Undergraduate Courses
AST 205 Introduction to Astronomy (with Lab) (A,L)
$5 Course fee required: Prerequisite MTH 112. An introduction to what we have learned about the solar system, stars, galaxies, and the Universe, as well as what is yet to be discovered. Special topics may include black holes, relativity, dark matter, and extraterrestrial life. Lab section provides for observation, both with the unaided eye and telescopes, and will use the College planetarium to illustrate some concepts. Three hours of lecture and three hours of lab per week. 4 Cr. Every Semester.
AST 213 Exploring the Solar System (A)
Traces our understanding of the Sun and its family of planets from ancient times to the present day, starting with early interpretations of celestial motions to modern discoveries made with robotic probes. Topics include the sky as seen from Earth; the Copernican revolution; light and telescopes; properties of terrestrial and jovian planets; history of the solar system; exoplants; and the possibilities for life beyond Earth. Not open to students with credit for AST 203 or 205. 3 Cr. Fall.
AST 215 Exploring the Solar System with Laboratory (A,L)
Traces our understanding of the Sun and its family of planets from ancient times to the present day, starting with early interpretations of celestial motions to modern discoveries made with robotic probes. Topics include the sky as seen from Earth; the Copernican revolution; light and telescopes; properties of terrestrial and jovian planets; history of the solar system; exoplants; and the possibilities for life beyond Earth. Lab section will use the College planetarium to illustrate some concepts, and provides for observation with telescopes, Not open to students with credit for AST 203 or 205. 4 Cr. Fall.
AST 218 Stars, Galaxies, and the Universe (A)
Follows stellar and galactic astronomy through the last hundred years of discovery, leading to the modern scientific understanding of our place in the cosmos. Traces the lives of stars, the formation and evolution of galaxies, and the birth and fate of the universe. Emphasizes the modern frontiers of astrophysics, including black holes, dark matter, gravitational waves, and dark energy. Not open to students with credit for AST 203 or 205. 3 Cr. Spring.
AST 220 Stars, Galaxies, and the Universe with Laboratory (A,L)
Follows stellar and galactic astronomy through the last hundred years of discovery, leading to the modern scientific understanding of our place in the cosmos. Traces the lives of stars, the formation and evolution of galaxies, and the birth and fate of the universe. Emphasizes the modern frontiers of astrophysics, including black holes, dark matter, gravitational waves, and dark energy. Lab section will use the College planetarium to illustrate some concepts, and provides for observation with telescopes. Not open to students with credit for AST 203 or 205. 4 Cr. Spring.
AST 399 Independent Study in Astronomy (A)
Arranged in consultation with the instructor-sponsor and in accordance with the procedures of the Office of Academic Advisement prior to registration. 1-6 Cr. By Arrangement.
AST 499 Independent Study in Astronomy (A)
Arranged in consultation with the instructor-sponsor and in accordance with the procedures of the Office of Academic Advisement prior to registration. 1-6 Cr. By Arrangement.