Introductory Courses and Courses for Non-Majors:
Introductory Astronomy courses are intended for students with a basic high school math and science background.
Students who are planning to pursue a major in Astronomy are encouraged to meet with an Astronomy advisor before enrolling in introductory courses.
Planets, solar systems, and life in the Universe:
- ASTRO 101 - Introductory Astronomy: The Solar System and the Search for a new Earth (4 credits, BS, NS, QR/2); offered every academic term, includes practical observing & lab
- ASTRO 115 - Introductory Astrobiology: The Search for Life in the Universe (3 credits, BS, NS, QR/2)
Stars, black holes, galaxies, dark matter, dark energy, and the Universe:
- ASTRO 102: Introductory Astronomy: Stars, Galaxies, and the Universe (4 credits, BS, NS, QR/2); offered every academic term, includes practical observing & lab
- ASTRO 104: Alien Skies: A Tour Through the Universe (3 credits, BS, NS, QR/2)
- ASTRO 105: The Cosmos Through the Constellations (3 credits, BS, NS, QR/2); includes Planetarium and Greek mythology
- ASTRO 142: From the Big Bang to the Milky Way (3 credits, BS, NS, QR/2)
Minicourses:
1-credit full or half semester courses, qualifying for NS and BS credit. Ideal for students who are looking to add one credit of Astronomy to their schedule!
- ASTRO 106: Aliens. The on-going search for extra-terrestrial life. (1 credit, BS, NS); minicourse
- ASTRO 107: The Dark Side of the Universe; dark matter, dark energy, and black holes. (1 credit, BS, NS); minicourse, offered online in select semesters.
- ASTRO 127: Naked Eye Astronomy. The Sun, Moon, planets, stars, comets, and meteors (1 credit, BS, NS); minicourse, meets in the Planetarium
200-level courses for students with math and physics background at the highschool- or university-level:
Students should expect a level of physics equivalent to PHYSICS 140, and math at the pre-calculus level. See course descriptions for specific prerequisites.
- ASTRO 201: Introduction to Astrophysics (4 credits, BS, NS, QR/1); This is a core Astronomy class, that is required for the Astronomy and Astrophysics major, the Interdisciplinary Astronomy major, and Astronomy and astrophysics minor. A smaller, physics-based class that looks deeper into astronomical phenomena. Offered in each Fall and Winter terms. Includes practical observing & lab.
- ASTRO 206: Black Holes: The Triumph of Gravity (3 credits; BS, NS, QR/1)
- ASTRO 220: New Discoveries in Astronomy (3 credits; BS, NS, QR/2); a topics course for students who have taken at least one prior Astronomy course and who are interested in learning more about cutting-edge astronomical research. May be repeated for credit.
Cross-listed, interdisciplinary, and other introductory topics:
- ASTRO 255 / EARTH 255 - Introduction to Astronomy, Geology, and Climate Science (3 credits, BS, NS)
- ASTRO 183 / SPACE 103 - Introduction to Space Weather (3 credits, BS, NS). Studies the impact of solar activity, Earth’s magnetic field, and atmosphere on society and Earth’s technological systems.
- ASTRO 182 - Interdisciplinary Topics in Astronomy - Science and Fiction in Science Fiction (3 credits, ID). Meets together with ENGLISH 242.
For More Information:
See the Undergraduate Course Description page for more information.
