An eruptive solar prominence

Astronomy

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Degree designations: NS: Natural Science; LS: Laboratory Science; WE: Writing Emphasis; *Asterisk indicates a course which will be assigned as associate degree designation at the time it is offered. Check the campus timetable.

AST 100: Survey of Astronomy (3-4 credits)

Descriptive survey of astronomy for students with minimal background in mathematics and science; the solar system, stars, nebulae, galaxies, cosmology, astronomical methods. May be offered for three credits without laboratory work or for four credits with laboratory work consisting of telescopic observation, laboratory demonstration and astronomy exercises. Normally not open to students who have had the prerequisite for AST 200. Prerequisite: high school algebra and geometry or consent of instructor. NS (if 4 credits also LS)/(at some campuses also WE)

AST 101: Observational Astronomy (1 credit)

Observation of solar system, galactic and extra-galactic objects and introduction to basic observational techniques in astronomy. Includes telescopic and unaided eye observation, positional astronomy, astrophotography, optic spectroscopy, interpretation of astronomical data and astronomy laboratory exercises. Students who have AST 200 or AST 100 for 4 credits or equivalent courses, are not eligible for this course. Prerequisite: one year of high school algebra and one year of high school geometry or one semester of college algebra. If the prerequisite math course was taken more than five years ago, consent of instructor is required. NS taken concurrently with AST 100/LS

AST 105: The Solar System (3-4 credits)

Contemporary understanding of the solar system; the sky and celestial motions; ancient astronomy; the Copernican revolution; light, gravity, orbits, and astronomical instruments; formation of the solar system; sun, planets and moons, asteroids, comets, meteors and meteorites; and the origins of life. May be offered for 3 credits without laboratory work, or for 4 credits with laboratory work consisting of telescopic observation, laboratory demonstration and/or astronomy exercises. Students may not receive credit for both AST100 and AST105. NS (if 4 credits also LS)

AST 106: Stars, Galaxies, and the Universe (3-4 credits)

Contemporary understanding of stellar systems; historical development; light, gravity, atoms and nuclei; astronomical instruments; properties and life cycles of the Sun and stars; black holes; the Milky Way and other galaxies; cosmology. May be offered for 3 credits without laboratory work, or for 4 credits with laboratory work consisting of telescopic observation, laboratory demonstration and/or astronomy exercises. Students may not receive credit for both AST100 and AST106. NS (if 4 credits also LS)

AST 200: General Astronomy (4 credits)

Survey of astronomy for students who have some background in mathematics and physics; the solar system, stars, nebulae, galaxies, cosmology, astronomical methods. Telescopic observation, laboratory demonstration and astronomy exercises; three hours lecture, two hours lab-discussion per week. Not open to students who have taken AST 100. Prerequisite: PHY 141, PHY 201 or equivalent. NS/LS/(at some campuses also WE)

AST 291: Topics in Astronomy (1-3 credits)

An extended coverage of one or more topics in astronomy such as extra-terrestrial life, archeoastronomy, cosmology, astrophysics, radio astronomy, stellar structure, dynamical astronomy, galactic structure and observational astronomy. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. *

AST 299: Independent Study in Astronomy (1-3 credits)

Independent study under the supervision of an instructor. The work may, for example, consist of advanced laboratory investigation into a particular topic or library research and writing of a paper on some subject of interest. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. *

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