Introductory Courses and Courses for Non-Concentrators

Learn about the cosmos from planets and black holes through the expansion of the universe and dark energy. Most introductory courses fall into two broad areas.

One area involves planets, solar systems, and life:

• ASTRO 101: Introductory Astronomy: The Solar System and the Search for Life Beyond Earth (4 credits); offered every academic term (includes astronomical observing)
• ASTRO 115: Introductory Astrobiology: The Search for Life in the Universe (3 credits); not offered every semester (more focused than ASTRO 101)

The other broad area involves stars, galaxies, and the Universe, including black holes, dark matter, and dark energy.

• ASTRO 102: Introductory Astronomy: Stars, Galaxies, and the Universe (4 credits) (includes astronomical observing)
• ASTRO 104: Alien Skies: A Tour Through the Universe (3 credits); not offered every semester (a unique and highly regarded approach)
• ASTRO 142: From the Big Bang to the Milky Way (3 credits); offered most terms (more focused than ASTRO 102)
• ASTRO 160: Introduction to Astrophysics (4 credits); offered Fall and Winter Terms (a small class that looks deeper into astronomical phenomena)
• ASTRO 188 [The Cosmos Through the Constellations (3 credits)] is different type of course where all kinds of astronomical objects are explored and there is weekly use of the planetarium.

In the 4 credit courses, students will use the planetarium, observe the skies, and meet in small sections. We strongly recommend the 4 credit courses.