AST 352K: General Stellar Astronomy
Properties of stars and starlight; principles of radiation; interpretation
of stellar spectra. Observational techniques such as photometry,
spectroscopy, telescopes and detectors; variable stars; binary
stars. Prerequisite: Physics 316 and 116L.
Last offered Fall 2008
AST 353: Astrophysics
Survey of the physics of stellar and nonstellar radiation laws,
stellar atmospheres and interiors; high-energy astrophysics.
Prerequisite: Physics 316 and 116L.
Last offered Spring 2008
AST 358: Galaxies and the Universe
Our Milky Way Galaxy and its constituents; stars and interstellar
matter. Properties of other galaxies; galaxy interactions and
mergers; expansion and evolution of the Universe. Prerequisite:
Physics 316 or the equivalent; Astronomy 352K or 307 are recommended
but not required.
Last offered Spring 2008
Other Offerings
(additional courses that can
be used to fulfill elective credits)
AST 104: Undergraduate Astronomy Seminar
Designed for astronomy majors. Discussions about current astronomical
research, with different topics emphasized each semester. One
lecture hour a week for one semester. May be repeated twice for
credit when the topics vary. