ASTR - Astronomy
ASTR 600 Order-of-Magnitude Astrophysics
Credit 1.
1 Lecture Hour.
Introduction to the utility of order of magnitude calculations and the ability to think intuitively; short overviews of basic physical concepts followed by interactive activities and problem solving at the board. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: ASTR 314 or equivalent, or approval of instructor.
ASTR 601/PHYS 641 Extragalactic Astronomy
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Overview of observations of galaxies and large-scale structures in the Universe to understand their formation and evolution from theoretical and observational perspectives; galaxy luminosity functions; evolution of stellar populations and chemical enrichment; clusters and AGN; primarily for graduate students in astronomy and the physical sciences. Prerequisites: Undergraduate physics mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, or equivalents, or approval of instructor. Cross Listing: PHYS 641/ASTR 601.
ASTR 602/PHYS 642 Astronomical Observing Techniques and Instrumentation
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Theory and practice of obtaining and analyzing astrometric, photometric, spectroscopic and interferometric measurements of astronomical sources across the electromagnetic spectrum; principles of design, fabrication, assembly, test, deployment and use of astronomical instruments. Prerequisites: Upper-level undergraduate, physics major courses in quantum mechanics, electricity and magnetism, statistical mechanics and thermodynamics, and classical mechanics; graduate classification; or approval of instructor. Cross Listing: PHYS 642/ASTR 602.
ASTR 603/PHYS 643 Stellar Astrophysics
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Observational and theoretical aspects of stellar astrophysics; thermodynamic properties of stellar interiors, energy sources, nuclear processes and burning stages, convective and radiative energy transport, evolutionary models, atmospheres, stability and pulsations, chemical enrichment processes and population synthesis. Prerequisites: Upper-level undergraduate, physics major courses in quantum mechanics, electricity and magnetism, statistical mechanics and thermodynamics, and classical mechanics; graduate classification; or approval of instructor. Cross Listing: PHYS 643/ASTR 603.
ASTR 604/PHYS 644 Cosmology
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Basic principles of modern cosmology and particle physics; general relativity; cosmic inflation; Big Bang nucleosynthesis; expansion of the universe; cosmic microwave background; large-scale structure of the Universe; properties of particles; dark matter; dark energy. Prerequisites: Upper-level undergraduate, physics major courses in quantum mechanics, electricity and magnetism, statistical mechanics and thermodynamics, and classical mechanics; graduate classification; or approval of instructor. Cross Listing: PHYS 644/ASTR 604.
ASTR 605/PHYS 645 Galactic Astronomy
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Basic nature and structure of constituents of Milky Way galaxy; distribution and motions of stars and gas; origin evolution and distribution of large-scale chemical abundances and kinematic patterns across populations; models of galaxy formation and implications of modern observations. Prerequisites: Upper-level undergraduate, physics major courses in quantum mechanics, electricity and magnetism, statistical mechanics and thermodynamics, and classical mechanics; graduate classification; or approval of instructor. Cross Listing: PHYS 645/ASTR 605.
ASTR 606/PHYS 646 Radiative Transfer
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Fundamental radiative processes in stellar and planetary atmospheres; radiative fields; Stokes parameters; radiation from moving charges; Compton scattering; plasma effects; atomic structure and radiative transitions; molecular structure and spectra; multiple scattering. Prerequisites: Upper-level undergraduate, physics major courses in quantum mechanics, electricity and magnetism, statistical mechanics and thermodynamics, and classical mechanics; graduate classification; or approval of instructor. Cross Listing: PHYS 646/ASTR 606.
ASTR 610 Scientific Writing for Astronomy
Credit 1.
1 Lecture Hour.
Range of techniques designed to increase writing productivity in astronomy. Prerequisites: ASTR 314 or equivalent or approval of instructor.
ASTR 681 Seminar
Credit 1.
1 Lecture Hour.
Subjects of current importance; normally required of all graduate students in astronomy. May be repeated for credit.
ASTR 684 Professional Internship
Credits 1 to 4.
1 to 4 Other Hours.
An experience in an astronomy-related setting that provides the student with the opportunity for engaged learning through professional involvement and professional supervision; may be taken for credit up to four hours; must be taken on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Prerequisites: Approval of instructor; graduate classification.
ASTR 685 Directed Studies
Credits 1 to 9.
1 to 9 Other Hours.
Individual problems not related to thesis. Prerequisite: Approval of instructor.
ASTR 689 Special Topics in…
Credits 1 to 4.
1 to 4 Lecture Hours.
Selected topics in an identified area of astronomy. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Approval of instructor.
ASTR 691 Research
Credits 1 to 23.
1 to 23 Other Hours.
Research toward thesis or dissertation. Prerequisite: Baccalaureate degree in physics or equivalent.