AST 1040-3 Introduction to Astronomy (2 + 2)

Prerequisites: minimum performance standard scores on reading, writing, and mathematics preassessment placement tests

A brief introduction to observational astronomy is followed by a survey of the physical processes and models that describe the evolution of planets, stars, galaxies, and modern cosmology. This course is taught in both the lecture and self-paced mode. (General Studies-Level II, Natural Science)

AST 1052-4 General Astronomy I (3 + 2)

Prerequisite: high school algebra or equivalent

Introduces the methods and results of modern astronomy (solar system, stars, galaxies, and cosmology) at an elementary level.

AST 1060-4 General Astronomy II (3 + 2)

Prerequisite: AST 1050

A continuation of AST 1050.

AST 3040-3 Modern Cosmology (3 + 0)

Prerequisites: AST 1040 or PHY 1000 or equivalent, and satisfaction of Level I General Studies requirements

Designed for non-majors. Covers the large-scale structure of the universe and such topics as gravitational theories, neutron stars, pulsars, black holes, big bang universe, steady state theory, cosmological tests, dark matter, age of the universe, inflationary models, recent data, and fate of the universe. (General Studies-Level II, Natural Science)