Courses in Astronomy

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 106: Aliens (1 credit); minicourse
• ASTRO 115: Introductory Astrobiology: The Search for Life in the Universe (3 credits); not offered every term (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 term (a unique and highly regarded approach)
• ASTRO 105: The Cosmos Through the Constellations (3 credits); includes Planetarium and Greek mythology
• ASTRO 127: Naked Eye Astronomy (1 credit); minicourse in Planetarium
• 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 205: Exploring the X-ray Universe (3 credits)
• ASTRO 220: New Discoveries in Astronomy (3 credits); topics course with visiting researchers

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.

Department of Astronomy Waitlist Procedures

Contact the department.