Astronomy

Please note that CAS AS 101, CAS AS 102, and CAS AS 109 do not need to be taken in a specific sequence.

College of Arts & Sciences

  • The Solar System

    CAS AS 101

    The historical development of astronomy and the motion of the planets. The formation of the solar system. The sun and its effects on the earth. Description of the planets and the moons of our solar system, including recent results from the space program. Use of the observatory. Students must register for two sections: lecture and laboratory. Carries natural science divisional credit (with lab) in CAS. Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Scientific Inquiry I, Quantitative Reasoning I, Critical Thinking. 4 cr. Tuition: $3380; lab fee: $200; total charge: $3580

    Summer 1 (May 19-June 26)

    A1 (LEC) Mon./Tues./Wed./Thurs. 9-11 am
    Location: CAS 502      ... Open Seats
    Must register for Lec (A1) & Lab (A2). Note for summer 2026: CAS AS 101, CAS AS 102, and CAS AS 109 do not need to be taken in a specific sequence and can be taken independent of each other.
    A2 (LAB) Tues./Thurs. 11 am-12:30 pm
    ... Open Seats
    Katherine Davidson

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  • The Astronomical Universe

    CAS AS 102

    The birth and death of stars. Red giants, white dwarfs, black holes. Our galaxy, the Milky Way, and other galaxies. The Big Bang and other cosmological theories of our expanding universe. Use of the observatory. Students must register for two sections: lecture and laboratory. Carries natural science divisional credit (with lab) in CAS. Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Scientific Inquiry I, Quantitative Reasoning I, Teamwork/Collaboration. Effective Fall 2024, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Scientific Inquiry I, Quantitative Reasoning I, Critical Thinking. 4 cr. Tuition: $3380; lab fee: $200; total charge: $3580

    Summer 1 (May 19-June 26)

    A1 (LEC) Mon./Tues./Wed./Thurs. 1-3 pm
    Location: CAS 502      ... Open Seats
    Must register for Lec (A1) & Lab (A2). Note for summer 2026: CAS AS 101, CAS AS 102, and CAS AS 109 do not need to be taken in a specific sequence and can be taken independent of each other.
    A2 (LAB) Tues./Thurs. 3-4:30 pm
    ... Open Seats

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  • Cosmology

    CAS AS 109

    The evolution of cosmological thought from prehistory to the present: Greek astronomy, Copernicus, Galileo, Newton, and Einstein. Motion, gravity, and the nature of space-time. The expanding universe. The early universe and Big Bang. Carries natural science divisional credit in CAS. Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Critical Thinking, Quantitative Reasoning 1, Scientific Inquiry 1. 4 cr. Tuition: $3380

    Summer 2 (June 29-August 7)

    B1 (LEC) Mon./Tues./Wed./Thurs. 9:30-11:30 am
    Location: CAS 502      ... Open Seats
    Must register for Lec (B1) & Dis (B2).Note for summer 2026: CAS AS 101, CAS AS 102, and CAS AS 109 do not need to be taken in a specific sequence and can be taken independent of each other.
    B2 (DIS) Tues./Thurs. 11:30 am-12:30 pm
    ... Open Seats
    Celeste Berenbaum

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