ASTR 205 Principles of Astronomy [GEKN]

A survey of astronomy and astrophysics for Science, Integrated Science and Secondary Education majors, and minors. The course covers the solar system, stars, galaxies, elementary celestial mechanics, light, and cosmology. Students will solve appropriate problems and develop models that pertain to the topics.

Credit 4 hrs May not be repeated for additional credit
Grade Mode Normal (A-F) Course Rotation Fall and Winter

Prerequisites - Level 4 Math Placement, (MATH 104 with a “C” or higher), or (MATH 110 with a “C” or higher)
Restriction by Major -
Restriction by Class - Undergraduate standing

Additional Information - Students can use credit earned in this course and ASTR 105 toward their undergraduate degree.

Rationale for Knowledge of the Disciplines - Students will obtain an understanding of basic astronomy and our place in space by studying the structure of the universe. They will learn to make astronomical observations and use them to stimulate inquiry about our local space environment and to help them understand how our ancestors viewed the sky. Students will become literate scientific citizens by reading primary source articles, producing critical responses and by writing to elected officials to express their views on the doing and funding of science in the United States. As such, ASTR 205 and ASTR 204 meet the requirements of a Natural Science course in the Knowledge of the Disciplines portion of the General Education program. Credit must be earned in ASTR 205 and ASTR 204 to receive credit towards General Education. Students may only use credit from ASTR 105 or ASTR 205 to satisfy General Education requirements, not both.

Equivalent Course(s) - ASTR 203
Course History -
Course Rotation added 10/2018; Note added 4/2017; Change to prerequisites 3/2016, effective Fall 2016

astronomy, Knowledge of the Disciplines - Natural Sciences (GEKN)

Winter 2025 Course Sections

Fall 2024 Course Sections