- Science and the Universe, ASTR 150, 3 credits, satisfies Tier I science [Q] requirement. This course deals with the basic structure and history of science and science reasoning with emphasis on astronomy, observational practice, and data analysis. Credit is not granted for both 135 and 150.
- Astronomy, ASTR 135, 4 credits, satisfies Tier II physical science[P] and one lab [L] credit. Overview of the solar system, stars, galaxies, cosmology, and the history of astronomy. Includes a lab [L] component with occasional evening appointments for working with telescopes.
- Planets and Planetary Systems, ASTR 138, 3 credits, satisfies Tier II science [P] requirement. Formation and dynamics of planetary systems; planetary interiors, surfaces, atmospheres; planetary missions; major planets: terrestrial and jovian; minor planets: moons, asteroids, comets; extrasolar planets.
- The Solar System, GEOL 103, 3 credits. This course is an overview of the results of modern planetary exploration. It discusses geological processes and environments on planets and moons in our solar system. Field trip required.
- The Night Sky, ASTR 390, 1 credit, satisfies Tier II
science [P] and laboratory [L] requirement. Prerequisite:
This course cannot be the
first science course taken for general education credit.
This hands-on laboratory course includes star names, magnitudes scales,
constellations, astronomical coordinates, solar, lunar, and planetary
motions, and practical unaided-eye astronomy. Outdoor, nighttime,
flexible time commitment is required.
Note: Typically, this course fills quickly at registration time. - Life in the Universe, ASTR 450, 3 credits, satisfies Tier III [T] requirement, and the completion of one Tier I and three Tier II courses plus GER mathematics proficiency is prerequisite for entrance. The course deals with the natural history of life on earth and prospects for life elsewhere in the universe. Includes chemisty, biology, geology, physics, and astronomy.
- Freshman Seminar, ASTR 188, 1 credit, pass/fail grade, no prerequisites. This course is targeted to prospective astrophysics majors or minors. Astronomy and physics faculty will present current research interests and opportunitites in physics and astrophysics with ample opportunity for discussion and questions.
- Principles of Astronomy, ASTR 345, 3 credits, with prerequisites Phys 102 or 202. The course is an algebra-based introduction to astrophysics. Topics include planets, the sun, stars, galaxies, and cosmology.
- Astronomy and Astrophysics I, ASTR 435, 3 credits, with prerequisites Math 172 and Phys 202. This is a calculus-based, in-depth exploration of planetary and stellar astrophysics.
- Astronomy and Astrophysics II, ASTR 436, 3 credits, with prerequisites Math 172 and Phys 202. This is a calculus-based, in-depth exploration of degenerate objects, black holes, galaxies, and cosmology.
- Special Problems, ASTR 499, 1 to 4 credits, S,F grading, permission of the instructor.
- Topics in Modern Astrophysics, ASTR 581 (was 538), 3 credits, may be repeated for
credit to a maximum of 9 hours. Prerequisites are Math 315 (differential
equations) and Phys 202. Course will tackle one area of astrophysics of
current interest in the areas of stellar physics, gaseous nebulae,
the interstellar medium, exotic objects, galaxies, gravitation, or cosmology.
The Spring 2011 topic is "Astrophysics of Stars and Galaxies," instructed by Dr. Guy Worthey. The Fall 2011 topic is "Compact Objects and General Relativity," instructed by Matthew Duez.
- Special Projects or Independent Study, ASTR 600, variable credit and S,F grading.
| 2012 Fall | 188 | 135 | 138 | 150 | -*- | 345 | 450 | --- | --- | 581 |
| 2013 Spring | --- | 135 | 138 | 150 | -*- | --- | 450 | --- | 436 | --- |
| 2013 Summer | --- | --- | --- | --- | 390 | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 2013 Fall | 188 | 135 | 138 | 150 | -*- | 345 | 450 | --- | --- | 581 |
| 2014 Spring | --- | 135 | 138 | 150 | -*- | --- | 450 | 435 | --- | --- |
| 2014 Summer | --- | --- | --- | --- | 390 | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 2014 Fall | 188 | 135 | 138 | 150 | -*- | 345 | 450 | --- | --- | 581 |
| 2015 Spring | --- | 135 | 138 | 150 | -*- | --- | 450 | --- | 436 | --- |
| 2015 Summer | --- | --- | --- | --- | 390 | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 2015 Fall | 188 | 135 | 138 | 150 | -*- | 345 | 450 | --- | --- | 581 |
| 2016 Spring | --- | 135 | 138 | 150 | -*- | --- | 450 | 435 | --- | --- |
| 2016 Summer | --- | --- | --- | --- | 390 | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
A backlit Saturn imaged by Voyager 1 (NASA).
Astronomy Minor
The astronomy minor is usually obtained by physics majors but may also be obtained by students in related majors. The practical constraint is that an excellent physics background is essential to a complete understanding of astronomy and astrophysics. The (typical) course of study that leads to a physics B.S. with minors in mathematics and astronomy consists of, besides UCORE requirements, Cpt S 203, 300; Hist 381; Math 360, 440, 441, 443, 448; Phys 320,410, 412, 415, 443, 450, 490, and one or more of 461, 463, or 465; ASTR 345 and 7 or more credits from 300-400 level courses, excluding ASTR 450. This program is excellent preparation for positions in industry as well as continuing study toward a Ph. D. in either physics or astrophysics.
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