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Astronomy

Course Code
AST 102  Credits 3 
Title Solar System Astronomy 
Lasc Area Goal 3 Lab  
Course Outline Course Outline 
Description An introduction to the history of astronomy, the Sun, the origin of the solar system, and the study of the planets. Lab included. MnTC Goal 3. 



Course Code
AST 104  Credits 3 
Title Stellar Astronomy 
Lasc Area Goal 3 Lab  
Course Outline Course Outline 
Description An introduction to the history of astronomy, stars, stellar evolution, galaxies and the origin and structure of the universe. Lab included. MnTC Goal 3. 



Course Code
AST 190  Credits 1-3 
Title Topics in Astronomy 
Course Outline Course Outline 
Description A study of a specific area of astronomy. This course may be repeated as course content may vary. 



Course Code
AST 324  Credits 3 
Title Life and Death in the Universe 
Lasc Area Goal 3  
Course Outline Course Outline 
Description The last century will be remembered in small part as a time when humans finally started scientifically addressing the most fundamental questions about the universe: "How did the Universe begin," "How did life on Earth begin and how might it end," and "Is there anyone out there?" Students will address these issues by reviewing our current scientific understanding of the Big Bang, the origins of life on Earth, the Evolution of Life, and the possible origins of intelligent life elsewhere. The class will be cross disciplinary with heavy emphasis on astronomy, planetary geology, biology and some history. In addition to in-lecture coursework, lab activities are used to provide students the opportunity to plan, design and execute their own investigations of these scientific concepts. MnTC Goal 3. 



Course Code
AST 360  Credits 3 
Title Planetary Science 
Lasc Area Goal 3 Lab  
Course Outline Course Outline 
Description A synthesis of current knowledge of the members of the solar system and the origin and evolution of planetary system. Lab included. MnTC Goal 3. 



Course Code
AST 360L  Credits 0 
Title Planetary Science Laboratory 
Course Outline Course Outline 
Description This is a planetary science lab course and must be taken concurrently with AST 360. 



Course Code
AST 361  Credits 3 
Title Stellar Astrophysics 
Prerequisite MATH 323 
Course Outline Course Outline 
Description The application of physics to observations of stars and interpreting their formation and evolution. The course reviews the theory of radiative transfer within stars, stellar atmospheres and the formation of the stellar spectra we can observe, stellar structure, and stellar evolution. 



Course Code
AST 362  Credits 3 
Title Galactic and Extragalactic Astrophysics 
Course Outline Course Outline 
Description The application of physics to observations of our Milky Way galaxy and other galaxies and interpreting their formation and evolution. The course reviews the structure, composition, kinematics, and evolution of the Milky Way, other spiral galaxies, elliptical galaxies, and the large scale structure. We also review active galactic nuclei in light of galaxy evolution. 



Course Code
AST 365  Credits 3 
Title Cosmology 
Prerequisite MATH 323 
Course Outline Course Outline 
Description Theoretical principles and observational evidence regarding the large-scale structure and evolution of the universe. 



Course Code
AST 366  Credits 3 
Title Observational Astronomy 
Course Outline Course Outline 
Description Observational Astronomy 



Course Code
AST 390  Credits 2 
Title Topics in Astrophysics 
Course Outline Course Outline 
Description Consideration of special problems or the study of introductory topics at a more advanced level. May be repeated for credit with consent of instructor for no more than three times or six credits. 



Course Code
AST 410  Credits 3 
Title Astrophysics 
Prerequisite PHYS 322 
Course Outline Course Outline 
Description Mathematical representation and modeling of stellar structure and evolution. Mathematical consideration of nuclear processes and nucleosynthesis. Analysis of white dwarfs, neutron stars, and black holes. Astrophysics of the interstellar medium and galaxies. In-depth topics will vary depending on the interests of instructor and/or participants. Same as PHYS 410. 



Course Code
AST 490  Credits 1-3 
Title Topics in Astronomy 
Course Outline Course Outline 
Description This is a upper division topics course and may be repeated when the topic changes.