UNDERGRADUATE ASTRONOMY COURSES
- PSC 100 Survey of Astronomy (4) (2N)
- General introduction to astronomy. Topics (chosen by instructor) may include
historical astronomy, planets, comets and asteroids, the sun, stars and
galaxies, interstellar matter, black holes, the "Big Bang" theory, and
the evolution of the Universe. No prereq., but familiarity with basic
algebra and geometry is beneficial. Also listed as ASTR 100.
- PSC 100D Moons and Planets: The Solar System (4) (2N)
- The solar system, sun, moons, and planets as seen through the eyes of
modern science and space missions. A survey of neighboring worlds using
NASA data, photographs, and videos. Also listed as ASTR 100D.
- PSC 140 Observational Astronomy Laboratory (1) (2N)
- Experience with telescopes and locating stars, planets, and deep-sky objects
in the night sky. Also covers major constellations, seasonal variations,
lunar cycles, and, when appropriate, eclipses and comets. Meets at night
only. Also listed as ASTR 140.
- ASTR 305 Fundamentals of Astrophysics (3)
- Prereq: PHYS 254 or 351; MATH 263D.
Physical foundations of astronomical observation and theory. Time and
coordinate systems, orbits, celestial mechanics, radiation mechanisms
and spectra. Telescopes and instrumentation. Introduction to the physical
properties of stars, galaxies, and interstellar matter. Overview of
cosmological distance measurements and the "hot big bang" model.
- ASTR 310 Astronomy Laboratory (1 - 3)
- Prereq: 305 and perm. Repeated enrollment. Telescope observations and
other laboratory studies dealing with astronomy.
- ASTR 401 Stellar Astrophysics (3)
- Prereq: 305.
The physics of stellar atmospheres and interiors. Mathematical treatments of
radiative transfer, hydrodynamics, and stellar structure; stellar atmospheres
and spectra; stellar interiors and nuclear energy sources. Stellar evolution,
red giant stars, pulsating variables; physics of degenerate gases, white
dwarfs, neutron stars, pulsars, black holes.
- ASTR 402 Galactic and Interstellar Astrophysics (3)
- Prereq: 305.
Structure and evolution of the Milky Way Galaxy and the Interstellar Medium.
Stellar populations and orbits of stars in the Galaxy; Galactic dynamics,
evolution of the Galactic disk and star clusters. Physics of the interstellar
gas, absorption and emission processes; HI and HII regions, molecular clouds.
Hydrodynamic instabilities, star formation; supernova explosions and shock
waves.
- ASTR 403 Extragalactic Astrophysics and Cosmology (3)
- Prereq: 305.
Physics of galaxies and evolution of the Universe. Dynamics of galaxy
structure, formation and interaction. Dark matter. Active galactic nuclei,
radio galaxies, and quasars. Galaxy clusters and large scale structure.
Cosmological distance measurements, expansion of the Universe. Introduction
to general relativity; cosmological models, observational tests, cosmic
microwave background. Primordial nucleosynthesis.
- ASTR 410 Observational Astrophysics (3)
- Prereq: 305.
Modern observational techniques and instrumentation. Optical design of
telescopes, cameras, and spectrographs, use of CCD detectors; radio
telescopes and receivers, interferometry; space observatories. Data
acquisition and reduction strategies; statistical methods.
- ASTR 450 Studies in Astronomy (1 - 3, arranged)
- Prereq: 305 and perm.
Undergraduate Astronomy Programs
Pre-Astronomy Majo
r.
Astronomy Minor
Astronomy/Astrophysics Faculty
Tom Statler
(Pre-Astronomy Major Adviser)
Joe Shields
Last modified on 5/23/97