Astronomy (ASTR)

The study of planetary systems is covered in this course. Topics include the history of understanding the solar system and the celestial sphere, principles of telescope design, the nature of the solar system, sun, terrestrial and Jovian planets, Pluto, the various moons, comets, asteroids, and extra solar planets. Prerequisite: Math at the level of MAGN 101. 3 credits (2 lecture hours, 2 laboratory hours), fall semester This course satisfies the Liberal Arts and Sciences requirement and the SUNY General Education Requirement for Natural Science.

This course introduces basic notions about stars, galaxies, and cosmology. It covers constellations, the motions of the night sky, earth- and space-based optical and radio telescopes, the classification, structure and evolution of stars and galaxies via Hertzsprung–Russell diagrams, the large-scale structure of the universe, cosmology, and extraterrestrial life. Prerequisite: Math at the level of MAGN 101. 3 credits (2 lecture hours, 2 laboratory hours), spring semester This course satisfies the Liberal Arts and Sciences requirement and the SUNY General Education Requirement for Natural Science.