ASTR 121
The Solar System

Credit:  3 hours.

This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for a
Physical Sciences, and Quant Reasoning II course.

Introductory survey of the universe; structure and motions of the earth and moon; planetary motions; physical nature of the planets; comets and meteors; origin and evolution of the solar system. Emphasis will be placed on problem-solving and scientific methods. Two lectures and one discussion each week, and observing sessions during the term. Intended for non-science majors; science and Astronomy majors should take ASTR 210. Credit not given to students with credit in ASTR 100 or ASTR 210 or GEOL 116; or in PHYS 212 or higher-level Physics course. Students with credit in PHYS 211 are encouraged to take ASTR 210. Prerequisite: Credit or concurrent enrollment in a Quantitative Reasoning I course.

ASTR 121 and ASTR 122 cover the same topics as ASTR 100, but the material and topics are covered in much more depth over two semesters instead of one. ASTR 121 and ASTR 122 are independent offerings and can be taken in any order. While ASTR 121 and ASTR 122 are for non-science majors, problems solving with basic algebra is required. Science and astronomy majors should take ASTR 210. Students must register for one discussion and one lecture section.