Introductory Astronomy: required of astronomy majors, enrollment of ~200/yr (mostly non-majors), AST 1001 offered every Fall Semester, 1002 every Spring.

AST 1001. Introductory Astronomy I - The Solar System/(4).F.

Topics to be covered include constellations, telescopes, the sun and moon, planets, asteroids, comets, the origin of the solar system and the search for extra-terrestrial life. The laboratory includes visual observations and electronic imaging of astronomical objects as well as a field trip to Appalachian's Dark Sky Observatory. Lecture three hours, laboratory two hours. (NUMERICAL DATA) (CORE: NATURAL SCIENCES) (ND Prerequisite: Passing the math placement test or successful completion of MAT 0010.)

AST 1002. Introductory Astronomy II - Stars and Galaxies/(4).S.

A study of astronomical objects located beyond our solar system. Topics to be covered include the structure and evolution of the stars, pulsars, black holes, gaseous nebulae, star clusters, galaxies, quasars and the structure of evolution of the Universe. Night observations of these types of objects will be made. Lecture three hours, laboratory two hours. Prerequisite: AST 1001. (NUMERICAL DATA) (CORE :NATURAL SCIENCES) (ND Prerequisite: Passing the math placement test or successful completion of MAT 0010.)

AST 1530-1531. Selected Topics/(1-4).On Demand.

Observational Astronomy: required of astronomy majors, enrollment of ~5-10/yr

AST 2001 offered every Fall Semester, 2002 every Spring, but this is being revised to AST 2001 every fall, and AST 2002 and (new) 2003 alternating every other spring.

AST 2001. Observational Astronomy I/(3).F.

This course introduces the student to the operation of astronomical instruments and to the acquisition and analysis of astronomical data. Lecture topics include coordinate systems and time, star catalogs and atlases, planning observational programs, basic telescope optics, photometry, and photography. Lab work, conducted at the campus observatory, will consist of individual small projects carried out to familiarize the student with many types of instruments and techniques. Lecture two hours, laboratory two hours. Prerequisite: AST 1002.

Note: AST 2002 is being revised into a 3-semester sequence (2002/2003), as planned below:

AST 2002. Observational Astronomy II/(3).S.

A study of advanced techniques of modern observational astronomy. Lecture topics include solid state (CCD) imaging hardware, image processing techniques and astronomical photometry. Observations will be conducted at the campus observatory, emphasizing the use of the techniques studied in the lecture. Lecture two hours, laboratory two hours. Prerequisite: AST 2001. *Offered Spring Semester in even-numbered years.

AST 2003. Observational Astronomy III/(3).S.

A study of advanced techniques of modern observational astronomy. Lecture topics are centered on astronomical spectroscopy. Observations will be conducted at the campus observatory, emphasizing the use of the techniques studied in the lecture. Lecture two hours, laboratory two hours. Prerequisite: AST 2001. **Offered Spring Semester in odd-numbered years.

AST 3100.* Astrophysics/(3).S

A study of the astrophysical processes which occur in stars, nebulae and the interstellar medium. Topics to be covered include energy generation and transfer in stars, spectral line formation and stellar structure and evolution. Prerequisites: AST 1002, PHY 1151, MAT 1120. *Offered Spring Semester in even-numbered years.

AST 3200.** Astromechanics/(3).S.

An introduction to classical and modern techniques in the study of orbiting celestial bodies. Lecture topics will include the solution of the 2-body problem with applications to comet orbits, the restricted 3-body problem, and solutions to the n-body problem. Laboratory sessions will deal primarily with computer simulations of orbits and solutions of orbits from limited data. Prerequisites: PHY 1103 or 1150; MAT 1120; experience in programming in either BASIC or FORTRAN. Lecture two hours, laboratory two hours. (COMPUTER) **Offered Spring Semester in odd-numbered years.

AST 3560. Undergraduate Research/(1-3).On Demand. The student will participate in on-going faculty-directed research projects. This will include involvement in the solution of a theoretical problem, or in the design of an experiment, acquisition of the data, reduction and analysis. The work may also include presentation of the results in scholarly publications or at professional meetings. May be repeated for a total credit of up to four semester hours.