Astronomy

Classes

AST 103 : Introduction to Astronomical Observing

This course is an introduction to astronomical observing, focusing on the study of the night sky with telescopes and other astronomical equipment. Topics covered include the use and application of small aperture telescopes and binoculars, star charts, constellation identification, celestial coordinate systems, solar and sidereal time systems, astronomical software, naked-eye observing, and deep-sky observational techniques. The college planetarium, computer labs, and observing decks are used extensively. Several evening meetings are scheduled for observational work. Two lecture hours per week.

Credits

2
  1. Define terms used in observational astronomy.
  2. Find and identify bright stars and constellations.
  3. Explain the motions of the sky and its celestial contents.
  4. Use binoculars and small telescopes to find objects in the night sky.
  5. Use star charts and planispheres to locate celestial objects.
  6. Describe the properties of telescopes and basic optical systems.
  7. Sketch and otherwise record astronomical phenomena in detail.
  8. Find, identify, and observe non-stellar objects such as planets and their moons.
  9. Describe astronomical time systems and their use.
1
  1. Distinguish between different types of astronomical objects such as planets, stars, nebulae, clusters, and galaxies.

AST 111 : Introduction to Astronomy: The Solar System

This course is a descriptive and conceptual Introduction to Astronomy with a focus on our Solar System. The course is divided into two parts. In the first part, topics such as the History of Astronomy; Patterns in the Night Sky; Gravity and Orbits, and Tools of the Astronomer are covered. In the second part of the course, topics include: Solar System Formation; Terrestrial Planets (Atmospheres, Geology, and possibilities for Life); The Gas Giants; Moons and Rings; Asteroids (including Kuiper Belt and Oort Cloud); Meteors and Comets; and Dwarf Planets. Current events topics will also be interwoven into the course. The laboratory portion of this course consists of computer-based exercises, home-based Astronomical observations, and, when possible, campus-based sky-gazing and Planetarium use. Pre-requisite: High School Science and Introductory Algebra Competency or the equivalent recommended. Three class hours and two laboratory hours per week. Instructional Support Fee applies. Gen Ed. Competencies met: Scientific Reasoning and Discovery.

Credits

4
1. Students will demonstrate their knowledge of basic facts, principles, theories, and methods of a modern science, astronomy, as well as its relevance to modern culture and society. 2. Students will recognize the physical processes and dynamics that shape the solar system and its contents. 3. Students will be able to describe the characteristics of objects within the solar system including the Sun, planets, moons, asteroids, and comets. 4. Students will learn key events in the history of science; with particular emphasis on astronomy, as well as some of the latest results in the field.

AST 114 : Stars Galaxies and Universes

This course is a descriptive and conceptual introduction to Astronomy with a focus on events and objects outside our Solar System. The course is divided into two parts. Topics in the first half include: Historical Connections to Astronomy; Gravity and Orbits, and Tools of the Astronomer. In the second part of the course, topics covered are: Star Brightness, Luminosity and Distance; Our Sun and other Stars; the Interstellar Medium; Low vs. High Mass Stars; Galaxies, Universe Expansion; the Structure of the Universe; Black Holes; and how life interconnects with all these topics. Additionally, we will connect these Topics with current news and astronomical events. The laboratory portion of this course consists of computer-based exercises, home-based Astronomical observations, and, when possible, campus-based sky-gazing and Planetarium use. High School Sciences and basic Algebra are highly recommended. Three class hours and two laboratory hours per week. Instructional Support Fee applies. Gen. Ed. Competencies Met: Scientific Reasoning and Discovery.

Credits

4
1. Describe the physical principles, tools, and techniques by which we understand the nature of the universe. 2. Articulate key events in the history of the universe, and will be able to explain the physical processes that underlie cosmic evolutionary processes. 3. Explain the social and philosophical implications of scientific discoveries towards understanding the universe and our place in it. 4. Articulate the nature of the various phenomena that comprise the universe as a whole as well as its contents. 5. Identify and describe the various types of objects such as nebulae, stars, and galaxies that make up the universe.

