Course Descriptions

• AST-A 100 The Solar System (3 cr.) N&M (for non-science majors)

This is a one semester course that studies the celestial sphere and constellations, apparent motions of celestial objects, eclipses, history of astronomy, astronomical observations, the Earth as a planet, the Moon, the planets and their satellites, comets, meteors, theories of the origin of the solar system. Credit is not given for both A100 and A110.

• AST-A 103 The Search for Life in the Universe (3 cr.) N&M (for non-science majors)

The search for life and life-friendly environments in the universe is an interdisciplinary focus of modern science. This course explores the origin, nature, and history of life on Earth, prospects for life in our own and other planetary systems, extrasolar planet detection, and the possibility of other technological civilizations.

• AST-A 105 Stars and Galaxies (3 cr.) N&M (for non-science majors)

Introduction to the physical universe. Topics include: constellations, gravity, radiation, the Sun, structure and evolution of stars, neutron stars and black holes, the Milky Way galaxy, normal galaxies, active galaxies, quasars, cosmology, and the search for extraterrestrial life. Credit is not given for both A105 and A110.

• AST-A 107 The Art of Astronomy: Images of the Universe (3 cr.) N&M (for non-science majors)

Astronomy has inspired generations with its beauty. Breathtaking images reveal the secrets of our universe and of our own origins. This course explores the science of imaging the universe and the technology that makes the images possible. Topics include the night sky, telescopes and cameras, light and color, and the science behind the images.

• AST-A 115 Birth and Death of the Universe (3 cr.) N&M  (for non-science majors)

Introduction to cosmology. Traces the ideas describing the origin and evolution of the Universe from ancient geocentric cosmologies to the Big Bang cosmology.

• AST-A 221 General Astronomy I (4 cr.) N&M (for science and astronomy majors)

Introduction to modern astronomy and astrophysics, including basic principles of mechanics, gravity, optics, radiation, and observational and experimental methods. A main theme is to explore how these principles affect the evolution of our scientific understanding of astronomical phenomena. Topics typically include the night sky, planetary bodies, the Sun and our solar system, and stars in our Milky Way galaxy. Prerequisites include Math M025 and M026 or high school equivalent.

• AST-A 222 General Astronomy II (4 cr.) N&M (for science and astronomy majors)

Application of basic principles of gravity, mechanics, optics, and radiation to modern astronomy and astrophysics. Topics typically include stars, stellar populations, interstellar matter, galaxies, cosmology, and observational astronomy from radio to gamma rays. Prerequisites include AST-A 221 and Math M025 and M026 or high school equivalent.

• AST-X 299 Exploratory Research in Astronomy & Astrophysics (1 cr. S/F only)

P: Written permission of faculty supervisor. Introductory research in astronomy, closely supervised by a faculty member. Research topics may include observational, experimental, computational, or theoretical applications. S/F only. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credit hours.

• AST-A 305 Modern Observational Techniques (4 cr.) (for astronomy majors)

This course is a one semester course offered every other year in which telescopes, astronomical imaging, spectroscopic and photoelectric observations and reductions are taught. The prerequisites for this course are: AST A221-A222, calculus, Physics P201-P202 or P221-P222, and consent of the instructor.

• AST-X 390 Reading Course (1-3 cr.) (for astronomy majors)

This is an arranged reading course taken with the consent of an instructor and has a prerequisite of AST A221 and A222.

• AST-X 399 Research in Astronomy and Astrophysics (1-6 cr.) (for astronomy majors)

P: Written permission of faculty supervisor. Research in astronomy, closely supervised by a faculty member. Projects can be theoretical, experimental, or observational, and may include opportunities to train in the planning and execution of data gathering runs at research telescopes and facilities, and in data mining. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credit hours in AST X399 and X395.

• AST-A 405 Computational Astrophysics (3 cr.) (for astronomy majors)

Efficient analysis of quantitative astronomical data requires the use of computers. Helps students build a computational skill set that can be used for carrying out research projects in astronomy/astrophysics or other fields. Covers a range of topics, from the sources of astronomical data to the presentation of the results. The prerequisites are AST-A 202 or AST-A 222; MATH-M 120, MATH-M 212, or MATH-S 212; and PHYS-P 301 or PHYS-H 301; or consent of instructor.

• AST-A 450 Galactic Astrophysics (3 cr.) (for astronomy majors)

This is a one semester course offered every other year in which basic physical principles are applied to an investigation of Galactic structure, kinematics, chemical properties, stellar populations, and theories of formation and evolution of the Milky Way and nearby galaxies. The course fulfills the College's intensive writing requirement. The prerequisites are Calculus, Physics P301, and AST-A222 or consent of instructor.

• AST-A 451 Stellar Astrophysics (3 cr.) (for astronomy majors)

This is a one semester course offered every other year in which basic physical principles are applied to investigation of the solar system, stars, and the Milky Way galaxy. The prerequisites are Calculus, Physics P301, and AST-A222 or consent of instructor.

