On the whole, a thorough and well taught introduction for those with limited mathematics. Others have commented on content but a few words about production are in order. First, the professor uses an overhead projector which severely restricts the volume of information the student can see at any time compared to the (more normal) use of a blackboard. Second, while the professor patiently and fully answers questions from students in the classroom we, the listeners, cannot hear these questions and are left to deduce what he is responding to. And, finally, on the rare occasions when the professor displays slides the camera remains on the professor and, frustratingly, does not show us the slide material.

I am a high school physics teacher, and my students are absolutely fascinated with these topics. I have also been inspired by his method of simplifying the calculations. The “fables” are fantastic. I love it.

The way the professor teaches and carry the subject is simply amazing! He can keep your attention for the entire class and thats hard to see nowadays. The course is easy to understand without knowing too much of math,so for all those who thinks this class is difficult,you can simply go through it without a problem. Anyway, fascinating subject and a fantastic course for sure.

Very few professors have put in the amount of work Prof. Bailyn has to communicate modern science (the real science, not just some philosophy about it) to the lay public. A real service to the intelligent but non mathematical learner. After you take this course (needing only high school algebra) you will actually be able to answer questions about astrophysics, how exoplanets were discovered, how we know there are black holes, and the difference between dark matter and dark energy. Congratulations to Yale and Dr. B.

I have learned so much, thank you for the course

As in-depth an exploration of exoplanets, black holes, and dark matter/energy as is possible without using calculus. You need to use math to understand these topics, but this course takes you by the hand and let's you get a grip on the science using 'just enough' math--basic algebra, and a smidgen of trigonometry--to calculate things for yourself and understand them at more than a cocktail party level. Not intended for math/physics/chem majors. Lively, entertaining, stimulating lectures. First rate science course for liberal arts majors, pre-med, computer or 'soft' science majors.

Wow, have lower division college courses been dumbed down since I graduated. That said, if you have a high school, non science non math level of education, you may find value in this course. The material presented, will give you an overview of the science of astronomy. It will also give you an overview of the fashionable topics, making the news today. Such as discovery planets orbiting other stars and how scientist do that, considering that stars appear as tiny dots in the night sky. Or, how astronomers figure out how big the universe is and how far away those tiny dots are. Obviously, from the above paragraph, if you are looking for something with more depth, keep looking.

I love how it lets u learn and all that goodnthat about space