Astronomy (AST)

This course provides a comprehensive look at modern astronomy, emphasizing the use of the scientific method and the application of physical laws to understand the Universe including Earth and its environment. Throughout this course, students will develop the ability to discern scientific knowledge from non-scientific claims by using critical thinking.

General principles of Astronomy and emphasis on the structure and evolution of stars, stellar systems, galaxies and the universe. Topics may include stellar birth and death, neutron stars and black holes, galactic distances and the expansion of the universe. Observing of stars, constellations, binary and variable stars, star clusters, nebulae.

Historical and general principles of Astronomy with emphasis on the structure and evolution of the Solar System, the laws of planetary motion, and the physical aspects of the sun, planets, and interplanetary debris. The main objectives of the course are to familiarize you with the night sky, observing techniques and instrumentation of state of the art observatories, and to gain knowledge of the scientific process involved in astronomical discoveries.

The physics and dynamics of stars, including star formation and stellar evolution. Also covers spectroscopy (with focus on stellar applications), binary stars and evolution, and exoplanets.

The fundamental principles and techniques used in planning, making, reducing and analyzing modern astronomical observations. Will include classroom activities, indoor laboratory work, data analysis and outdoor night observations. Provides an introduction to numerical treatment of observations, CCD imaging, digital imaging processing and astronomical spectroscopy.

Special sessions exploring the current issues in Astronomy. Topics may vary and are selected on the basis of what is new or currently relevant in the field.