Catalog Links
- Academic Terms (Glossary)
- Catalog Changes
- How WNC Courses Transfer
- Print Catalog Archive
- Catalog Year Information
Printable Catalog
- 2011-2012: Catalog [ PDF / 1.53 MB ]
- 2011-2012: Academic Program Guide [ PDF / 1.33 MB ]
Academics Quick Links
Catalog: 2011–2012 Catalog Year
Course Descriptions
Astronomy (AST)
Science, Mathematics & Engineering Division
AST 100: Special Topics: White Dwarfs, Neutron Stars and Black Holes
Units (Credits): 1; Prerequisites: none
Covers an assortment of exotic and fascinating stellar and astronomical objects that are at the center of modern astronomy. Studies the life cycles of both large and small mass stars as well as new developments and discoveries from a wide range of topics in astrophysics.
AST 105: Introductory Astronomy Laboratory
Units (Credits): 1; Prerequisites: AST 109, AST 110 or consent of instructor
Presents laboratory exercises in astronomy in the tradition of the amateur astronomer. Includes observation of celestial objects as well as laboratory exercises to investigate the physical nature of astronomical objects. Instructs on the use of telescopes and the process of the scientific method. Recommended for non-science majors.
AST 109: Planetary Astronomy
Units (Credits): 3; Prerequisites: MATH 120, MATH 126 or higher or consent of instructor
Offers a descriptive introduction to current concepts of the solar system, modern observational techniques, and their results. Utilizes telescopes and observatory facilities. Includes four laboratory experiences.
AST 110: Stellar Astronomy
Units (Credits): 3; Prerequisites: MATH 120, MATH 126 or higher or consent of instructor
Offers a descriptive introduction to stellar and galactic systems, the life cycle of stars, theories of the universe and its formation. Utilizes telescopes and observatory facilities. Includes four laboratory experiences.
AST 115: Birth of Astrophysics
Units (Credits): 1; Prerequisites: none
Covers the accidental discovery of the solar spectral lines at the beginning of the 19th century and explores the threads of observation and interpretation through the subsequent 100 years. Explains how this process created modern astronomy, atomic physics, and chemistry. Note: Non-transferable for a NSHE baccalaureate degree. Non-applicable towards an AA or AS Degree.
AST 118: Astronomical Instrumentation
Units (Credits): 1; Prerequisites: none
Introduces the basic operation of reflecting and refracting telescopes, fundamentals of spectrograph and methods for obtaining stellar spectra, and multiple uses of the CCD camera for astronomical imaging. Emphasis will be on working with the instruments (hands-on) and taking real time data when applicable. Note: Non-transferable for a NSHE baccalaureate degree. Non-applicable towards an AA or AS Degree.
AST 120: Introduction to Astrobiology
Units (Credits): 3; Prerequisites: none
Studies the origin, evolution and distribution of life in the geology, planetary science, atmospheric science, oceanography, and other sciences. Will explore the scientific reasons behind why the Solar System harbors a living planet. Covers the factors that allow the Earth to support life and the potential for life on other planets within the universe.
AST 190: Projects in Observational Astronomy
Units (Credits): 3; Prerequisites: AST 105 or consent of instructor
Develops skills in observational astronomy with a project-oriented course. Uses high quality equipment such as cameras, photometers, telescopes and heliostats. Laboratory course recommended for non-science majors.
AST 198: Special Topics in Astronomy
Units (Credits): 0.5–6; Prerequisites: none
Includes short courses and experimental classes covering a variety of subjects. May be repeated for up to six units. Note: Non-transferable for a NSHE baccalaureate degree. Non-applicable towards an AA or AS Degree.
AST 290: Internship in Astronomy
Units (Credits): 1–8; Prerequisites: consent of instructor
Allows students to apply knowledge to real, on-the-job situations in a program designed by a company official and faculty advisor to maximize learning experiences. Students may earn up to eight units on the basis of 45 hours of internship per unit. Note: Non-transferable for a NSHE baccalaureate degree. Non-applicable towards an AA or AS Degree.
AST 299: Directed Study
Units (Credits): 1–3; Prerequisites: consent of instructor
Covers selected topics and directed student research of interest to students in astronomy. Note: Non-transferable for a NSHE baccalaureate degree. Non-applicable towards an AA or AS Degree.