**Review** Undergraduate Catalog 2025-2026

College of Natural and Health Sciences

Department of Physics and Astronomy

AST 100 The Sky and Planets

(3 lecture, 2 laboratory) The universe and our place in it. Appropriate for non-science majors.
4

Mutually Exclusive Course

Credit allowed for only one of these courses: AST 100 and AST 109

Course Attribute

LAS1-Natural &Physical Science and LASL-Natural&Physi Science LAB and GT Natural & Phys Science Lab

Course Fee

Course Fee Required

AST 101 Stars and Galaxies

(3 lecture, 2 laboratory) Covers stars, black holes, galaxies, the Big Bang, and the expansion of the universe. Night time lab component. Appropriate for non-science majors.
4

Mutually Exclusive Course

Credit allowed for only one of these courses: AST 101 and AST 109

Course Attribute

LAS1-Natural &Physical Science and LASL-Natural&Physi Science LAB and GT Natural & Phys Science Lab

Course Fee

Course Fee Required

AST 109 The Cosmos

Present concepts of the universe, including the "big bang" and "steady state" theories, black holes and continuing expansion. Programs such as "Cosmos" will be studied.

3

Mutually Exclusive Course

If a student completes AST 109, then credit will not be allowed for these courses: AST 100 and AST 101

Course Attribute

LAS1-Natural &Physical Science and GT Natural & Phys Science

AST 301 Classical Astronomy and the Solar System

A look at classical astronomy (motions in the night sky), telescopes, and our solar system.
3

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required and Course Fee Required

AST 302 Stars and the Milky Way

A look at the structure, formation, and evolution of stars and the structure, dynamics, and formation of our Milky Way galaxy.
3

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required and Course Fee Required

AST 303 Galaxy Formation and Cosmology

Formation and evolution of galaxies, general relativity, the Big Bang, evolution and fate of the universe.
3

Prerequisites

MATH 132 with a minimum grade of D-

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required

AST 310 Techniques in Observational Astronomy

(3 lecture, 2 laboratory) Introduction to modern techniques in planning, obtaining, reducing and analyzing astronomical observations with focus on hands-on experience with computational tools and procedures.

4

Prerequisites

(MATH 131 and PHYS 241 with a minimum grade of D-) and (3.0 credit hours in AST with a minimum grade of D-)

Offered

Generally offered Spring - Check with department/school for next offering

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required and Course Fee Required

AST 422 Directed Studies

Individualized investigation under the direct supervision of a faculty member. (Minimum of 37.5 clock hours required per credit hour.)
1- 4

Special Notes

Maximum concurrent enrollment is two times.

Course Attribute

Variable Title Course

Repeatable Status

Course is repeatable with no limitations

Course Fee

Differential Tuition Required