ASTR 112 Introductory Astronomy
(3-0-3) The purpose of this introductory astrophysics course is for student to become familiar with our current understanding of the Universe, how it works, and how we gain information about it. The primary topics discussed in this course are celestial mechanics, planets and planet formation, properties of the Sun (our nearest star), the life cycle of stars from birth to death, relativity and black hole, galaxies (specifically structure and evolution, and activity) and cosmology. The course will also familiarize the students with modern astronomical instrumentations. An emphasis is placed on a description of "How do we know what we know'' about each of these objects as a way to illustrate how scientists work and how modern science is conducted. Lastly, this class will also help strengthen critical thinking skills of students. This course satisfies the Level 2 Knowledge NSC requirement for general education.