ASTR - Astronomy (ASTR)
ASTR 101 Basic Astronomy
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
(ASTR 1303 or PHYS 1303) Basic Astronomy. A qualitative approach to basic stellar astronomy; earth-moon-sun relationships then studies of distances to stars, stellar temperatures, and other physical properties; birth, life on the main sequence of the H-R diagram, and ultimate fates of stars; not open to students who have taken ASTR 111 or ASTR 314.
ASTR 102 Observational Astronomy
Credit 1.
3 Lab Hours.
(ASTR 1103 or PHYS 1103) Observational Astronomy. Observational and laboratory course; use of techniques and instruments of classical and modern astronomy.
ASTR 103 Introduction to Stars and Exoplanets
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
A qualitative study of stellar birth, stellar structure and evolution, stellar nucleosynthesis, the Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram, white dwarfs, neutron stars, supernovae, black holes, proto-planetary systems, origin of the solar system and the search for exoplanets; utilizes active learning methods that incorporate observations from the current generation of ground and space-based telescopes. Open to all majors.
ASTR 104 Introduction to Galaxies and Cosmology
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
A qualitative study of properties of galaxies, galaxy evolution through cosmic time, galactic archaeology, active galactic nuclei, super-massive black holes, large-scale structure, the expansion history of the universe, cosmological parameters and Big Bang nucleosynthesis; utilizes active learning methods that incorporate observations from the current generation of ground and space-based telescopes. Open to all majors.
ASTR 109/PHYS 109 Big Bang and Black Holes
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Designed to give an intuitive understanding of the Big Bang and Black Holes, without mathematics, and de-mystify them for the non-scientist. Cross Listing: PHYS 109/ASTR 109.
ASTR 111 Overview of Modern Astronomy
Credits 4.
3 Lecture Hours.
2 Lab Hours.
(ASTR 1303 and ASTR 1103, ASTR 1403, PHYS 1303 and PHYS 1103, PHYS 1403) Overview of Modern Astronomy. Roots of modern astronomy; the scientific method; fundamental physical laws; the formation of planets, stars, and galaxies; introduction to cosmology; includes an integrated laboratory that reinforces the lecture topics, including hands-on experience with telescopes and imaging of celestial objects; not open to students who have taken ASTR 101 or ASTR 314.
ASTR 119/PHYS 119 Big Bang and Black Holes: Laboratory Methods
Credit 1.
2 Lab Hours.
Hands-on understanding of the concepts surrounding the Big Bang and Black Holes; emphasis on the evidence-based decision making process, methods and presentation; for non-scientists. Companion course for ASTR 109/PHYS 109/PHYS 109/ASTR 109. Prerequisite: ASTR/PHYS 109/ASTR 109 or registration therein. Cross Listing: PHYS 119/ASTR 119.
ASTR 285 Directed Studies
Credits 1 to 4.
1 to 4 Other Hours.
Special work in laboratory or theory to meet individual requirements in cases not covered by regular curriculum; intended for use as lower-level credit. Prerequisite: Approval of department head.
ASTR 289 Special Topics in…
Credits 1 to 4.
1 to 4 Lecture Hours.
0 to 4 Lab Hours.
Selected topics in an identified area of astronomy. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Approval of instructor.
ASTR 291 Research
Credits 0 to 4.
0 to 4 Other Hours.
Research conducted under the direction of faculty member in astronomy. May be repeated 2 times for credit. Prerequisites: Freshman or sophomore classification and approval of instructor.
ASTR 314 Survey of Astronomy
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Primarily for majors in science and engineering. Kepler's laws, law of gravitation, solar system, stars, stellar evolution, nucleosynthesis, cosmology, clusters, nebulae, pulsars, quasars, black holes. Prerequisite: PHYS 207 or PHYS 208.
ASTR 320 Astrophysical Research Methods
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Background and tools used in modern astrophysical research, including reduction of photometric and spectroscopic data, signal-to-noise and error calculations and order-of-magnitude estimates. Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in ASTR 314 or approval of instructor.
ASTR 401 Stars and Extrasolar Planets
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
How stars are born, how internal structure changes, nuclear fuel burned and ultimate fate; extrasolar planet detection, formation, properties and habitability. Prerequisite: ASTR 314.
ASTR 403 Extragalactic Astronomy and Cosmology
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Physical makeup of individual galaxies and large scale structure in the universe; origin and eventual fate of the universe; interpretation of observational data as it relates to baryonic matter, Dark Matter and cosmological models with Dark Energy. Prerequisite: ASTR 314.
ASTR 420 Advanced Astrophysical Research Methods
Credits 3.
3 Lecture Hours.
Advanced research techniques used by modern-day astronomers to obtain, process and analyze data from grounds and space-based telescopes. Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in ASTR 320 or approval of instructor.
ASTR 485 Directed Studies
Credits 1 to 12.
1 to 12 Other Hours.
Special work in laboratory or theory to meet individual requirements in cases not covered by regular curriculum. Prerequisite: Approval of department head.
ASTR 489 Special Topics in…
Credits 1 to 4.
0 to 4 Lecture Hours.
0 to 4 Lab Hours.
Selected topics in an identified topic of astronomy. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Approval of instructor.
ASTR 491 Research
Credits 0 to 4.
0 to 4 Other Hours.
Research conducted under the direction of faculty member in astronomy. May be repeated for credit. Registration in multiple sections of this course is possible within a given semester provided that the per semester credit hour limit is not exceeded. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification and approval of instructor.