Astronomy (ASTR)
Courses
ASTR 1000. Introduction to Planetary Astronomy. Units: 3
A brief history of the development of astronomy followed by modern descriptions of our planetary system, extrasolar systems, and the possibilities of life in the universe. Discussions of methods of extending knowledge of the universe. No previous background in natural sciences is required. Satisfies GE B1/5A.
ASTR 1000L. Introduction to Planetary Astronomy Lab. Unit: 1
Laboratory associated with Introduction to Planetary Astronomy (ASTR 1000). Satisfies GE B3/5C. Materials fee required.
ASTR 1001. Introduction to Planetary Astronomy Activity. Unit: 1
Semester Corequisite: ASTR 1000, ASTR 1000L
For physics majors and astronomy minors, this activity section approaches the content of Introduction to Planetary Astronomy (ASTR 1000) and Introduction to Planetary Astronomy Laboratory (ASTR 1000L) with a focus on quantitative understanding of the phenomena.
ASTR 1010. Introduction to Galaxies and Cosmology. Units: 3
A brief history of the development of astronomy followed by modern descriptions of stars, galaxies, and structure, evolution, and eventual fate of the universe. Discussions of methods of extending knowledge of the universe. No previous background in natural sciences is required. Satisfies GE B1/5A.
ASTR 1010L. Introduction to Galaxies and Cosmology Lab. Unit: 1
Laboratory associated with Introduction to Galaxies and Cosmology (ASTR 1010). Satisfies GE B3/5C. Materials fee required.
ASTR 1011. Introduction to Galaxies and Cosmology Activity. Unit: 1
Semester Corequisite: ASTR 1010, ASTR 1010L
For physics majors and astronomy minors, this activity section approaches the content of Introduction to Galaxies and Cosmology (ASTR 1010) and Introduction to Galaxies and Cosmology Laboratory (ASTR 1010L) with a focus on quantitative understanding of the phenomena.
ASTR 2300. Introduction to Astronomy for Scientists. Units: 4
Semester Prerequisite: PHYS 2510, 2510L. Prerequisite: PHYS 223, MATH 213
A brief history of the development of astronomy followed by modern physical descriptions of our planetary system, extrasolar systems, stars, galaxies, and models of the universe. Discussions of methods of extending knowledge of the universe. Three hours lecture and three hours laboratory. Materials fee required.
ASTR 3000. Life in the Cosmos. Units: 3
Life in the cosmos is discussed using the findings of astronomy, biology, chemistry and physics. Topics include the development of life and its environment, the search for life, interstellar communications and travel, and the effects of contact. Satisfies GE B5/UD-5.
ASTR 3300. Astrophysics of Planetary Systems. Units: 3
Semester Prerequisite: ASTR 1000, ASTR 1000L, ASTR 1000R -or- ASTR 1010, ASTR 1010L, ASTR 1010R
Physical principles of planetary systems and their formation, stellar structure and evolution.
ASTR 3310. Astrophysics of Galaxies and Cosmology. Units: 3
Physical principles of stellar evolution, galactic structure, extragalactic astrophysics, and cosmology.
ASTR 4000. Observational Astronomy. Units: 3
Semester Prerequisite: ASTR 1000, ASTR 1000L, ASTR 1000R -or- ASTR 1010, ASTR 1010L, ASTR 1010R , and PHYS 3300 or other computer programming course
Introduction to the operation of telescopes to image astronomical targets, primarily in the optical range. Topics include night sky motion and coordinate systems; digital imaging, reduction, and analysis; proposal design and review; and observation run planning. Projects include observation and analysis of both pre-determined objects and objects of the students' choosing. Presentations throughout the course using multiple methods of written and oral communication. Satisfies WI designation. One hour lecture, three hours lab and three hours supervision. Night-time observing required.