Astronomy Course Offerings

A summary of modern astronomy: the solar system, stars, galaxies, and the structure of the observable universe. Counts for Natural Science general education credit only if ASTR 101 is taken concurrently. Corequisite: ASTR 101 or permission of instructor.
Credits: 3

An introductory laboratory experience to help students understand astronomy. Activities include taking data, statistical analysis, and comparison with theoretical models. Laboratories will include material from observations of planets, the sun, stars, and galaxies. Corequisite: ASTR 100 or permission of instructor.
Credits: 1

This course is an introduction to the solar system. Topics studied will include the motions of the night sky, the historical and scientific underpinnings of the Copernican revolution, and a look at our modern understanding of the bodies that make up our solar system, including planets, dwarf planets, moons, asteroids, comets. The course will also explore how and what we know about planetary bodies orbiting other stars.
Credits: 3

A laboratory experience to complement the material covered in ASTR 105. Lab activities will include analyzing and interpreting data on Kepler’s Laws, optics, and planetary systems.
Credits: 1

An introduction to our modern understanding of the universe. Topics studied will include the interaction between light and matter, the formation, structure and evolution of stars, and galaxy kinematics and morphology. The course will also explore our understanding of the universe as a whole, from its origin to present structure, to possible fates.
Credits: 3

A laboratory experience to complement the material covered in ASTR 110. Labs activities will include spectroscopy, Kepler’s Laws, and analyzing and interpreting data on stars, galaxies, and the universe.
Credits: 1

Credits: 1-6

In this course students will explore physics principles pertaining to the sky and the astronomical objects observed in it. Possible topics studied include stellar evolution, stellar interiors and atmospheres, galactic dynamics, galaxy evolution, as well as the basic cosmology principles.
Credits: 2

This course will cover the basics of observing the night sky. Topics will include the motions of astronomical objects, instruments and techniques used to study them. Students will learn the constellations and use telescopes to view celestial bodies. The course will include outdoor night observation sessions outside of class hours.
Credits: 1

Designed to introduce the student to research techniques in astronomy. With faculty supervision, each student will complete a significant project which requires originality and broadens knowledge.
Credits: 2

Credits: 0-6