and corequisite :
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| Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program | ||
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Course contents :
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| In these lectures-seminars, key moments in the history of universe science are discussed. To fix the ideas, we begin with a description of the apparent motion of the Sun, stars and planets on the celestial sphere, as well as other basic astronomical phenomenons (seasons, eclipses, moon phases). Next, we show how a first paradigm in the representation of the universe emerges during the antiquity: "the 2 spheres Universe". After a brief presentation of the contribution of Mesopotamians and Egyptians, a particular attention is given to the central contribution and influence of greeks (Pythagore, Anaxagore, Plato, Aristote, Hipparcos, Aristarque, Ptolemeus, ...). We try to understand why this paradigm survives for nearly two millenaries. Finally, we arrive to the copernician revolution. We emphasize the contribution of precursories, and we discuss in details the role of key figures of these times: Copernic, Tycho, Kepler, Galileo and finally Newton. The last part of the course is variable: subjects such as the quantum physics revolution or relativity theory can be considered. |
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Learning outcomes of the course :
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| The objective is double. First,we give a precise explanation and geometrical representation of our universe and basic astronomical phenomenons (apparent motions, seasons, ...). Second, we intend to lead students into a reflection about the evolution of the human vision of the universe. The technics progressively developed to "question" the nature are emphasized, as well as the non negligible influence of the philosophical, political and religious context on the adopted approach. |
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Prerequisite knowledge and skills :
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| Nothing | ||
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Planned learning activities and teaching methods :
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Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning) :
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| The lectures are given in the form of 5 interactive seminars of 3h. We expect curious student, actively participating to the discussions. | ||
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Recommended or required readings :
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| Documentation closely related to the lectures is proposed. | ||
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Assessment methods and criteria :
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| A work related to the subjects considered in the lectures is presented orally (with participation of the whole class) and written. The assessment is based on this work. | ||
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Work placement(s) :
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Organizational remarks :
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Contacts :
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| Marc-Antoine Dupret email: MA.Dupret@ulg.ac.be address: Institut d'Astrophysique et Géophysique, bât. B5c, +1 Tél: 04 366 97 32 |
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