The course helps students to engage in the following learning activities: discuss the origin and structure of the universe, galaxies and stars; discover the principles that govern spacetime and structure formation; appreciate scientific advances in understanding the universe; discover the link between the Universe and humans; review the histories and features of Chinese and Western astronomies; explore the similarities and differences; explore modern theories such as the big bang, dark energy, dark matter and black holes; discuss the origin and evolution of star and the search for exo-planets and extraterrestrial life; and appreciate modern astronomical observations.