Astronomy and Astrophysics (ASTR)
ASTR 101 Current Topics in Astrophysics 1 Credit (2,0)
Survey seminar on contemporary astrophysics research; career topics; development of discipline standards; critical thinking, time management, study skills, internships, student organizations, university services.
ASTR 180L Introductory Astronomy Laboratory 1 Credit (0,3)
Basic features of the night sky and how to observe them. Identifying important astronomical objects; visual investigation of astronomical objects; telescope designs and usage; astrophotography of bright objects; safely observing the Sun; gathering basic scientific information on astronomical objects. Assumes no prior Astronomy or Physics coursework.
ASTR 199 Special Topics in Astronomy and Astrophysics 1-6 Credit (1-6,0)
Individual, independent, or directed studies of selected topics in astronomy & astrophysics.
ASTR 204 General Astronomy 3 Credits (3,0)
Focuses on celestial mechanics, light and spectra, telescopes, the solar system, and exoplanets. Geared towards Space Physics and Astronomy students.
ASTR 222 Intermediate Astronomy 3 Credits (3,0)
Explores the sun, stars, galaxies, and the universe, with emphasis on observational properties and introductory physics applications.
ASTR 224 Astronomy 3 Credits (3,0)
Focuses on the physical universe, covering topics such as the solar system, stars, black holes, galaxies, quasars, cosmology, and exobiology.
ASTR 224L Introductory General Astronomy Laboratory 1 Credit (0,1)
Hands-on laboratory supplement to Introductory Astronomy, with a focus on observational techniques and astronomy fundamentals.
ASTR 299 Special Topics in Astronomy and Astrophysics 1-6 Credit (1-6,0)
Individual, independent, or directed studies of selected topics in astronomy and astrophysics.
ASTR 316 Introductory Astronomy and Astrophysics I 3 Credits (3,0)
Physics-based structure and evolution of the physical universe; Solar System; planets orbiting other stars; astrobiology; star formation, stellar evolution, nucleosynthesis; white dwarfs, neutron stars, black holes.
ASTR 317 Introductory Astronomy and Astrophysics II 3 Credits (3,0)
Covering galaxies, active galactic nuclei, cosmology, the Big Bang, and primordial nucleosynthesis.
ASTR 318L Introductory Astrophysics Laboratory 1 Credit (0,1)
Weekly three-hour laboratory session supplementing Introductory Astronomy and Astrophysics sequence; preparation for Observational Astronomy course; observationally intensive experience for technical students passionate about astronomy.
ASTR 332 Techniques of Observational Astronomy 3 Credits (2,3)
Covers astronomical observation techniques, including telescope operation, light detection, and data analysis of celestial objects.
ASTR 340 Astrophysics I 3 Credits (3,0)
Examines stellar structure, evolution, interstellar medium, galaxies, and cosmology. Emphasizes astrophysical processes common to astronomical systems.
ASTR 341 High Energy Astrophysics 3 Credits (3,0)
Introduction to the subject of High Energy Astrophysics. Relativistic phenomena, X-ray emission, Gamma-Ray emission, jet flows, non-thermal particle acceleration, strong magnetic fields, ionized plasmas, compact objects, accretion flow, description of X-ray detectors, interaction with real data from X-ray telescopes.
ASTR 345 Astrophysics and Space Science Seminar 2 Credits (2,0)
Seminar-style course; lectures, readings, and writings on current topics in Astrophysics and Space Science.
ASTR 399 Special Topics in Astronomy and Astrophysics 1-6 Credit (1-6,0)
Individual, independent, or directed studies of selected topics in astronomy and astrophysics.
ASTR 401 Stellar Astrophysics 3 Credits (3,0)
Basic physical processes in stars; stellar structure and evolution.
ASTR 402 Interstellar Medium and Galaxies 3 Credits (3,0)
Physical processes in the interstellar medium; interstellar dust and gas; protostar formation; Milky Way morphology, kinematics; Galactic Center; Hubble sequence; spiral and elliptical galaxies; galaxy interactions and formation.
ASTR 403 Cosmology and the Structure of the Universe 3 Credits (3,0)
Current relativistic cosmological models; universe age and distance scales; hot big bang; primordial nucleosynthesis; inflation; baryonic and non-baryonic matter; galaxy formation; cosmic microwave background fluctuations. Emphasis on observations motivating, measuring, and testing the standard Lambda-CDM model.
ASTR 408 Astrophysics II 3 Credits (3,0)
Radiative transfer in astrophysical environments; stellar atmospheres, stellar interiors, and gaseous nebulae. Emission and absorption processes. Interactions of radiation with matter.
ASTR 420 Planetary Interiors, Surfaces, and Atmospheres 3 Credits (3,0)
Origin, evolution, composition, interiors, surfaces, atmospheres, magnetospheres of planets in our solar system; planetary meteorology; mineralogy; surface geology and morphology; magnetic fields. Experiments, spacecraft missions, observations, remote sensing techniques.
ASTR 422 Solar System Dynamics 3 Credits (3,0)
Dynamics of planetary systems; formation and dynamical evolution of the solar system; planetary dynamics, small bodies, satellites, rings; orbital perturbations, resonances, three-body problem; asteroid and comet properties.
ASTR 425 Observational Astronomy 3 Credits (2,3)
Design and use of optical telescopes; fundamentals of astronomical optics; refracting and reflecting systems; optical filters, adaptive optics; telescope system calibration; digital observation techniques; analysis of astronomical images.
ASTR 430L Astronomical Optics and Instrumentation Laboratory 3 Credits (0,3)
Optical methods in astronomy; advanced laboratory techniques; optics and design of astronomical instrumentation; telescopes, photometers, spectrometers, interferometers; hands-on experience in optical systems.
ASTR 490 Senior Thesis I 3 Credits (2,3)
First semester of a senior research project for Astronomy students, culminating in a research paper with faculty supervision.
ASTR 491 Senior Thesis II 3 Credits (1,6)
Completion of senior research project with final research paper following scientific publishing standards.
ASTR 492 Senior Astrophysics Project 3 Credits (3,0)
Optional capstone for senior Astronomy and Astrophysics students; senior research project in an area of interest overlapping with supervising faculty's research.
ASTR 499 Special Topics in Astronomy and Astrophysics 1-6 Credit (1-6,0)
Individual, independent, or directed studies of selected topics in astronomy and astrophysics.