GENS 151: Astronomy

This course is designed to introduce the non-science major to the field of astronomy. Topics include the history of astronomy, light, and spectra, the solar system, stars and stellar evolution, galaxies, and the past and future history of the universe. Although the course is primarily descriptive, physical principles underlying astronomical phenomena are studied. The course includes three hours of lecture and two hours of laboratory each week. Laboratories include evening observation sessions and a field trip. An additional course fee is required. (This course may be taken for credit as PHYS 151.)