PHYS 104

Introduction to Astronomy

Course Description

PHYS 104 is a one-semester introduction to astronomy that utilizes laboratories and basic mathematics to assist in, and expand upon, the exploration of the course topics. Earth-sky relationships, the solar system, stellar astronomy, cosmology and astrobiology will be covered. Several space exploration missions will also be featured. This course is not intended for science majors.



  • MATH 53 or one year of high school algebra.

Course Competencies


  • Use the celestial sphere model, the equatorial coordinate system, and the horizontal coordinate system to navigate the sky and explain its changing appearance.
  • Apply the distance ladder methods to determine the distance of celestial objects.
  • Explain the electromagnetic spectrum using the photon and wave models.
  • Apply radiation laws such as Wien's Law, Kirchoff's Laws, Stefan-Boltzmann Law, and Planck's Law to astronomical concepts.
  • Explain the basic principles of geometric image formation and the operation of telescopes.
  • Explain celestial motions, cycles, and configurations.
  • Explain lunar phases, lunar cycles, lunar eclipses, and solar eclipses.
  • Explain how the solar system formed and has evolved.
  • Compare terrestrial and Jovian planets.
  • Classify meteoroids, asteroids, comets, moons, and dwarf planets.
  • Explain the composition and key characteristics of the Sun's interior, exterior, and solar phenomenon.
  • Relate the stellar properties of luminosity, surface temperature, brightness, composition, size, and mass to each other.
  • Explain how stars are born, evolve, and die.
  • Explain the key features of the Milky Way Galaxy.
  • Classify galaxies in terms of formation, type, and evolution.
  • Apply Kepler's, Newton's, and Einstein's theories and laws pertaining to space, time, and gravity both mathematically and conceptually.
  • Explain how black holes form, their effect on space-time, and their role in the structure of galaxies.
  • Explain the expansion of the universe, dark matter, and the Big Bang.
  • Explain criteria used to search for extra-terrestrial life.

Course Schedule

  No of Weeks   Begins   
 CourseSectionCourse TitleModeCredit HoursInstructorsFeeSeats Available ⁄Capacity ⁄WaitlistStatusDays-Time-Room

PHYSICS; No of Weeks : 7; Begins : 05/11/2015

 104125150Intro Astronomy  4Alway P$123.0013/24/0Open
M T W R 07:00PM-09:35PMF460

PHYSICS; No of Weeks : 12; Begins : 05/11/2015

 104122713Intro Astronomy Online4Wood C$123.007/31/0Open

PHYSICS; No of Weeks : 12; Begins : 09/22/2015

 104142418Intro Astronomy Online4Wood C$126.0026/31/0Open

PHYSICS; No of Weeks : 15; Begins : 08/31/2015

 104142910Intro Astronomy Online4Holody P$126.0027/31/0Open
 104145103Intro Astronomy 4Janes C$126.0018/24/0Open
T R 03:30PM-05:56PMF450
 104145104Intro Astronomy 4Alway P$126.0012/24/0Open
M W 03:00PM-05:26PMF460
 104145151Intro Astronomy 4Alway P$126.0021/24/0Open
M W 07:00PM-09:26PMF460

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