14 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 050The Solar System1.0
Course An introductory but detailed discussion of the solar system with special emphasis on the application of physics and the measurement of fundamental properties. Topics include the contents of the solar system (earth, moon, sun, planets, asteroids, comets), formation of the solar system, evolutionary processes (cratering, volcanism, tidal effects), extrasolar planetary systems, and possibilities of life on other planets. Labs will be performed in which students learn how to find and observe the planets and measure fundamental properties. No background in mathematics or physics required. Corequisite(s): AST 050L CC: SCLB, SET, GNPS ISP: STS
Course A descriptive review of current knowledge in astronomy, including methods of measurement and the applications of physics to astronomy. Topics include stars (structure, formation, and evolution), galaxies, and the universe. Evening laboratory sessions in which students learn how to use cameras and telescopes. No background in mathematics or physics required. Corequisite(s): AST 051L CC: SCLB, GNPS
Course A descriptive introduction to Einstein's theories of Special and General Relativity, with applications to the astrophysical phenomena of black holes and quasars. No background in mathematics or physics required. CC:
Course Does life exist elsewhere in the universe, or are we alone? The emerging science of astrobiology attempts to answer this fundamental question using an interdisciplinary approach rooted in biology and astronomy. This course will examine the current state of our scientific knowledge concerning the possibility of life elsewhere in the
Course An examination of the physical principles governing the structure and evolution of stars. Topics include radiation laws, and the determination of stellar temperature, luminosity, and composition; radiative transfer and the interior structure of stars; nuclear fusion and nucleosynthesis; star clusters and stellar evolution; and stellar remnants (white dwarfs, neutron stars, pulsars, and black holes). Prerequisite(s): PHY 111 or PHY 121 or IMP 121
PHY 111 or PHY 121 or IMP 121 . Recommended: AST 100
AST 210Galaxies1.0
Course A survey of the physical properties, dynamics, and distribution of galaxies. Topics include the content, formation, and evolution of the Milky Way and other galaxies; the large-scale distribution of galaxies; interactions between galaxies; dark matter; active galactic nuclei; and quasars. Prerequisite(s): PHY 111 or PHY 121 or IMP 113 or IMP 121 .
PHY 111 or PHY 121 or IMP 113 or IMP 121 . Recommended: AST 100
AST 220Cosmology and General Relativity1.0
Course A detailed study of the universe. Topics include an introduction to general relativity; the shape, size, age, and future of the universe; models of the primordial universe, including the Big Bang Theory and the Inflation
PHY 111 or PHY 121 or IMP 121 , and MTH 115 . Recommended: PHY 171 and AST 100 .
AST 230Observational Astronomy1.0
Course A laboratory-based course dealing with modern astronomical techniques. The course work will involve primarily nighttime observations with a 20-inch telescope and computer analysis of the data. Techniques covered include CCD observations, sky subtraction, spectroscopy, and photometry. Student projects may include determination of the distances and ages of star clusters; measurements of the variability of stars and of quasars; measurements of the masses of Jupiter, binary star systems, and galaxies; and determination of orbits of asteroids. Prerequisite(s): PHY 111 or PHY 121 or IMP 113 or IMP 121 or permission of the instructor (with some telescope experience). CC: WAC, WAC-R
PHY 111 or PHY 121 or IMP 113 or IMP 121 or permission of the instructor (with some telescope experience). Recommended: AST 100 CQ: WAC, WAC-R
AST 240Radio Astronomy1.0
Course A laboratory-based course in the observing methods and the astrophysics learned from astronomical studies at radio wavelengths. Topics include the operation of a radio telescope; important emission mechanisms; star formation regions; interstellar gas; interstellar molecular clouds; radio galaxies; and the cosmic microwave background. Student projects will involve observations with Union's 2-meter radio telescope and with the 37-meter radio telescope at the Haystack Observatory in Westford, Massachusetts. Prerequisite(s): PHY 111 or PHY 121 or IMP 121 ; Recommended: MTH 115
