Astronomy Course Descriptions
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Courses in astronomy are offered by the Department of Physics and Astronomy. No major or minor in astronomy is currently being offered. All 100-level AST courses may be applied towards the Natural Science component of the Core general education requirements.
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Course Descriptions |
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AST |
050 |
INDEPENDENT STUDY |
One to three credit hours |
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AST |
070 |
INTERNSHIP |
Credit hours to be arranged |
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AST |
259,359,459 |
FACULTY-STUDENT COLLABORATION |
Credit hours to be arranged |
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AST |
111 |
ASTRONOMY OF THE STARS |
Three credit hours |
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The student is assumed to have had high school mathematics through algebra |
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An introductory lecture course dealing primarily objects beyond the solar system. The course briefly discusses the historical development of astronomy, telescopes, and spectroscopy. The major topics covered are the birth and death of stars, the structure and evolution of galaxies, exotic objects such as pulsars, white dwarfs, black holes, radio galaxies, quasars and some of the current theories of cosmology. No Lab. |
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AST |
121 |
ASTRONOMY OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM |
Three credit hours |
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The student is assumed to have had high school mathematics through algebra |
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An introductory lecture dealing primarily with objects in the solar system. The course briefly covers the methods and historical development of astronomy. Drawing on the most recent data from space probes and the Hubble, the course’s major topics include the structure of the sun, the structure and remarkable features of the planets and their moons, and solar system debris such as comets and asteroids. No Lab. |
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AST |
131L |
EXPLORATORY ASTRONOMY |
Four credit hours |
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The student is assumed to have had high school mathematics through algebra |
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An introductory lecture-laboratory course dealing with topics in solar system and stellar astronomy. Lab exercises emphasize topics such as the nature and properties of light, optics, heat, mechanics, astronomical data analysis and/or computer simulations. Lab included. |
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AST |
170L |
OBSERVATIONAL ASTRONOMY LAB |
One credit hour |
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Pre- or co-requisite of AST 111 or AST-121 or equivalent |
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An introductory laboratory course that explores the universe and the practice of basic scientific principles through observations of the night sky, using the naked eye, binoculars and small telescopes, and the large telescope of the Burrell Memorial Observatory. Topics also include the properties of light and the principles and design of telescopes and optical instruments. |
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AST |
200 |
SCIENCE |
One to four credit hours |
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A study of a topic in science which may involve an interdisciplinary approach. Course content is determined by the department under whose auspices the course is offered. AST 200 is not offered on a regular basis. |
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AST |
491,492 |
DEPARTMENTAL THESIS/PROJECT |
Credit hours to be arranged |