Astronomy Courses
Astr 1030 Exploring the Universe
Astr 1031 Observing the Universe
Astr 2030 Solar System Astronomy
Astr 2040 Stars, Galaxies, and Cosmology
Astr 3050 Directed Study in Astronomy
Astr 3400 Fundamentals of Astrophysics
Astr 3401 Experimental Astronomy
Astr 4800 Special Topics in Astronomy
Astr 4850 Astronomy Research
Astr 4900 Astronomy Senior Thesis
Astr 1030 Exploring the Universe Three credits. A general introduction to astronomy through an overview of planets, stars, systems of stars, and the overall structure of the universe. Topics will be discussed by answering questions such as “How do you weigh stars?” and “Will the universe die?”
Astr 1031 Observing the Universe One credit. Prerequisite or corequisite: ASTR 1030. Introduction to observational astronomy through laboratory exercises and outdoor observing activities. Topics include telescopes, the analysis of starlight, and observations of stars and planets.
Astr 2030 Solar System Astronomy Three credits. Prerequisite: MATH 1710. Comprehensive study of the solar system including models of solar and planetary formation. Analysis of the chemical makeup and physical nature of the Sun, planets, moons, and comets using mathematics and the scientific method. Focus on planetary interiors, surfaces, atmospheres, solar-planetary interactions, and solar system evolution. Discussion of spacecraft missions, future solar system exploration, and possibilities of extraterrestrial life.
Astr 2040 Stars, Galaxies, and Cosmology Three credits. Prerequisite: MATH 1710. A comprehensive study of stellar, galactic, and cosmological astronomy. Analyzes the basic theories of stellar and galactic formation and evolution using mathematics and the scientific method. Includes the cataclysmic topics of supernovae, neutron stars, pulsars, and black holes as well as the nature of galaxies including the Milky Way galaxy, active galaxies and quasars, and the formation and evolution of our universe, the big bang theory, and the possibility of other life in the universe.
3050 Directed Study in Astronomy One to four credits. Prerequisite: PHYS 2021 or 2120 and approval of department chair. Individualized intensive study of a specific topic in astronomy or astrophysics not normally covered to the extent desired in the standard curriculum. Arrangements must be made with an approved faculty member prior to registration.
Astr 3400 Fundamentals of Astrophysics Three credits. Prerequisite: PHYS 2021 or 2120 and MATH 1910. Modern astronomical knowledge and techniques using classical and modern physical principles. Possible topics include star formation, black holes and neutron stars, galaxy structure and evolution, formation of planetary systems, and large-scale structure of the universe.
Astr 3401 Experimental Astronomy One credit. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Principles and techniques of astronomical data acquisition and reduction. Possible research topics involve photometry, spectroscopy, astronomical applications of electronic detectors, and computer modeling.
4800 Special Topics in Astronomy Three credits. Prerequisites: PHYS 3150 and approval of department chair. In-depth, organized study of a contemporary topic of interest not normally covered in the undergraduate physics and astronomy curriculum. Possible topics include planetary geology, radio astronomy, stellar atmospheres or interiors, space physics, pulsating stars, dark matter and energy, galactic evolution, and general relativity and
cosmology.
4850 Astronomy Research Two credits. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Independent study of a selected research problem in astronomy. Includes experimental and/or theoretical investigation of an important yet unexplored problem or experimental design. Includes literature research and experimental design/ problem formulation and execution resulting in oral and written presentation of results suitable for submission/presentation
to a suitable journal/conference.
4900 Astronomy Senior Thesis Two credits. Prerequisites: ASTR 4850 and consent of department chair. Focuses on a specific research/experimental design problem chosen with the consent of the thesis committee and with the potential for original discovery or for creative development of a tool, technique, or instrumentation applicable to scientific research. Independent pursuit of research objectives outlined in a research proposal results in a written thesis, the approval of which will include an oral defense.