Astronomy (AST)                     Course Schedules

Distance Learning Courses: Courses in the department approved for offering in a distance learning format include: AST 111, 112.

The complete description of Astronomy is found in the Department of Physics in the College of Science & Technology.

Descriptions of courses approved for the University Program appear in italic type.

AST 111 Astronomy 3(3-0) F, Sp
An overview of modern astronomy which illustrates the basic physical principles and methodologies underlying all the sciences. Topics include the solar system, stars and stellar systems, galaxies and cosmology. (Group II-A)

AST 112 Introduction to Astronomical Observations 1(0-2) F, Sp
The observation and interpretation of the sky using the naked eye, small telescopes, celestial globes, and star maps. Supplements 111 by providing observational experience. Satisfies University Program Group II laboratory requirement. Pre- or corequisite: AST 111. (Group II-A)

AST 260 General Astronomy I 4(3-2) F (Even Year)
A mathematical treatment of modern astronomy for majors/minors in the sciences. Coordinate systems, astronomical instruments, time, moon and eclipses, earth as a planet, other solar system objects. Prerequisite: PHY 145 or permission of instructor.

AST 261 General Astronomy II 4(3-2) Sp (Odd Year)
A continuation of AST 260. Stellar astronomy, interstellar matter, galactic structure, galaxies, quasars, cosmology. Prerequisite: AST 260 or permission of instructor.

AST 311 Vistas in Astronomy 3(3-0) D
Descriptive treatment of astronomical topics of most interest. Typical topics include spacecraft results, extraterrestrial life, astroarchaeology, UFOs, pulsars, black holes, quasars, cosmology. Prerequisite: AST 111 or 260.

AST 511 Astronomy for Teachers 3(2-2) D
Teaching astronomy in the elementary, middle, and secondary schools. Appropriate subject matter, student activities, demonstrations, experiments, sources of astronomical materials, planetarium utilization. Prerequisite: AST 111.

AST 562 Observational Astronomy 4(3-2) F (Odd Year)
Celestial mechanics, astronomical instruments, and the techniques of astronomical direct imaging, photometry, and spectroscopy. Prerequisite: PHY 322; AST 260 or 261; or permission of the instructor.

AST 563 Astrophysics 3(3-0) Sp (Even Year)
Stellar atmospheres, stellar interiors, interstellar matter and topics of current interest. Prerequisites: AST 261; PHY 332; or permission of instructor.

AST 590 Independent Study 1-6(Spec)
Individual study in an area not covered in regular courses. Prior permission of the instructor must be obtained. Prerequisites: AST 260 and permission of instructor.

Credit Limitation. Courses in astronomy that are subject to graduate credit limitation under the policy covering unspecified content or variable credit are the following: AST 590.

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