COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

ASTRONOMY

AST 103 Astronomy
3 credits; 3 class hours; 1 lab hour
This course is an introductory study of the structure of the universe from the Earth to the limit of the observable universe. Topics include stellar structure and evolution, the solar system, the Milky Way, galactic structure, and theories of the universe.  Recent topics such as extraterrestrial life, neutron stars and pulsars, black holes, quasars, and background radiation are also discussed Pre-requisites: Math and Language Basic Skills

AST 215 Space Science I
4 credits; 3 class hours; 3 lab hours
This course covers the fundamental concepts in Space Science.  Topics include: Newton’s laws of motion and universal law of gravity, vector algebra; the solar system, celestial mechanics, comparative planetology: Earth-moon system, Terrestrial planets, Jovian planets, atmospheres and geology, small bodies, exploration and water-life, electromagnetic radiation and atomic structure, telescopes and detectors; the Sun: structure, solar magnetism and energy transformations: Earth-Sun connection and geo-space.  Part of course may be held at the Hayden Planetarium of the American Museum of Natural History or the NASA  Goddard Institute for Space Science.

Co-requisite: MTH 202 Calculus 

AST 216 Space Science II

3 credits; 3 class hours; 3 lab hours

This course covers the fundamental concepts in Space Science.  Topics include: Multiple wavelength astronomy: radio, infrared, optical, UV, x-ray and gamma ray; stars: energy transport, magnitude and distance modulus; variable and binary stars, Hertzsprung-Russell diagram; inter-stellar medium, stellar structure and evolution; Milky Way galaxy: stellar distribution and population; galactic structure and evolution: active galaxies and quasars; Hubble’s law; large scale structure of the universe: galaxy clusters and cosmology.  Part of the course may be held at the Hayden Planetarium of the American Museum of Natural History or the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Science.

Pre-requisite: AST 215 Space Science I or MTH 202 Calculus I.