AST 160 : Special Topics in Astronomy

This course covers topics in astronomy not normally covered in AST 111 and AST 112. Topics may include: current events and discoveries in astronomy, the early history of the universe, general and special relativity, foundations of quantum mechanics, multiverse and multiple-dimension theories, astrobiology and the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI) as well as others. Prerequisite: Completion of AST 111 or AST 112 with a grade of C- or better. One to three lecture hours per week.

Credits

3
  1. Define and discuss terms and concepts used in contemporary astronomy and physics.
  2. Describe and discuss leading theories on the nature of the universe and its evolution.
  3. Explain the methods of scientific inquiry and its benefits.
  4. Explain the philosophical and cultural implications of scientific discoveries towards understanding the universe and our place in it.
  5. Describe and explain some of the major experiments and technological applications of leading theories of physics and cosmology.

AST 192 : Life in the Universe - Introduction to Astrobiology

Are we welcome in the universe? What are the requirements for life to exist in a long-term sustainable way on planet? This course explores these questions while exploring key concepts in the natural sciences that determine the distribution of Earth-like life, planets, and intelligent civilization in the universe. Topics such as star and planet formation, planetary geology, biological conditions for life, and sustainability are considered in a broad and introductory way to explore these questions. Prerequisite: High school science and Intermediate Algebra or equivalent. Three lecture hours and three laboratory hours per week. Instructional Support Fee applies.

Credits

4
After taking this course students will be able to: 1. Utilize basic concepts in geoscience, astronomy, physics, chemistry, and life science to describe and understand the essential features of the world around them, quantitatively and qualitatively. 2. Define the characteristics that are essential to habitable environments. 3. Critically compare and contrast the potential habitability of different planets. 4. Critically assess potential changes in the Earth environment that may occur as a result of human impacts or environmental processes.

AST 211 : Introduction to Astrophysics

This majors-level course is an introduction to the theory, principles, and application of modern astrophysics. Topics include the internal structure of the Sun and stars, orbital dynamics, theories of special and general relativity, and properties of stars and their evolution. The laboratory section is focused on the application of these topics to real-world examples and may include analysis of data from space telescopes, computational physics, and mathematical modeling of astronomical phenomena. Prerequisite: PHY 212. Three lecture hours and three laboratory hours per week. Instructional Support Fee applies. Gen. Ed. Competencies Met: Scientific Reasoning and Discovery.

Credits

4
1. Students will demonstrate their knowledge of basic facts, principles, theories, and methods of a modern physics, astronomy and mathematics, as well as their relevance to modern culture and society. 2. Students will have a fundamental understanding and awareness of stellar parameters and how they determine the stellar classification system. 3. Students will have experience with the four ordinary differential equations describing stellar structure and their boundary conditions. 4. Students will have a description of basic stellar formation and evolution from the main sequence of the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram to a star's death. 5. Students will have an understanding of hydrostatic equilibrium, nuclear fusion, degeneracy pressure and the life of a star. 6. Students will have a basic understanding of cosmology with a focus on the the Big Bang Theory. 7. Students will have a basic understanding of the roles of relativity theory and quantum mechanics as to how they inform astrophysics.

AST 212 : Introduction to Astrophysics II

This course is a continuation of the astrophysics course sequence begun with AST 211. Course topics may include interstellar gas and dust, variable stars, composition, and kinematics of the Milky Way and other galaxies, the evolution of galaxies, the early universe, and cosmology. Prerequisite: AST 211. Three lecture hours and three laboratory hours per week. Instructional Support Fee applies. Gen. Ed. Competencies Met: Scientific Reasoning and Discovery.

Credits

4
1. Students will demonstrate their knowledge of basic facts, principles, theories, and methods of a modern physics, astronomy and mathematics, as well as their relevance to modern culture and society. 2. Students will have a fundamental understanding and awareness if stellar parameters and how they determine the stellar classification system. 3. Students will have experience with the four ordinary differential equations describing stellar structure and their boundary conditions. 4. Students will have a description of basic stellar formation and evolution from the main sequence of the Hertzsprung-Tussell diagram to a star's death. 5. Students will have an understanding of hydrostatic equilibrium, nuclear fusion, degeneracy pressure and the life of a star. 6. Students will have a basic understanding of cosmology with a focus on the Big Bang Theory. 7. Students will have a basic understanding of the roles of relativity theory and quantum mechanics as to how they inform astrophysics.