Courses - Spring 2025
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.
Discussion sections do not meet the first week of classes. Attend lecture before coming to discussion section.
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 do not meet the first week of classes. Attend lecture before coming to discussion or lab section. Students must pay a $50.00 Laboratory Materials fee.
ASTR121
Introductory Astrophysics II - Stars and Beyond
Prerequisite: ASTR120 and MATH140; or permission of CMNS-Astronomy department.
Restriction: Must be in Astronomy program; or permission of CMNS-Astronomy department.
For students majoring in astronomy or with a strong interest in science. Includes instrumentation, stellar properties, stellar evolution, structure of the galaxy, other galaxies, large scale structure, Big Bang Theory, and future of the universe.
ASTR220
Collisions in Space - The Threat of Asteroid Impacts
Restriction: Must not be in the Astronomy major.
Should we defend our planet against potential asteroid impacts? Collisions in Space will evaluate the threat of asteroid impacts with the Earth using knowledge of asteroid characteristics and orbits. The merits of possible defense plans will be discussed, as well as the budgetary and political concerns associated with implementing any such plan. Appropriate for non-science majors.
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
ASTR288I
Special Projects in Astronomy; Introduction to the Astronomy Major
Credits:
1
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Restriction: Permission of CMNS-Astronomy department.
Introduces new Astronomy majors to the possible career paths that they might choose upon completion of an undergraduate Astronomy degree, soft skills that would be useful in these possible careers, and useful skills and knowledge to better prepare them for research as an undergraduate.
Introduces new Astronomy majors to the possible career paths that they might choose upon completion of an undergraduate Astronomy degree, soft skills that would be useful in these possible careers, and useful skills and knowledge to better prepare them for research as an undergraduate.
ASTR288T
Special Projects in Astronomy; Introduction to Astrophotography
Credits:
1
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
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.
ASTR315
Restriction: Must not be in Astronomy program.
Additional information: Appropriate for non-science majors.
Students learn astronomy research techniques and contribute significantly to the existing body of astronomical knowledge. Students apply methods and tools such as celestial coordinates, telescopes and CCD cameras, and appropriate analysis software to a specific observational goal. Students produce a work detailing their scientific result which will be submitted for publication in a professional venue. Each semester, the course focuses on a specific astronomical topic or type of object, such as asteroids, extrasolar planets, supernovae in other galaxies, quasars, etc.
Students must pay a $50.00 Laboratory Materials fee.
ASTR320
Theoretical Astrophysics
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: ASTR121; and (PHYS270 and PHYS271; or PHYS273).
Restriction: Must be in Astronomy program.
Application of selected physics concepts in an astrophysical context. Topics would include gravity (Keplerian motion, Virial theorem, Roche limit, dynamical friction); gas dynamics (hydrostatic equilibrium, stellar models, spiral density waves), thermodynamics and statistical physics (Boltzmann distribution, Wien displacement, convective instability, degenerate gas); atomic physics (quantum principles, H atom, permitted and forbidden lines); radiation processes (line radiation, opacity).
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
ASTR406
Stellar Structure and Evolution
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: ASTR320; or permission of CMNS-Astronomy department.
Credit only granted for: ASTR498N or ASTR406.
Formerly: ASTR498N.
Study of stellar internal structure, nuclear reactions, and energy transport. Study of stellar evolution of both low-mass and high-mass stars, including the stellar end states of white dwarfs, neutron stars, and black holes.
ASTR435
Astrophysics of Exoplanets
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: ASTR121; and (PHYS273; or (PHYS270 and PHYS271)). Or permission of CMNS-Astronomy department.
Credit only granted for: ASTR498X or ASTR435.
Formerly: ASTR498X.
Introduction to exoplanets. Topics include historical development, advantages, and limitations of detection methods, the statistics of exoplanet characteristics, the bulk properties of known expolanets, and remote sensing for characterization of exoplanets.
ASTR498
Special Problems in Astronomy
Credits:
1 - 6
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
ASTR615
Computational Astrophysics
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Restriction: Permission of CMNS-Astronomy department.
Credit only granted for: ASTR415 or ASTR615.
Introduction to computational techniques used in astrophysical research. 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.
ASTR670
Interstellar Medium and Gas Dynamics
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud, S-F
Restriction: Permission of CMNS-Astronomy department.
Content of phases of the interstellar medium: physical processes in the ISM: ionization equilibrium, heating and cooling, interstellar dust; gas dynamics: fluid motions, instabilities, shock waves; magnetohydrodynamics.
ASTR688C
Special Topics in Modern Astronomy; Seminar in Modern Astronomy Research
Credits:
1
Grad Meth:
S-F
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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