33 courses with the subject ASTR, 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.
ASTR 1210Introduction to the Sky and Solar System3
Effective Date 03/01/2009 A study of the night sky primarily for non-science majors. Provides a brief history of astronomy through Newton. Topics include the properties of the sun, earth, moon, planets, asteroids, meteors and comets; origin and evolution of the solar system; life in the universe; and recent results from space missions and ground-based telescopes.
ASTR 1220Introduction to Stars, Galaxies, and the Universe3
Effective Date 03/01/2009 A study of stars, star formation, and evolution primarily for non-science majors. Topics include light, atoms, and modern observing technologies; origin of the chemical elements; supernovae, pulsars, neutron stars, and black holes; structure and evolution of our galaxy; nature of other galaxies; active galaxies and quasars; expanding universe, cosmology, the big bang, and the early universe.
ASTR 1230Introduction to Astronomical Observation3
Effective Date 08/01/2021 An independent laboratory class for non-science majors, meeting at night, in which students learn how to observe the night sky, use a telescope, and take digital images of the sky. Students work individually or in small groups on observational projects that focus on the study of constellations, planets, stars, nebulae, and galaxies using binoculars, 8-inch telescopes, and imaging equipment at the department’s student observatory.
Effective Date 05/01/2026 This course is a hands-on introduction to imaging the night sky with modern telescopes and electronic imagers in the southern hemisphere sky as seen from the dark skies outside of Cape Town, South Africa. The course is accessible to students at all levels. We will learn about cultural perspectives on that night sky from South Africa, Africa in general, and around the rest of the southern hemisphere, Australia in particular.
Effective Date 10/03/2017 Alien worlds orbiting other stars were the subject of speculation going back to ancient times, and were first detected in the 1990s. Today, thousands of extrasolar planets are known and show a remarkable diversity compared to our own solar system. This introductory astronomy course for non-science majors discusses the known exoplanets: how they are discovered, their orbits, physical properties, formation, evolution and fate.
Effective Date 03/01/2009 An exploration of the unsolved mysteries in the universe and the limits of our knowledge for non-science majors. The class emphasizes the nature of scientific endeavor, and explores the boundaries between science, philosophy, and metaphysics. A number of thought provoking topics are discussed including the beginning and end of the universe, black holes, extraterrestrial life, the nature of time, dark matter and dark energy.
Effective Date 01/01/2018 From ancient Babylon to modern cosmology, nearly every culture on Earth has stories and myths of creation. It is a universal human desire to understand from where we came. In this introductory astronomy class for non-science majors, students will explore the origins of the Universe, structure and galaxies, stars, planets and life. The course will use the content to illustrate the nature of science and scientific inquiry.
Effective Date 02/16/2017 Black holes are stellar remnants that are so dense that nothing, not even light, can escape their gravitational pull. Nevertheless, systems that contain these “dark stars” are among the brightest sources in the universe. In this introductory course, aimed primarily at non-science majors, students will explore the seemingly paradoxical nature of black holes and evaluate the astronomical evidence for their existence.
ASTR 1610Intro to Astronomical Research for Potential Astronomy/Astrophysics Majors1
Effective Date 01/01/2024 For first- and second-year students considering Astronomy/Astronomy-Physics as a major, or current A/A-P majors. Faculty will present ongoing research to introduce students to both the subject matter and the required physical, mathematical, and computational background of contemporary astronomy research. Potential long-term undergraduate research projects will be emphasized.
Effective Date 08/01/2026 Primarily for science majors. A thorough discussion of the basic concepts and methods of solar system, stellar, galactic, and extragalactic astronomy and astrophysics with an emphasis on physical principles. Recommended
MATH 1210 or 1310, PHYS 1420 or 1425, or instructor permission. Credits: 3
ASTR 2120Introduction to Astrophysics II3
Effective Date 08/01/2026 Primarily for science majors. A thorough discussion of the basic concepts and methods of solar system, stellar, galactic, and extragalactic astronomy and astrophysics with an emphasis on physical principles. Recommended
Effective Date 01/01/2024 Primarily for science majors. A lecture and laboratory course that deals with basic observational techniques in astronomy. The laboratory section generally meets at night. Students use observational facilities at the McCormick and Fan Mountain Observatories. Additional work outside posted laboratory hours will be required to take advantage of clear skies. Requisites
must have completed either (ASTR 2110 and ASTR 2120) or (ASTR 1210 and ASTR 1220) and (PHYS 1655 or PHYS 2660 or PHYS 3630) Credits: 4
ASTR 3150The Interstellar Medium: From Hydrogen to Humans3
Effective Date 08/01/2022 This course provides an overview of the origins of the elements through cosmic history. The course is taught chronologically, starting from the Big Bang and leading up to life as we know it. The course will cover a wide variety of topics, such as the formation of the first stars, galaxies, and the lifecycle of the interstellar medium. We will also study how material is re-incorporated into modern day stars, planets, and eventually life. Requisites Must have completed Math 1220 or MATH 1320 or APMA 1110
Effective Date 03/01/2009 Open to non-science students. Discussion of prescientific astronomy, including Mayan, Babylonian, and ancient Chinese astronomy, and the significance of relics such as Stonehenge. Discusses the usefulness of ancient records in the study of current astrophysical problems such as supernova outbursts. Uses current literature from several disciplines, including astronomy, archaeology, and anthropology.
