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Additional Fields of Study

 

Astronomy

From the creation of black holes to the birth and death of stars to the fundamental question of the formation of the universe, astronomy awes and inspires us. YHC offers a number of classes in astronomy that can broaden a student’s horizon. These courses will allow students an overall qualitative overview of astronomy and physics as well as a deeper understanding of some aspects of astrophysics and cosmology.

Astronomy classes at YHC are held in the Rollins Planetarium, which features a state-of-the-art Sky-Skan Definiti digital fulldome projection system and a Goto Chronos Space Simulator star projector housed in a 40-foot dome. The department also has an astronomical observatory located a short distance from campus, outfitted with numerous telescopes, including a Schmidt-Cassegrain reflector, operating under the dark skies and high elevation of northern Georgia. The planetarium and observatory offer a full season of programs such as public Friday night shows and weekday shows for schools and other groups.

View more information here.

For more information, contact Steve Morgan, Director of the Rollins Planetarium and Assistant Professor of Astronomy.

Course Offerings
 

ASTR 1105 Introduction to the Solar System

Per the YHC Course Catalog, ASTR 1105 offers "a study of basic astronomical concepts, the history of astronomy, and a detailed look at the members of our solar system. The course includes planetarium demonstrations and telescopic observations." This course consists of three hours of lecture and a two-hour laboratory per week.

ASTR 1106 Beyond the Solar System

ASTR 1106 offers "a study of stars, including their formation, evolution, and clumping into clusters and galaxies. In addition, our understanding of the origin and fate of the universe will be studied. This course includes telescopic observations and planetarium demonstrations" as outlined in the YHC Course Catalog. Students must take and pass ASTR 1105 with a C- or better before taking ASTR 1106. This course consists of three hours of lecture and a two-hour laboratory per week.

ASTR 1107 Life in the Universe

According to the YHC Course Catalog, "Life in the Universe is a survey course that explores the possibilities of life-intelligent or otherwise-in the universe. The course is interdisciplinary in nature and lies at the interfaces between astronomy, geology, earth sciences, chemistry and biology. It covers topics ranging from the formation of our solar system and the origin of life to the structure/origin/evolution of the universe, galaxies, stars and planets in the cold depths of space. We discuss the characteristics of extraterrestrial life and possible communication options with alien civilizations."

Computer Science

All students who attend YHC are required to demonstrate computer proficiency. This can be done through taking a proficiency exam, passing the CIS 101 class or passing a 200 level computer class. The proficiency exam is given twice a semester, during the first two weeks and the last two weeks of each semester. The exam covers material from the CIS 101 textbook, word processing, spreadsheets, the Internet and e-mail.

Students at YHC have access to approximately 100 computers located in three computer labs on campus and in the library.

Course Offerings

CSCI 1610 Computer Programming I

This introductory programming course seeks to teach the fundamentals of object oriented programming and design with a strong focus on problem solving and critical thinking. The goal of the course is not centered on learning a specific language but is more focused around learning sound principles that can be used in any modern object oriented language such as C++ or Java. Students will also learn sound programming practices such as coding standards, debugging, documentation, commenting, and program tracing. Throughout the course students will examine such topics as objects, classes, inheritance, variables, variable scope, logic, branching, looping, file IO, and arrays.

Special Topics in Computer Science

Courses on selected topics in the discipline of computer science.

Physical Geography

Physical geography is the study of geography and Earth sciences but also includes topics from physics and chemistry. The main purpose of this course is to explore the spatial characteristics and natural phenomena on Earth.

Course Offerings

PSCG 1107 Physical Geography I

This course is a study of the fundamental elements of weather and climate, including the distribution of and variations in temperature, pressure, winds, and precipitation will be analyzed and used in the study of storms, climates, and air pollution. Topics in global warming and energy resources will be examined in detail. Three hours of lecture and two hours of laboratory per week. Designed primarily for non-science majors.

PSCG 1108 Physical Geography II

An introduction to physical geology including plate tectonic theory, gradational processes, landform classification, and the study of rocks and minerals. Topics in global warming and energy resources will be examined in detail. Three hours of lecture and two hours of laboratory per week. Designed primarily for non-science majors.