Astronomy courses

ASTR 1000 Descriptive Astronomy
Descriptive Astronomy
A one-semester survey of astronomy for the liberal arts student. The solar system, properties and evolution of stars and galaxies, and cosmology. Recent discoveries in astronomy are emphasized.
Notes: Students who take 1000 may not take 1010 or 1020.
credit hours: 3
Descriptive Astronomy

ASTR 1010 The Solar System
The Solar System
The organization and origin of the solar system, the earth in motion, the sun, the moon, the planets, comets, and meteors.
Notes: Not open for credit to students who have completed 1000.
credit hours: 3
The Solar System

ASTR 1020 Stellar Astronomy
Stellar Astronomy
The stars, their distances, spectra, magnitudes. Stellar atmospheres and interiors, stellar evolution. Variable and collapsing stars, nebulae, galaxies and cosmology.
Notes: Not open for credit to students who have completed 1000.
credit hours: 3
Stellar Astronomy

ASTR 1100 Observational Astronomy
Observational Astronomy
Activities, readings, and projects in observational astronomy. This course provides students with practical experience in observational techniques, while guiding them to an understanding of the role of measurement in the scientific method.
Pre-requistites: ASTR 1000 or approval of instructor.
credit hours: 3
Observational Astronomy

ASTR 3010 Archaeoastronomy
Archaeoastronomy
A study of ancient Old- and New-World astronomy as exhibited in archaic myth, megalithic monuments, Mesoamerican buildings, stelae and manuscripts, and alignments of archaeological sites. The fundamentals of spherical astronomy will he presented, with emphasis on horizon phenomena, making it possible to explore the implications of possible astronomical alignments, astronomical content of Mesoamerican codices, and the sky-lore of a variety of cultures. Special attention will be given to early Bronze Age megalith monuments in Britain, to Middle American astronomy, and to astronomy of the Native American Indians.
Notes: See also Physics 6070, Physics 6750.
credit hours: 3
Archaeoastronomy