• AST-A 452 Extragalactic Astrophysics (3 cr.) (for astronomy majors)

This is a one semester course offered every other year in which basic physical principles are applied to investigation of galaxy formation, galaxy evolution, large scale structure, and cosmology. The prerequisites are Calculus, Physics P301, AST-A222 or consent of instructor.

• AST-A 453 Topics in Astrophysics (3 cr.) (for astronomy majors)

Topics in astrophysics not covered extensively by other courses. Possible topics include celestial mechanics, astrobiology, stellar interiors, stellar atmospheres, stellar populations, galaxy dynamics, and cosmology. May be repeated with a different topic for a maximum of 6 credit hours. The prerequisites are Calculus, Physics P301, AST-A222 or consent of instructor.

• AST-S 499 Honors Research (3-6 cr.) (for astronomy majors)

Students will carry out astronomical research closely supervised by a faculty member in the department. Students will write a research report and give an oral presentation during the second semester of their senior year. May be taken two semesters for a maximum of 6 credit hours. Prerequisite is consent of director of undergraduate studies.

Graduate Courses

• AST-A 505 Principles and Techniques of Observational Astronomy (3 cr.)

Principles and techniques of astronomical data acquisition and reduction. Practical experience in photometry, spectroscopy, and astronomical applications of electronic detectors.

• AST-A 515 Exoplanets and Orbital Dynamics (3 cr.)

Quantitative review of current theoretical models and observational constraints on the formation and evolution of solar and exoplanetary systems. In-depth introduction to basic dynamical laws and theories that can be actively applied to a wide range of astrophysical fields.

• AST-A 520 The Interstellar Medium (3 cr.)

Structure and dynamics of the interstellar medium; review of observations and theory of interstellar gas, dust, and radiation.

• AST-A 530 Galactic Astronomy (3 cr.)

Structure and stellar populations of the Milky Way and Local Group.

• AST-A 540 Stellar Atmospheres (3 cr.)

Structure of atmospheres and formation of spectra.

• AST-A 550 Stellar Interiors (3 cr.)

Physical properties of stellar material; structure and evolution of stars. Students enrolled in this course must have completed mathematics courses through differential equations.

• AST-A 570 Galactic Dynamics (3 cr.)

Principles of stellar dynamics. Analytic and computer methods. Applications to the Galaxy and its star clusters.

• AST-A 575 Structure and Evolution of Galaxies (3 cr.)

Structure and evolution of galaxies, large-scale clustering of galaxies, active galactic nuclei, and quasars.

• AST-A 580 Physical and Observational Cosmology (3 cr.)

Observational basis for current cosmological theory. Early universe evolution, cosmic microwave background radiation, formation of cosmic structure.

• AST-A 590 Graduate Reading Course (credit hours arranged)

Independent reading in astronomy and astrophysics.

• AST-A 770 Seminar in Astrophysics (credit hrs. arranged; may be repeated; S/F grading)

Selected topics of current research interest in astrophysics; includes topics such as stellar atmospheres, stellar evolution, interstellar matter, solar physics, planetary physics, radio astrophysics, high-energy astrophysics, and plasma physics.

• AST-A 780 Seminar in Astronomy (credit hrs. arranged; may be repeated; S/F grading)

Selected topics of current research interest in astronomy; includes such topics as spectroscopy, photometry, instrumentation, radio astronomy, galactic and extragalactic astronomy, and cosmology.

• AST-A 890 Introduction to Research (credit hours are arranged)

Literature and methods of astronomical research.

• AST-A 899 Research (credit hours are arranged)

Observational and theoretical investigations of current problems.

• AST-G 630 Nuclear Astrophysics (3 cr.)

Applications of nuclear physics to astronomy. Fundamental properties of nuclei and nuclear reactions. Element synthesis and energy generation in the big bang, stellar interiors, and supernovae. Discussion of current topics: cosmological nucleosynthesis, solar neutrino flux, explosive nucleosynthesis, high-energy nuclear processes. Prerequisites for this course are: AST-A451, PHYS-P453-P454, or consent of instructor. It is recommended that students have taken AST-A550 and PHYS-P511.

• AST-G 650 High Energy Astrophysics (3 cr.)

Covers cosmic rays from the perspective of astrophysics and high-energy particle physics. Examples of topics that may be included are the production, propagation, and interactions of cosmic rays as well as the experimental detection of cosmic rays. Subtopics include atmospheric and solar neutrinos, magnetic monopoles, point sources of cosmic rays, neutrino oscillations, air showers, and stellar collapse detection.

• AST-G 750 Topics in Astrophysical Sciences (1-3 credit hours)

A seminar in astrophysics with special emphasis on subjects involving more than one department. Examples of such topics include planetology, nucleosynthesis, nuclear cosmochronology, isotopic anomalies in meteorites, particle physics of the early universe, and atomic processes in astrophysical systems.

• AST-G 901 Advanced Research (6 credit hours)

Advanced research.