WCSU Undergraduate Catalog 2023-2024 : Macricostas School of Arts & Sciences

Astronomy

AST 122 Introductory Astronomy  4 SH
This course is designed for non-science majors, covering current frontiers of astronomy and providing a general but firm background in astronomy. Laboratory work emphasizes the techniques of obtaining observational data and analyses and the use of the planetarium. May not be taken for credit by those having taken AST 150 Every semester. (3 hrs lecture — 2 hrs laboratory). General Education: Lab Science. Competency: Scientific Inquiry (SI).

AST 126 Navigation & Nautical Astronomy  4 SH
The course emphasizes spherical astronomy, planetary motion, position and time measuring. Topics include navigation and piloting, the use of navigational instruments and charts, satellite and space navigation and space travel (3 hrs lecture — 2 hrs laboratory). General Education: Lab Science.

AST/ENV 134 Extraterrestrial Environments and Intelligence   4 SH
This course deals with the origins, nature and definitions of life, internal and external factors (especially astronomical factors) that may affect earth’s environment, evidence for planetary systems around other stars, and the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI). This course should be attractive to both non-science and science students (3 hrs lecture — 2 hrs laboratory). General Education: Lab Science. Competency: Scientific Inquiry (SI).

AST 150 General Astronomy  4 SH
Intended for science and mathematics students, this course surveys the theories and observations astronomers use to explore the universe. Topics include the solar system, extrasolar planets, the formation, structure and evolution of stars, galactic astronomy and cosmology.  Required for the B. S. in Secondary Education – Earth Science, the B. A. in Earth and Planetary Sciences, and Minor in Astronomy (3 hrs lecture — 2 hrs laboratory).  Prerequisite: MAT 100 or equivalent. Offered every fall (3 hrs lecture — 2 hrs laboratory). General Education: Lab Science. Competency: Scientific Inquiry (SI).

AST 231 Introduction to Planetary Sciences  4 SH
This course deals with the observations and theories used to understand the development, structure and modification of the sun, planets and smaller bodies in our solar system and others. Among the topics considered are planetary system formation, exoplanets, remote sensing, planetary surfaces and interiors, and asteroids and comets. Required for B.A. in Earth and Planetary Sciences and Minor in Astronomy (3 hrs lecture — 2 hrs laboratory). Prerequisite:  PHY 103 or appropriate test score and AST 150. Pre/Co-requisite:  MAT 181 or equivalent. Offered every other spring, alternating with EPS 220/221. General Education: Lab Science. Competency: Quantitative Reasoning (QR), Scientific Inquiry (SI).

AST 298 Faculty Developed Study 1–6 SH

AST 299 Student Developed Study 1–6 SH

AST 405 Planetary Physics  3 SH
This course uses the disciplines of astronomy, physics, geology, chemistry and mathematics to investigate the processes that control and modify planetary environments, locations and dynamics. Topics will include the origin and evolution of the solar system, gravitational interactions among bodies, planetary atmospheres, surface modification and interior structures and compositions. Offered every other fall (3 hrs lecture). Prerequisite: AST 231, MAT 182 or equivalent and PHY 111. (3 hrs lecture)