Mar 29, 2024  
SFCC Catalog 2021-2022 
    
SFCC Catalog 2021-2022 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

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ASTR 1115C - Introduction to Astronomy


Credits: 4

[Previously offered as: ASTR 111] Surveys observations, theories, and methods of modern astronomy. The course is predominantly for non-science majors, aiming to provide a conceptual understanding of the universe and the basic physics that governs it. Due to the broad coverage of this course, the specific topics and concepts treated may vary. Commonly presented subjects include the general movements of the sky and history of astronomy, followed by an introduction to basic physics concepts like Newton’s and Kepler’s laws of motion. The course may also provide modern details and facts about celestial bodies in our solar system, as well as differentiation between them - Terrestrial and Jovian planets, exoplanets, the practical meaning of “dwarf planets”, asteroids, comets, and Kuiper Belt and Trans-Neptunian Objects. Beyond this we may study stars and galaxies, star clusters, nebulae, black holes, and clusters of galaxies. Finally, we may study cosmology – the structure and history of the universe. The lab component of this course includes hands-on exercises that work to reinforce concepts covered in the lecture, and may include additional components that introduce students to the night sky.

Prerequisite(s): ENGL 109  and MATH 101 .
Offered: Summer, Fall and Spring.
NMGEC: Area III: Science.
Three lecture hours, three lab hours.



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