If you are one of my science students you do not intend to become a scientist. I understand that, and my courses are designed for you. I want you to come to understand science as a powerful way of looking at the world, but not the only way. I expect you to learn the basic science of astronomy, but more importantly, I want you to come to an understanding of how science works—of the power and limitations of science—and an understanding of why scientists believe the things we think we know.
In so far as possible I try to use two techniques in my courses. I believe that students learn science best when they discover answers themselves with a maximum degree of hands on experiences, and I believe in using an historical approach, studying the impact of society on scientific understanding and of scientific understanding on society.
I believe that learning at the college level is a student responsibility. My role is to guide and assist you as you come to an understanding of the subject. I believe that each of you can be highly successful in my courses and I am at NYU to assist in that success.