Course Descriptions

 
AST 101 Observational Astronomy (2)
Fall: On Demand        Spring: On Demand       
Non-technical introduction to naked-eye astronomy and observing with small telescopes. The course is primarily project-oriented. Includes laboratory.


AST 102 Solar System Astronomy [  4I  4  4L ] (3)
Fall: All Years       
An introduction to the history of astronomy, the Sun, the origin of the solar system, and the study of the planets. Lab included.


AST 104 Stellar Astronomy [  4I  4  4L ] (3)
Spring: All Years        Summer: On Demand
An introduction to stars, stellar evolution, galaxies and the origin and structure of the universe. The course also includes a discussion of instrumentation currently used in astronomical investigations. Lab included.


AST 190 Topics in Astronomy (1-3)
Fall: On Demand       
A study of a specific area of astronomy. This course may be repeated as course content may vary.


AST 350 Astronomical Image Processing (1)
Fall: On Demand        Spring: On Demand       
Methods of astronomical imaging. Processing of digital images.
Prerequisite:  AST 102  OR AST 104 

AST 360 Planetary Science [  4  4M  4L ] (3)
Fall: On Demand        Spring: On Demand       
A synthesis of current knowledge of the members of the solar system and the origin and evolution of planetary system. Lab included.


AST 365 Cosmology (3)
Spring: Even Years       
Theoretical principles and observational evidence regarding the large-scale structure and evolution of the universe.
Prerequisite:  MATH 323  PHYS 202 

AST 380 Celestial Mechanics (3)
Spring: Odd Years       
Principles of celestial mechanics, central force motion, two body problem, n-body problem, prediction and determination of orbits, perturbations.


AST 390 Projects in Advanced Astronomy (2)
Fall: On Demand        Spring: On Demand       
Consideration of special problems or the study of introductory topics at a more advanced level. May be repeated for credit with consent of instructor for no more than three times or six credits.


AST 410 Astrophysics (3)
Fall: Odd Years       
Mathematical representation and modeling of stellar structure and evolution. Mathematical consideration of nuclear processes and nucleosynthesis. Analysis of white dwarfs, neutron stars, and black holes. Astrophysics of the interstellar medium and galaxies. In-depth topics will vary depending on the interests of instructor and/or participants. Same as PHYS 410.
Prerequisite:  PHYS 322