Sample short answer questions:

List some naked eye observations that were used to form the elements of the Geometric Universe. Cite an instance of cultural bias in the model.

In the early universe, we assume that things are in Thermal Equilibrium. What is the tremendous simplification that this assumption gives us?

Explain why the n/p ratio declines in the early universe. What prevents it from going to zero? (n = neutron; p = proton)

What 2 fundamental observations of the Universe directly tell us the manner in which the Universe is evolving? How can these observations be used to make predictions about the state of the Universe in the past?

Sample Multiple choice questions:

We can not observe the Universe when it is 1000 years old because
a) there was no matter
\b there were not photons
\c the universe was opaque to radiation
\d the speed of light was still changing at that time
\e it had not begun its expansion
\m

 Which of the following is a prediction of the heliocentric model for the Sola
r System?
\m
\a stellar parallax
\b retrograde motion
\c Venus would never be observed at midnight
\d different constellations would be seen at different times of the year
\e all of teh above

The observation that the recessional velocity of galaxies is directly proport
ional
to their distance from the observer implies 
\m
\a all the matter in the universe once occupied a very small volume
\b our galaxy is in the Center of the universe
\c all galaxies are moving away from us at the same velocity
\d all of the above
\e  none of the above

The expansion of the universe
\m
\a means that our galaxy was physically smaller in the past than it is now
\b indicates that space must be negatively curved
\c would have never occurred if the universe contained just radiation but
   no matter
\d is still just a theory; there is no real observational evidence for it
\e causes distant galaxies to be redshifted by an amount proportional to
   that distance

 Which of the following is difficult to predict from the Hot Big Bang
   theory of cosmology

\a the measured Helium abundance of the Universe
\b the existence of galaxies
\c the redshifts of galaxies
\d the presence of more radiation than matter
\e none of the above