Physics and Astronomy

Courses in astronomy are offered by the Department of Physics and Astronomy. No major or minor in astronomy is currently being offered.

Course Descriptions

AST

050

INDEPENDENT STUDY

One to three credit hours

See Independent Study Program, Section II.

AST

070

INTERNSHIP

Credit hours to be arranged

See Internship Program, Section II.

AST

259,359,459

FACULTY-STUDENT COLLABORATION

Credit hours to be arranged

See FSC Program, Section II.

AST

100L

OBSERVATIONAL ASTRONOMY

Four credit hours

The student is assumed to have had high school mathematics through algebra

An introductory lecture-laboratory course investigating the universe as revealed by observations. Stars, planets and other astronomical objects are observed with the naked eye, small telescopes, and the 13-inch telescope of the Burrell Memorial Observatory. Laboratory exercises emphasize the basis of observational facts which underlie modern astronomical knowledge. Lab included.

AST

111

ASTRONOMY OF THE STARS

Three credit hours

The student is assumed to have had high school mathematics through algebra

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.

AST

121

ASTRONOMY OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM

Three credit hours

The student is assumed to have had high school mathematics through algebra

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.

AST

131L

EXPLORATORY ASTRONOMY

Four credit hours

The student is assumed to have had high school mathematics through algebra

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.

AST

200

SCIENCE

One to four credit hours

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

491,492

DEPARTMENTAL THESIS/PROJECT

Credit hours to be arranged

See Departmental Thesis/Project, Section II