Courses - Fall 2024
ASTR100
Introduction to Astronomy
Credit only granted for: ASTR100, ASTR101, or ASTR120.
An elementary course in descriptive astronomy, especially appropriate for non-science students. Topics include the Sun, Moon, planets, stars, and nebulae, galaxies, and evolution of the Universe.
ASTR101
General Astronomy
Credit only granted for: ASTR100, ASTR101, or ASTR120.
Descriptive astronomy, appropriate for non-science majors. Sun, moon, planets, stars, nebulae, galaxies and evolution. Laboratory exercises include use of photographic material, computer simulations, and standard laboratory equipment.
Discussion sections and lab sections do not meet the first week of classes. Attend lecture before coming to discussion or lab sections. Students must pay a $50.00 Laboratory Materials fee.
ASTR120
Introductory Astrophysics - Solar System
Prerequisite: Must have completed or be concurrently enrolled in MATH140.
Restriction: Must not have completed ASTR101 or ASTR100.
Credit only granted for: ASTR100, ASTR101, or ASTR120.
For students majoring in astronomy or with a strong interest in science. Topics include development of astronomy, planetary orbits, electromagnetic radiation, telescopes as well as constituents and origin of the solar system (planets, satellites, comets, asteroids, meteoroids, etc.).
ASTR230
Prerequisite: Must have math eligibility of MATH115 or higher; or MATH113.
Have you ever wondered if humans will ever terraform Mars or Europa so we could live there without a spacesuit? Has it ever crossed your mind how lucky you are that you live on a water-rich planet with an oxygen-rich atmosphere? Have you ever suspected novelists and scriptwriters of creating ridiculous planets that violate scientific laws? Does the fate of our planet's thin biosphere keep you up at night? How common is life in the Universe? These are difficult questions, but armed with the right information, you can answer all of them. The Science and Fiction of Planetary Systems will help you develop a deeper understanding of why planets are the way they are. Along the way, you'll see examples of mistakes made in classic science fiction movies, novels and short stories and get the chance to invent your own plausible planets!
ASTR288
Special Projects in Astronomy
Credits:
1 - 3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F
A faculty sponsor must be found by the students prior to enrollment.
ASTR288B
Special Projects in Astronomy; Mathematics in Astronomy
Credits:
1
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
This course is offered to Astronomy majors only.
ASTR288I
Special Projects in Astronomy; Introduction to the Astronomy Major
Credits:
1
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: permission of department.
ASTR300
Stars and Stellar Systems
Prerequisite: ASTR100 or ASTR101; and completion of the CORE Distributive Studies requirement in Mathematics and Sciences or General Education Fundamental Studies requirement in Mathematics. Or permission of CMNS-Astronomy department.
Designed primarily for non-science majors. Study of stars-types, properties, evolution, and distribution in space; supernovae, pulsars, and black holes.
ASTR310
Observational Astronomy
Prerequisite: ASTR121; and (PHYS171 or PHYS161). Or permission of CMNS-Astronomy department.
Restriction: Must be in Astronomy program.
Introduction to current optical observational techniques, with brief coverage of infrared, ultraviolet, and x-ray techniques. Statistics, spherical trigonometry time, catalogs, geometrical and physical optics, telescopes, and optical instruments. Effects of the atmosphere. Practical work at the observatory using a CCD camera. Some nighttime observing sessions.
ASTR330
Solar System Astronomy
Prerequisite: ASTR100 or ASTR101; and completion of the CORE Distributive Studies requirement in Mathematics and Sciences or the General Education Fundamental Studies requirement in Mathematics. Or permission of CMNS-Astronomy department.
Credit only granted for: ASTR330 or GEOL212.
Designed primarily for non-science majors. The structure of planets and of their atmospheres, the nature of comets, asteroids, and satellites. Comparison of various theories for the origin of the solar system. Emphasis on a description of recent data and interpretation.
ASTR340
Origin of the Universe
Prerequisite: ASTR100 or ASTR101; and completion of the CORE Distributive Studies requirement in Mathematics and Sciences or General Education Fundamental Studies requirement in Mathematics. Or permission of CMNS-Astronomy department.
Designed primarily for non-science majors. A study of our progression of knowledge about the universe. Topics include: early cosmological models, geocentric vs. heliocentric theory, curvature of space, Hubble's Law, Big Bang Theory, microwave background radiation, evolution of stars and galaxies, dark matter, active galaxies, quasars and the future of the universe.
ASTR380
Life in the Universe - Astrobiology
Designed primarily for non-science majors. Study of the astronomical perspective on the conditions for the origin and existence of life in the universe.
ASTR399
Honors Seminar
Credits:
1 - 16
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
ASTR415
Computational Astrophysics
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: ASTR121; and (PHYS271 and PHYS270; or PHYS273). Or permission of CMNS-Astronomy department.
Jointly offered with ASTR615.
Credit only granted for: ASTR415 or ASTR615.
Introduction to the most important computational techniques being used in research in astrophysics. Topics include modern high performance computer architectures, scientific visualization and data analysis, and detailed descriptions of numerical algorithms for the solution to a wide range of mathematical systems important in astrophysics.
ASTR480
High Energy Astrophysics
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: Must have completed or be concurrently enrolled in ASTR320; or permission of CMNS-Astronomy department.
The structure, formation, and astrophysics of compact objects, such as white dwarfs, neutron stars, and black holes, are examined. Phenomena such as supernovae and high-energy particles are also covered.
ASTR498
Special Problems in Astronomy
Credits:
1 - 6
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
ASTR601
Radiative Processes
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Restriction: Permission of CMNS-Astronomy department.
Emission, absorption, and scattering of radiation by matter, with astrophysical applications. Thermodynamics and statistical mechanics: LTE, Boltzmann, and Saha equations; radiative transfer; atomic and molecular radiation; plasma radiation and transfer: bremsstrahlung, synchrotron emission, Compton scattering.
ASTR630
Planetary Science
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Restriction: Permission of CMNS-Astronomy department.
The science of our planetary system with an emphasis on the aspects of it, that help us understand the origin of the system and thus the relevance to other planetary systems. Topics will include planetary atmospheres, surfaces, and interiors and the small bodies of the solar system (asteroids, comets, Kuiper-belt objects). We will consider the dynamics of these bodies and the physics and chemistry of these bodies.
ASTR680
High Energy Astrophysics
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Restriction: Permission of CMNS-Astronomy department.
Formerly: ASTR688M.
The structure, formation, and astrophysics of compact objects, such as white dwarfs, neutron stars, and black holes, are examined.
ASTR688B
Special Topics in Modern Astronomy; Current Astronomy Research
Credits:
1 - 3
Grad Meth:
S-F
ASTR695
Introduction to Research
Credits:
1
Grad Meth:
S-F
Provides an introduction to research programs in the Department of Astronomy and a forum to explore possible research projects. Aimed at incoming graduate students.
ASTR699
Special Problems in Advanced Astronomy
Credits:
1 - 6
Grad Meth:
S-F
ASTR799
Master's Thesis Research
Credits:
1 - 6
Grad Meth:
S-F
ASTR898
Pre-Candidacy Research
Credits:
1 - 8
Grad Meth:
S-F
ASTR899
Doctoral Dissertation Research
Credits:
6
Grad Meth:
S-F
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University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
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