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  The astronomy courses taught at WSU serve nonscience undergraduates seeking to broaden their understanding of the universe in which they live, undergraduate physical scientists, and graduates preparing for a career in astrophysics.

Introductory Courses for General Education Credit
  • 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. (The [P] is a change from [Q], implemented 2/13/2004.) 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 and Transfer Student Seminar
  • 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.
Courses Requiring Physics and Mathematics Preparation
  • 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.
Graduate Courses
  • 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 sphysics, gaseous nebulae, the interstellar medium, exotic objects, galaxies, gravitation, or cosmology.

    The Fall 2006 topic is "Astrophysics of Stars and Galaxies," instructed by Dr. Guy Worthey.

  • Special Projects or Independent Study, ASTR 600, variable credit and S,F grading.

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 general education distribution 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.

Tentative Calendar for Course Offerings
2009 Fall 188 135 138 150 390 345 450 --- --- 581
2010 Spring --- 135 138 150 -*- --- 450 435 --- ---
2010 Summer --- --- --- --- 390 --- --- --- --- ---
2010 Fall 188 135 138 150 -*- 345 450 --- --- 581
2011 Spring --- 135 138 150 -*- --- 450 --- 436 ---
2011 Summer --- --- --- --- 390 --- --- --- --- ---
2011 Fall 188 135 138 150 -*- 345 450 --- --- 581
2012 Spring --- 135 138 150 -*- --- 450 435 --- ---
2012 Summer --- --- --- --- 390 --- --- --- --- ---
* - may be reinstated if departmental resources allow

A backlit Saturn imaged by Voyager 1 (NASA).

         
                         
                         
                         
 

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Department of Physics, 1245 Webster Hall, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164-2814 USA