Course Descriptions

GEO 115 - Introductory Astronomy Laboratory

1 Credit

This course explores the hands-on, practical applications of basic knowledge gained in the companion course, GE0 105. Exercises involve use of telescopes, observation of stars and constellations, stellar spectra, Hubble red-shift, astrophotography, and computer based exercises. Three laboratory hours.

NOTE: This course meets SUNY General Education Natural Science (and Scientific Reasoning) SUNY-NSCI requirements when both GEO 105 and GEO 115 are successfully completed.

Co-requisite: GEO 105.

New SUNY General Education: SUNY - Natural Sciences (and Scientific Reasoning)

Retiring SUNY General Education: SUNY-NS - Natural Sciences (SNSC)

*NOTE: This course only meets SUNY General Education requirements when both GEO 115 and GEO 105 are successfully completed.*

MCC General Education: MCC-CT - Critical Thinking (MCT), MCC-SCI - Scientific Reasoning (MSCI)

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Create a scaled model of the solar system.
2. Use simulation software to create star charts for any given date and location.
3. Predict the location of celestial objects using a planisphere.
4. Measure the light spectra of stars or galaxies using a simulated spectrometer.
5. Determine the period or radial distance of an orbiting object, using Kepler's Second Law.
6. Evaluate the relative age of planetary surfaces.
7. Identify the general types of meteorites.
8. Determine the distance to a stellar object using its absolute and apparent magnitudes.
9. Plot stars on a temperature-luminosity diagram using data gathered from a simulated photometer.
10. Evaluate the likelihood of finding an Earth-like planet orbiting another star.

Course Offered Fall, Spring

Use links below to see if this course is offered:
Fall Semester 2024
Intersession 2025
Spring Semester 2025