AST 180 Introduction to Astronomy (F,S)	3	Diurnal motion, motion of solar system objects on the background of stars, light rays and spectra, the planets, Keplers laws, space travel, coordinates and time, the moon and eclipses, meteors, comets and the sun, stars, stellar distances and stellar evolution, galactic structure, galaxies, quasars, and the big bang universe.
AST 181 Introduction to Observational Astronomy (F,S)	1	Lab to accompany AST 180. Astronomical observations and experiments. Use of telescope is stressed. 3 hour evening lab.	AST 180 (pre/co requisite)
AST 182 Introduction to Daytime Astronomy	1	Lab to accompany AST 180. Daytime telescope observations, sundials, celestial motions. Credit not granted for both AST 181 and AST 182.		AST 180
AST 183 Life in the Universe (F,S)	3	A multi-disciplinary exploration of modern scientific inquiry into the question of life's origin, evolution, and future place in the universe. Cosmological origin of life's chemical building blocks together with planetary influences on its genesis, evolution, and range of environments. Additional studies of the technological search for extra-terrestrial life in the solar system and beyond. NASA technologies currently being designed to search for life on planets around nearby stars.
AST 184L Life in the Universe Lab (F,S)	1	Lab to accompany AST 183. A hands-on introductory study of primary evidence that has shaped a modern scientific view of life's place in the universe. Using the exceptional environment of Northern Arizona - its dark skies, deep stratigraphic exposures, meteor impact record, volcanic terrain, and nearby halophilic organisms – as a unique laboratory wherein students will have direct contact with the kinds of data used to draw diverse astrobiological conclusions. Focus will be on 1) the astronomical setting for life as we know it, 2) nearby stars and the prospects for life, 3) environmental impact of comets, meteorites, and asteroids in the solar system, 3) the sedimentary record of life's evolution, 4) the environmental impact of volcanic structures on planetary surfaces and atmospheres, and 5) Halophilic and thermophilic extremophiles and the range of life's environments.	AST 183 (pre/co requisite)
AST 280 Introduction to Astrophysics (F)	3	Calculus-based introductory astrophysics course covering solar system mechanics, overview of planets, electromagnetic radiation, telescopes, stellar evolution, galactic structure, interstellar medium, galaxies, and cosmology.	PHY 161 PHY 161L MAT 136
AST 301 Observational Astronomy (F even years)	3	Time and coordinates, spherical triangle, astrometry, photographic and electronic imaging, astronomical optics, orbital elements, photometry, spectroscopy.	AST 181 or AST 280 MAT 125	AST 301L
AST 301L Observational Astronomy Lab (F even years)	1	Lab for AST 301.	AST 181 or AST 280 MAT 125	AST 301
AST 390 Astrophysics: The Solar System (S odd years)	3	Physical processes governing the origin and evolution of the solar system and the objects within it.	AST 280 PHY 263 MAT 137	AST 301
AST 391 Astrophysics: Stars (F odd years)	3	Stellar atmospheres and interiors; star formation and stellar evolution.	AST 280 PHY 263	AST 301
AST 392 Astrophysics: Galaxies and Cosmology (S even years)	3	Structure of the Milky Way and other galaxies; interstellar medium; quasars; cosmology.	AST 280 PHY 263	AST 301
AST 485 Undergraduate Research	(1-6)	Original research under the supervision of a research adviser. Letter grade or pass-fail. May not exceed 6 hours of credit.
AST 490 Advanced Topics in Astronomy and Astrophysics	3	Advanced topics in astronomy or astrophysics not regularly offered. Topics depend on regular or visiting faculty expertise and student demand. May be repeated as topics vary.
AST 497 Independent Study	(1-3)	Individualized approach to selected topics by guided reading and critical evaluation. Letter grade or pass-fail. May not exceed 6 hours of credit.

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