Physics and Astronomy

An introduction to astronomy. Topics to be covered include the historical development of astronomy; the laws that govern the behavior of the universe; a survey of the properties of stars and galaxies, including their origin and evolution; and the Big Bang Theory. Students may not receive credit for both ASTR 152 and ASTR 154. (Available …

Corequisite: ASTR 154L. An introduction to astronomy. Topics to be covered include the historical development of astronomy; the laws that govern the behavior of the universe; a survey of the properties of stars and galaxies, including their origin and evolution; and the Big Bang Theory. Students may not receive credit for both ASTR 154 and …

Corequisite: ASTR 154. Introduction to the techniques of observational astronomy, including data acquisition and interpretation. Testing of astronomical hypotheses by using data from observations of the moon, planets, sun, stars and galaxies. 3 hours per week. (Available for General Education, B3 Science Laboratory Activity requirement provided ASTR 154 is also completed.)

Prerequisites: MATH 150B; PHYS 220A or PHYS 225; PHYS 227; and completion of the lower division writing requirement. An upper division course intended for astrophysics majors. The course covers stellar and planetary systems, including: our solar system and planetary and satellite motion, extra-solar planets, the properties of stars, binary and multiple star systems, the stellar life …

Prerequisites: ASTR 300; MATH 150B; PHYS 225; Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Course will cover a variety of astrophysics topics: Celestial Mechanics, Magnetohydrodynamic and Cosmology. These topics will include: planetary and satellite motion, planetary rings, binary and multiple star systems, Kepler’s laws, Hydrodynamics, Maxwell’s equations, MHD waves, the solar dynamo and wind, and …

Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. In-depth examination and interpretation of astronomical discoveries occurring at the time the course is taught. Reading includes both background material and current periodicals accessible to upper division, General Education students. Likely areas of discussion include spacecraft exploration of the solar system, satellite observations of high-energy radiation from …

Preparatory: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Recommended Corequisite or Preparatory: ASTR 352. Use of observational and laboratory facilities and published data to explore current developments in astronomy. 3 hours per week.

Preparatory: PHYS 227. Application of the laws of radiation, atomic structure and subatomic structure to astrophysical systems. Cosmic magnetic fields, energy sources, analysis of radiation from stars, nebulae, supernovae, active galaxies and quasars, the early universe and origin of the elements. Available for graduate credit.

Independent Study