The topics covered by the course: Astronomical observations: contemporary astronomical instruments, observations at different wavelengths of radiation, physical processes related with emissions of radiation and particles Sun and other stars: fundamentals of stellar spectroscopy, basic knowledge of stellar structure and evolution, stellar life-cycles, synthesis and distribution of chemical elements, details of the structure of the Sun The Solar system and extrasolar planetary systems: contemporary knowledge of the Solar system, methods of searching and investigating extrasolar planets, orbital architectures, planet formation theories and astrophysical processes in circumstellar discs and environment, Earth-like planets Galaxies and the Universe: structure of the Universe at large scales, from galaxies through clusters and superclusters up to microwave background radiation and big-bang, theories of the evolution of the Universe Our place in the Universe: Earth and celestial sphere, importance of astronomy for science and philosophy, life in the Universe
