Introductory Courses and Courses for Non-Majors

Introductory Astronomy courses are intended for students with a basic high school math and science background.

Planets, solar systems, and life in the Universe:

• ASTRO 101 - Introductory Astronomy: The Solar System and the Search for a new Earth (4 credits, BS, NS, QR/2); offered every academic term, includes practical observing & lab
• ASTRO 115 - Introductory Astrobiology: The Search for Life in the Universe (3 credits, BS, NS, QR/2)

Stars, black holes, galaxies, dark matter, dark energy, and the Universe:

• ASTRO 102: Introductory Astronomy: Stars, Galaxies, and the Universe (4 credits, BS, NS, QR/2); offered every academic term, includes practical observing & lab
• ASTRO 104: Alien Skies: A Tour Through the Universe (3 credits, BS, NS, QR/2)
• ASTRO 105: The Cosmos Through the Constellations (3 credits, BS, NS, QR/2); includes Planetarium and Greek mythology
• ASTRO 142: From the Big Bang to the Milky Way (3 credits, BS, NS, QR/2)

Minicourses:

1-credit full or half semester courses, qualifying for NS and BS credit. Ideal for students who are looking to add one credit of Astronomy to their schedule!

• ASTRO 106: Aliens. The on-going search for extra-terrestrial life. (1 credit, BS, NS); minicourse
• ASTRO 107: The Dark Side of the Universe; dark matter, dark energy, and black holes. (1 credit, BS, NS); minicourse
• ASTRO 127: Naked Eye Astronomy. The Sun, Moon, planets, stars, comets, and meteors (1 credit, BS, NS); minicourse, meets in the Planetarium

200-level courses for students with calculus and physics background at the highschool- or university-level:

Students should expect a level of math equivalent to MATH 115 (Calculus I). See course descriptions for specific prerequisites.

• ASTRO 201: Introduction to Astrophysics (4 credits, BS, NS, QR/1); This is a core Astronomy class, that is required for the Astronomy and Astrophysics major, the Interdisciplinary Astronomy major, and Astronomy and astrophysics minor. A smaller, physics-based class that looks deeper into astronomical phenomena. Offered in each Fall and Winter terms. Includes practical observing & lab
• ASTRO 206: Black Holes: The Triumph of Gravity (3 credits; BS, NS, QR/1)
• ASTRO 220: New Discoveries in Astronomy (3 credits; BS, NS, QR/2); a topics course for students who have taken at least one 100-level Astronomy course and who are interested in learning more about cutting-edge astronomical research. May be repeated for credit.

Cross-listed, interdisciplinary, and other introductory topics:

• ASTRO 255 / EARTH 255 - Introduction to Astronomy, Geology, and Climate Science (3 credits, BS, NS)
• ASTRO 183 / SPACE 103 - Introduction to Space Weather (3 credits, BS, NS). Studies the impact of solar activity, Earth’s magnetic field, and atmosphere on society and Earth’s technological systems.
• ASTRO 182 - Interdisciplinary Topics in Astronomy - Science and Fiction in Science Fiction (3 credits, ID). Meets together with ENGLISH 242.

Department of Astronomy Waitlist Procedures

Contact the department and/or refer to the Department website.