8 courses with the subject AST, each shown exactly as we captured it from the college's catalog, with every element we hold. Where the wording looks broken, that is our reading of the catalog, not the college's text.
AST 101The Solar System3
An introduction to astronomy focusing on objects within the Solar System: structure and motion of the Earth and Moon; planetary motion; characteristics of the planets and smaller solar system bodies; planetary moons and rings; properties of the Sun; and discovery of exoplanets. Emphasis will be placed on astronomy as an observational science, including the use of quantitative analysis and the scientific method. Three lecture hours weekly.
An introduction to celestial objects and phenomena beyond the Solar System and their governing basic physical principles: galaxies, quasars, and the structure of the universe; dark matter and dark energy; the Big Bang; the Milky Way; the interstellar medium and the birth of stars; neutron stars and black holes. Emphasis will be placed on astronomy as an observational science, including the use of quantitative analysis and the scientific method. Three lecture hours weekly.
An optional laboratory experience to complement the material covered in AST 101. Lab activities provide a hands-on introduction to astronomy as an observational science and will focus on objects within our solar system. Topics include the motion of objects in the sky, the coordinate system used to locate astronomical objects, telescope design, and features of the planets and other objects within our solar system. If weather permits, lab sessions may be held outside where we will learn how to make astronomical observations using unaided eyes, binoculars, or a telescope. Three laboratory hours weekly. This lab course is not required to complete the Core Natural Science requirement. However, this course is required for the Astronomy Minor. Co-requisite: AST 101.
An optional laboratory experience to complement the material covered in AST 102. Lab activities provide a hands-on introduction to astronomy as an observational science and will focus on objects outside of our solar system, such as stars, star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies. Topics include the motion of objects in the sky, the coordinate system used to locate astronomical objects, telescope design, spectroscopy, and features of galactic and extra-galactic objects. If weather permits, lab sessions may be held outside where we will learn how to make astronomical observations using unaided eyes, binoculars, or a telescope. Three laboratory hours weekly. This lab course is not required to complete the Core Natural Science requirement. However, this course is required for the Astronomy Minor. Co-requisite: AST 102.
A project-based introduction to the tools and techniques used to acquire and analyze astronomical data. Topics include astronomical coordinate systems; temporal reference systems; astronomical databases and catalogs; telescope design and optics; radiation and photon theory relevant to imaging; CCDs and other detectors; astronomical imaging, photometry, and spectroscopy; data analysis and astrophysical interpretation. Day and/or evening astronomical observation sessions may be required. Two hours of lecture two hours of laboratory weekly. This course is required for the Astronomy Minor.
An introduction to the application of physical principles such as classical mechanics, thermodynamics, E&M, and modern physics to understand the structure and evolution of stars, galaxies, and the Universe. Topics cover a large and representative fraction of the main elements of modern astrophysics, including stellar physics, stellar evolution, and stellar remnants; the interstellar medium; galactic structure; and big band cosmology. Prior completion of AST 101 or AST 102 is strongly desirable but not required. Three lecture hours weekly.
AST 399Special Topics: History of Planetary Sciences3
Planetary science is a relatively young field, emerging in its modern form with the beginning of the Space Age, yet humanity has long sought to understand the nature, origin, and significance of the planets. This course examines the historical development of planetary science from ancient cosmologies to contemporary research on planetary geology and exoplanets. Through the study of major controversies-such as the Copernican system, telescopic observations of Mars, the redefinition of Pluto by the International Astronomical Union, and the search for life beyond Earth-students will explore how scientific reasoning, cultural context, and philosophical questions together shape the growth of knowledge. Integrating scientific and historical perspectives, the course uses planetary science as a case study for understanding how science functions within society. Pre-requisites: Natural science requirement must previously be fulfilled.
Capstone to the physics major. Independent research in collaboration with a faculty supervisor. (The nature of the project will vary with student interests and goals and faculty resources, but may include library research, creative work, theoretical or computational research, or laboratory work.) Students will give formal oral presentations on their research and wrtie a comprehensive thesis on the work. Open to senior majors in physics and others with the consent of the program director. May be pursued in conjunction with honors theses if the projects are compatible with the requirements of each program, and with the prior consent of both programs. For students in the Bachelors-Masters engineering program with Syracuse University, may be pursued in conjunction with engineering projects at Syracuse if compatiblie with the requirements of each program, and with the prior consent of the program director. (Such projects must also have a Le Moyne College faculty supervisor.) Open to senior majors in physics and others with the consent of the program director.