A 1000- or 2000-level ASTR course, or instructor permission. Credits: 3
ASTR 3420Life Beyond the Earth3
Effective Date 03/01/2009 Open to non-science students. Studies the possibility of intelligent extraterrestrial life; methods and desirability of interstellar communication; prospects for humanity’s colonization of space; interaction of space colonies; and the search for other civilizations.
A 1000- or 2000-level ASTR course or instructor permission. Credits: 3
ASTR 3430From Lab to Society: Mastering Science Communication3
Effective Date 08/01/2026 This course introduces communication skills for scientists who need to engage with diverse audiences beyond their immediate research community by teaching practical tools for grant writing, peer review, policy briefings, media interviews, and public engagement, with emphasis on ethical communication practices and professional responsibility. Requisites Students must have completed, or be enrolled in, any two courses at the 3000-level or above from any of the following subject codes: ASTR, BIOL, CHEM, EVSC, MATH, PHYS, PSYC, or STAT.
Effective Date 09/05/2019 The next great adventure in space flight will be a human mission to Mars. In this course, we will explore how such a mission might take place. Topics will include the basics of spaceflight, spacecraft and rocket design, the history of human space exploration, its legacy and impact on the modern world, the current state of spaceflight, and new technologies that are being developed to make the mission possible.
Effective Date 08/01/2024 Open to non-science students. Investigates controversial topics in science and pseudo-science from the astronomer’s perspective. Analyzes methods of science and the nature of scientific evidence, and their implications for unresolved astrophysical problems. Topics include extraterrestrial life, UFO’s, astrology, the Moon landing, and others.
Effective Date 08/01/2023 Intended for STEM majors and non-STEM majors who are comfortable with some non-calculus math. Cosmology explores the origin and evolution of the Universe, including cosmic expansion, mapping the Universe, dark matter and dark energy, the birth and evolution of galaxies, the early universe, and the Big Bang. This course strikes a balance between richly illustrated description and a simplified quantitative exploration of the above topics.
Effective Date 08/01/2026 The course explores the formation, evolution, and properties of galaxies. Topics include: the structure of galaxies; galaxy demographics; star motions and populations; nuclear black holes; galaxy interactions; dark matter halos; the distribution of the elements; and the formation and evolution of galaxies. The course is divided equally between lecture material and project-driven worksheets. Requisites Completed MATH 1190, or MATH 1210, or MATH 1310, or APMA 1090
Effective Date 01/01/2011 Studies the origin and evolution of the bodies in the solar system, emphasizing the geology of the planets and satellites of the inner solar system and the satellites of the gaseous planets. Topics will include the interpretation of remote sensing data, the chemistry and dynamics of planetary atmospheres and their interactions with the planetary surfaces, and the role of impacts.
Introductory course in geosciences or astronomy. Credits: 3
ASTR 3881Planetary Astronomy Laboratory1
Effective Date 08/01/2010 Optional one hour laboratory for students in ASTR 3880 that provides practical experience in accessing and analyzing data related to the origin and geology of solar system planetary bodies, including the Moon, Mars, and outer planet satellites.
Effective Date 01/01/2024 Primarily for astronomy/astrophysics majors. Students will be exposed to a research methods-intensive set of mini projects, with emphasis on current active areas of astrophysics research. The goal is to prepare students for research in astrophysics. Topics will include databases and database manipulation, astronomical surveys, statistics, space observatories and observation planning, intro to numerical simulations, and proposal writing.Prerequisites: ASTR 2110/2120 and PHYS 2660, or instructor permission. Requisites
ASTR 2110/2120 and PHYS 2660, or instructor permission. Requisites
ASTR 4460Physics of Compact Stars3
Effective Date 02/17/2023 The compact stars - white dwarfs, neutron stars, and black holes - are the end state of stellar evolution. The conditions in and around these objects are extreme as compared to terrestrial standards, and they are responsible for some of the most powerful and dynamic phenomena in the universe. This course introduces the physics of strong gravity and dense matter required to understand compact stars and their observational manifestations. Requisites Prereq: Must have completed MATH 3250 and MATH 4220 and PHYS 3210 and PHYS 3650 and PHYS 3340. Coreq: Must have completed or be enrolled in PHYS 3310
Effective Date 08/01/2026 Computational methods are widely applied in all areas of astrophysical research, including data analysis, instrumentation, and theory. This course covers advanced computing skills that optimize the scientific return from using increasingly complex code bases and sophisticated code development tools. Using Python, we introduce widely applicable numerical methods while training the students in the use of commonly used code development concepts. Requisites Students must have completed MATH 3250 and (PHYS 2660 or PHYS 1655), AND students must have completed or be enrolled in MATH 4220 or APMA 3140
Effective Date 08/01/2024 Basic concepts in mechanics, statistical physics, atomic and nuclear structure, and radiative transfer are developed and applied to selected fundamental problems in the areas of stellar structure, stellar atmospheres, the interstellar medium, and extragalactic astrophysics.
ASTR 2110, 2120 (recommended); MATH 4220; PHYS 3210, 3310 (concurrent), 3340, 3430 (concurrent), 3650; or instructor permission. Credits: 3
ASTR 4993Tutorial3
Effective Date 01/01/2021 Independent study of a topic of special interest to the student under individual supervision by a faculty member. May be repeated once for credit.
