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Academic Catalog

Astronomy

Course Offerings

AS 101  Introduction to Astronomy/Cosmology  (3)  

A qualitative study of stellar, galactic, and extragalactic astronomy and cosmology surveying what is known and how it is known.
Course Attributes:
  • Gen Ed AY 2024-2025: Scientific Reasoning and Literacy
  • Gen Ed Pre-AY 2024-2025: Natural Science
  • USLO: Quantitative and Scientific Reasoning and Literacy

AS 102  Introduction to Astronomy - Solar System  (3)  

A qualitative study of the history of astronomy, the origin, evolution, and functioning of the solar system surveying what is known and how it is known.
Course Attributes:
  • Gen Ed AY 2024-2025: Scientific Reasoning and Literacy
  • Gen Ed Pre-AY 2024-2025: Natural Science
  • USLO: Quantitative and Scientific Reasoning and Literacy

AS 103  Observational Astronomy  (1)  

Use of telescope, planetarium, and other laboratory equipment commonly used in astronomy together with selected descriptive experiments in astronomy. Prerequisite: AS 101 or AS 102 or consent of instructor.

AS 104  Life in the Universe  (3)  

A scientific investigation of the question "Are we alone in the universe?" Course content includes the origin and properties of stars and planets, the requirements for life, and the emergence and sustainability of civilizations. Students will complete a variety of interactive assignments and a term project. Prerequisite: None.
Course Attributes:
  • Gen Ed AY 2024-2025: Scientific Reasoning and Literacy
  • Gen Ed Pre-AY 2024-2025: Natural Science
  • USLO: Quantitative and Scientific Reasoning and Literacy

AS 201  Introduction to Astro Photography  (1)  

Photographic procedures and techniques peculiar to astronomical photography. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

AS 251  General Astronomy  (3)  

A review of the key ideas and discoveries in astronomy at the intermediate level. Prerequisite: AS 101 or AS 102, and MA 116 with a grade of C or better, or consent of instructor.

AS 360  Research in Astronomy  (1-2)  

Research in any of the fields of astronomy/astrophysics. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

AS 370  Special Subjects/Astronomy  (1-5)  

Material to be chosen according to student interest from any one of a number of astronomical subjects. Offered on demand as teaching schedules permit. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.