6 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 101Astronomy of the Solar System
Introduction to fundamental aspects of planetary science. Topics include historical development of astronomy; basic concepts of celestial coordinates and motions; properties and individual characteristics of planets and their moons, asteroids, comets and meteoroids; and origin and evolution of the solar system. Students also learn to identify celestial objects (constellations, prominent stars, planets, etc.) utilizing planetarium, telescopes and unaided eye. Occasional evening observations required. Note: Fulfills SUNY-GE Natural Sciences. (3 hrs. lecture, 2 hrs. laboratory) Prerequisite: MAT007 or equivalent. Offered on: A-E-G / 4 cr. hrs.
One-semester course devoted to systematic observations of the sun, moon, transits, eclipses, occultations and meteor showers. Various telescope design such as radio, infra-red, X-ray and UV used for astronomical measurement and for further study of planets, deep sky objects, binary stars, variable stars and asteroids will be discussed. In addition, the various techniques such as photometry and spectroscopy will be mentioned. To best complete the coursework, irregular hours of observations, planetarium sessions and field trips are required. Note: Fulfills SUNY-GE Natural Sciences.(offered fall semester only) (2 hrs. lecture, 1 hr. recitation, 2 hrs. laboratory) Prerequisite: AST101 or
This course explores the question of whether or not life exists elsewhere in the Universe. An interdisciplinary approach will be taken using concepts from astronomy, physics, chemistry, and biology to explore the likelihood of life developing beyond Earth. In addition, the course will focus on recent/current developments concerning space expeditions designed to seek out possible forms of life on other worlds in our solar system. Sociological and philosophical viewpoints on the topic of life forming in other parts of the Universe will be discussed. Students will be expected to perform elementary mathematics, think critically, acquire and interpret data, present original thoughts/opinions in both oral and written form. The scientific method will be the cornerstone of the course's endeavors to demonstrate how to use scientifically established facts as the basis for the search for life beyond Earth. Note: Fulfills SUNY-GE Natural Sciences. (3 hrs. lecture, 2 hrs. laboratory) Prerequisite: MAT007 or equivalent. Offered on: A-E-G / 4 cr. hrs.
Since 1995, thousands of exoplanets have been observed orbiting stars beyond our solar system. This course explores the methods astronomers use to discover exoplanets and determine their properties and how that information has furthered our understanding of our own solar system and what their existence means for the renewed hope that life may exist elsewhere in the cosmos. Note: Fulfills SUNY-GE Natural Sciences. (3 hrs. lecture, 2 hrs. laboratory) Prerequisite: MAT007 or equivalent. Offered on: A / 4 cr. hrs.
