Astronomy (AST) Courses
AST 1013. Introduction to Astronomy. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours. (TCCN = ASTR 1303)
Prerequisite: MAT 1023 or MAT 1073. A descriptive course including the development of astronomy, its methods, and the motions, laws, and evolution of the solar system. Topics include general properties and types of stars, unusual stellar objects such as quasars and black holes, galaxies, evolution, and cosmology. Occasional evening viewing sessions are held. May apply toward the Core Curriculum requirement in Life and Physical Sciences. Generally offered: Fall, Spring, Summer. Generally Scheduled Location: Main Campus, Internet. Course Fee: LRC1 $12; LRS1 $46.20; MEPA $18; STSI $21.60; DL01 $75.
AST 1031. Introduction to Astronomy Laboratory. (1-2) 1 Credit Hour. (TCCN = ASTR 1103)
Currently offered as an online, asynchronous course, this is an introduction to observational techniques used in astronomy, mainly via simulation software. We approach astronomy from an Earth-out perspective and focus on how we know what we know about the universe. Topics include Earth-based astronomy, the Moon, the solar system, telescopes and light, spectroscopy, stars, star clusters, galaxies, and cosmology. Course Fee: LRC1 $4; LRS1 $15.40; MEPA $18; STSI $7.20.
AST 1033. Exploration of the Solar System. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours. (TCCN = ASTR 1304)
Prerequisite: MAT 1023 or MAT 1073.
A descriptive course of modern studies of the solar system, including a survey of the properties of the planets and smaller bodies (asteroids and comets) and current theories of the origin of planetary systems. Topics include results from the latest satellite, robotic, and human exploration of space, origin of life in the solar system, existence of other planetary systems, possibilities of space colonization, and the search for extraterrestrial life (techniques and possibilities of communication with other intelligences). May apply toward the Core Curriculum requirement in Life and Physical Sciences. Generally offered: Fall, Spring. Course Fees: LRC1 $12; LRS1 $46.20; MEPA $18; STSI $21.60; DL01 $75.
AST 3013. Fundamentals of Astronomy. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: PHY 1963, and either MAT 1223 or (MAT 1193 and STA 1403), completed with a grade of "C-" or better for all courses. This is a one-semester introductory survey course on modern astronomy for science and engineering majors. Students need to be comfortable with solving problems and using math as a tool to help master the course material. Students concerned about their problem-solving and math skills should consider taking AST 1013 instead, which is intended for non-science majors. Among the topics covered are the celestial sphere, basic orbit theory, stellar parameters, binary stars and light curves, and basic introduction to stellar spectral classification. (Formerly AST 2063 in previous catalogs. Credit cannot be earned for both AST 3013 and AST 2063.) Generally offered: Fall. This course has Differential Tuition. Course Fee: DL01 $75; MEPA $18.
AST 3023. Introduction to Astrophysics. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: AST 3013 or consent of instructor. Topics include an introduction to stellar structure and evolution, stellar atmospheres, collapsed stars, galactic structure, introduction to cosmology, etc. (Formerly AST 3003 and PHY 4003 in previous catalogs. Credit cannot be earned for more than one of the following: AST 3003, AST 3023, or PHY 4003.) Generally offered: Spring. This course has Differential Tuition. Course Fee: MEPA $18; DL01 $75.
AST 4203. Stellar Astrophysics. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: AST 3023 or consent of instructor. Topics include properties and evolution of stars, stellar atmospheres, stellar spectra, nuclear reactions, stellar models, equations of state, radiative transfer, nucleosynthesis in stars, supernovae, and degenerate stars. This course has Differential Tuition.
AST 4853. Astronomical Instrumentation. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: AST 3023 and consent of instructor. This course introduces the principles and practices of experimental apparatus design and construction, using astronomical instruments as a primary framework. Students will explore key elements of instrumentation, including optical and optical system design, mechanical and structural considerations, electronics design and fabrication, signal processing, project planning, and performance evaluation. Emphasis is placed on developing foundational skills that enable continued independent learning in instrumentation. Students who have successfully completed the course will be able to plan, schedule, and manage a basic instrumentation project; understand the fundamentals of mechanical, optical, software, and electronics design; and navigate the resources needed for design implementation. Students will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with computer-aided design (CAD) software, construct and test electronic circuits, and design, build, and evaluate simple optical systems. This course has Differential Tuition. Course Fee: DL01 $75.
AST 4953. Special Studies in Astronomy. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisites: AST 3023 and consent of instructor.
An organized course offering the opportunity for specialized study not normally or not often available as part of the regular course offerings. Special Studies may be repeated for credit when the topics vary, but not more than 6 semester credit hours, regardless of discipline, will apply to a bachelor’s degree. This course has Differential Tuition. Course fee: DL01 $75.
