2024-2025 Course Catalog – Science: Earth and Space Science Emphasis
◄ Science: Life Science Emphasis
Science: Earth and Space Science Emphasis
CL College Level
DC Dual Credit
SCI04403
Astrophysics I: The Sun & Stars (DC)
Prerequisite: Algebra I
Co-requisite: Astrophysics I: The Sun & Stars Lab (SCI4403L)
Credit: 1.5 credits
Offered: Fall
In this course, students will be introduced to the science underlying modern stellar astronomy. The sky is full of amazing objects and astronomers use the properties of light and matter to better understand the currently unreachable expanse of the universe. The properties of the sun and stars reveal the processes that govern their birth, life, and death, revealing insights into the remnants they leave behind (such as white dwarfs, neutron stars, and black holes!)
The course also includes lab experience, launching students into the analysis of astrophysical data with algebraic calculations and use of observational data to reveal natural physical laws that provide information about remote objects in space. There will also be the occasional required late evening sky observation (as weather permits) and the occasional field trip to the Ball State Planetarium (as scheduling permits).
* Ball State University offers 3 college credit hours to students in ASTRO 120 to students who complete this course. Refer to the Dual Credit section for details on enrollment and fees.
SCI04404
Astrophysics II: Galaxies & Cosmology (DC)
Prerequisite: Algebra I
Co-requisite: Astrophysics II: Galaxies & Cosmology Lab (SCI4404L)
Credit: 1.5 credits
Offered: Spring
In this course, students will be introduced to the physical processes that govern the structure and evolution of galaxies and the universe. The course will take students on a journey through the history of the cosmos as we currently understand it and the amazing super-structures that shape the known universe. The evolution of the universe and the formation of galaxies, including the hypothetical blackhole star, will allow students to dive further into the many facets of galactic classification, the mystery behind active galactic nuclei (AGN), and current models of the end of the universe.
The course also includes a lab experience, capitalizing on the observational and experimental data that are used in modern galactic astronomy and cosmology research to reveal natural physical laws that provide information about remote objects in space. There will also be the occasional required late evening sky observation (as weather permits) and the occasional field trip to the Ball State Planetarium (as scheduling permits).
Prior completion of Astrophysics I: The Sun & Stars is NOT required but is recommended.
* Ball State University offers 3 college credit hours to students in ASTRO 122 to students who complete this course. Refer to the Dual Credit section for details on enrollment and fees.