General Education Courses

AST-A 100 The Solar System

AST-A 100 looks at the celestial sphere and constellations, apparent motions of celestial objects, eclipses, history of astronomy, astronomical observations, the Earth as a planet, the Moon, the planets and their satellites, comets, meteors, theories of the origin of the solar system. It’s a great way to get to know our part of the Universe.

AST-A 103 The Search for Life in the Universe

takes an interdisciplinary look at the search for life and life-friendly environments in the Universe. This course explores the origin, nature, and history of life on Earth, prospects for life in our own and other planetary systems, extrasolar planet detection, and the possibility of other technological civilizations.

AST-A 105 Stars and Galaxies

introduces students to the physical universe, including the constellations, gravity, radiation, the Sun, the structure and evolution of stars, neutron stars and black holes, the Milky Way galaxy, galaxies of all kinds, cosmology, and the search for extraterrestrial life.

AST-A 107 The Art of Astronomy: Images of the Universe

inspires students with breathtaking images that reveal the secrets of our universe and of our own origins. This course explores the science of imaging the universe and the technology that makes the images possible. Topics include the night sky, telescopes and cameras, light and color, and the science behind the images.

AST-A 115 Birth and Death of the Universe

Traces the ideas describing the origin and evolution of the Universe from ancient geocentric cosmologies to the Big Bang cosmology. Learn about how the Universe began and where it’s headed, including the role of dark matter and dark energy.