|
|
|
      
|
|
100 Exploring the Universe (PS) (both sem) For nonscience majors. Introductory survey of astronomy. How we learn about the Universe and what we already know of it, how it originated, evolves, and its ultimate fate. Emphasis on modern research in solar phenomena, stellar evolution (including white dwarfs, neutron stars, pulsars, and black holes) and galaxy studies (including quasars). 101 The Solar System (PS) (both sem) For nonscience majors. Introduction to the physical characteristics of the earth, moon, planets, asteroids and comets- their motions and gravitational interactions. Recent discoveries of space probes relative to formation of the solar system and origin of life. Prerequisite: high school algebra. 103 Astronomical Observations (both sem) 1 cr Informal format; multiple sections. For nonscience students. Whenever the sky is clear, telescopic observations are made to study the moon, planets, stars, and other interesting astronomical objects. During cloudy weather use is made of the planetarium, photographs, and demonstration material. A previous or concurrent astronomy course recommended. Class attendance required. 105 Weather and Our Atmosphere (PS) (2nd sem) Basic weather parameters, light and energy in the atmosphere. Topics include: atmospheric gases and their behavior; instability of the atmosphere; winds and their origin: large scale, small scale. Moisture: evaporation, condensation, clouds. Kinds of precipitation. Storms: hurricanes, thunderstorms, tornadoes. Atmospheric optics: rainbows, halos, mirages. Climate and climate change. 114 Stars and Galaxies (PS) (both sem) A freshman-level introductory course appropriate for science majors, engineering majors, and students with a strong pre-calculus background. Topics include: the observed properties of stars and the methods used to determine them, the structure and evolution of stars, the end-points of stellar evolution, our galaxy, the interstellar medium, external galaxies, quasars, and cosmology. Prerequisite: high school algebra. 215 History of Astronomy (ASTFC 15) Astronomy and cosmology from earliest times, Egyptian, Babylonian, Greek, Islamic; the medieval universe; Middle Ages; Copernican revolution, the infinite universe; Newtonian universe; mechanistic universe of the 18th and 19th centuries. Gravitational theory; origin, structure, and evolution of stars and galaxies; developments in modern astronomy. Nontechnical; emphasis on history and cosmology. 223 Planetary Science (2nd sem) (ASTFC 23) Introductory course for physical science majors. Topics include planetary orbits, rotation and precession; gravitational and tidal interactions; interiors and atmospheres of the Jovian and terrestrial planets; surfaces of the terrestrial planets and satellites; asteroids, comets, planetary rings; origin and evolution of the planets. Prerequisites: 1 semester of calculus and 1 semester of a physical science. 224 Stellar Astronomy (1st sem) Satisfies Junior Year Writing requirement. Computer and observational lab-based course on the observational determination of the fundamental properties of stars. An inquiry-based approach to learning scientific techniques, including hypothesis formation, pattern recognition, problem solving, data analysis, error analysis, conceptual modeling, numerical computation, and quantitative comparison between observation and theory. No previous computer programming experience required. Prerequisites: 1 semester of calculus, 1 semester of physics, introductory astronomy, and ENGLWP 112 or 113. 225 Galactic and Extragalactic Astronomy (2nd sem) (ASTFC 25) 4 cr The unsolved mystery of dark matter in the universe explored through an inquiry-based approach. Working with actual and simulated astronomical data and computer labs, students explore the topic both individually and in seminar discussions, ultimately presenting team research projects. Many of the pedagogic goals of ASTRON 224 and 225 are identical; students are therefore advised to take only one these courses. Prerequisites: 1 semester of calculus, 1 semester of physics, and introductory astronomy. 226 Cosmology (1st sem) (ASTFC 26) Cosmological models and the relationship between models and observable parameters. Topics in current astronomy that bear upon cosmological problems, including background electromagnetic radiation, nucleosynthesis, dating methods, determinations of mean density of the universe; the Hubble constant, and tests of gravitational theories. Discussions of some questions concerning the foundations of cosmology and its future as a science. Prerequisites: 1 semester of calculus and 1 semester of a physical science. 330 Topics in Astrophysics (ASTFC 30) Devoted each year to a particular topic or current research interest. Begins with a few lectures laying out an observational and a theoretical problem. Subsequent seminar format involving formulations of a set of problems significant in difficulty and broad in scope. Their solution worked out individually and in class discussions. Students gain experience in both oral and written presentation. Prerequisites: 2 semesters of physics, 2 semesters of calculus, and ASTRON 224 or 225. Enrollment limited to 20. 337 Techniques of Optical and Infrared Astronomy (2nd sem) (ASTFC 37) 4 cr With lab. Introduction to the techniques of gathering and analyzing astronomical data, particularly in the optical and infrared. Telescope design and optics. Instrumentation for imaging, photometry, and spectroscopy. Astronomical detectors. Computer graphics and image processing. Error analysis and curve fitting. Data analysis and astrophysical interpretation, with an emphasis on globular clusters. Prerequisites: ASTRON 224 or 225; 2 semesters of physics, and 2 semesters of calculus. 338 Techniques of Radio Astronomy (2nd sem) (ASTFC 38) 4 cr With lab. Equipment, techniques, nature of cosmic radio sources. Radio receiver and antenna theory. Radio flux, brightness temperature and the transfer of radio radiation in cosmic sources. Effect of noise, sensitivity, bandwidth, and antenna efficiency. Techniques of beam switching, interferometry and aperture synthesis. Basic types of radio astronomical sources: ionized plasmas, masers, recombination and hyperfine transitions; nonthermal sources. Applications to the sun, interstellar clouds, and extragalactic objects. Prerequisites: 2 semesters of physics and 2 semesters of calculus. 451 Astrophysics I: Stars and Stellar Evolution (1st sem) (ASTFC 51) 4 cr The application of physics to the understanding of astronomical phenomena. Physical principles governing the properties of stars, their formation and evolution: radiation laws and the determination of stellar temperatures and luminosities; Newton's laws and the determination of stellar masses; hydrostatic equation and the themodynamics of gas and radiation; nuclear fusion and stellar energy generation; physics of degenerate matter and the evolution of stars to white dwarfs, neutron stars or black holes; nucleosynthesis in supernova explosions; dynamics of mass transfer in binary systems; viscous accretion disks in star formation and x-ray binaries. Prerequisites: 4 semesters of physics. PHYSIC 421 or equivalent strongly recommended. 452 Astrophysics II: Galaxies (2nd sem) (ASTFC 52) 4 cr The application of physics to the understanding of astronomical phenomena. Physical processes in the gaseous interstellar medium: photoionization in HII regions and planetary nebulae; shocks in supernova remnants and stellar jets; energy balance in molecular clouds. Dynamics of stellar systems: star clusters and the virial theorem; galaxy rotation and the presence of dark matter in the universe; spiral density waves. Quasars and active galactic nuclei: synchroton radiation; accretion disks; supermassive black holes. Prerequisites: 4 semesters of physics. PHYSIC 421 or equivalent strongly recommended. Astronomy
| Courses | Physics &
Astronomy Faculty |
|
|
|