Astronomy

AST 101 - Exploring the Solar System

Description: The historical development of the physical laws and theories basic to the study of the solar system is studied. Physical characteristics of the earth, moon, planets and sun are discussed including findings of unmanned planetary exploration. Students are required to attend at least two evening observation sessions during the semester. Students gain a working knowledge of the operation of a telescope. (3 lecture, 3 laboratory hours) Lab fee applies. Note: A special Hybrid section of Solar System Astronomy may be offered each semester. This distance-learning course uses the internet, computers and other electronic media to complete the course assignments. Therefore, students must have access to a computer. Students will occasionally meet with the instructor on campus to perform laboratory experiments and take exams. Lab fee applies. Formerly SCI 105. Students who have completed SCI 105 will not receive credit for AST 101. SUNY GE-SSCI; SUNY GEN ED-GLAB; NCC GEN ED-LSCI. Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Credit Hours: 4
Department: Math/Computer Science/Info Tec

AST 102 - Discovering Stars and Galaxies

Description: The student is introduced to the historical development of theories basic to understanding the concepts of the universe beyond the solar system and studies the evolution of stars and galaxies in terms of observations. Included are discussions of quasars, pulsars, black holes and the Big Bang Theory. Students are required to attend at least two evening observation sessions during the semester. (3 lecture, 3 laboratory hours) Lab fee applies. Formerly SCI 106. Students who have completed SCI 106 will not receive credit for AST 102. SUNY GE-SSCI; SUNY GEN ED-GLAB; NCC GEN ED-LSCI. Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

Credit Hours: 4
Department: Math/Computer Science/Info Tec

AST 202 - Understanding the Universe

Description: Prerequisite or Corequisite: AST 102 This course introduces the study of the Universe through cosmology. It examines theories of the history of the universe, the nature of dark matter and dark energy, and the origin of elementary particles and ordinary matter on the large-scale structure. Emphasis will be placed on space and time as basic concepts in physical science and how modern measurements and discoveries allow us to determine the size, age, and future fate of the universe. Other topics include theories of parallel universes and time travel. Formerly SCI 116. Students who have completed SCI 116 will not receive credit for AST 202. SUNY GEN ED-n/a; NCC GEN ED-ASC, NSCI Offered: Fall, Winterim, Spring, Summer

Credit Hours: 3
Department: Math/Computer Science/Info Tec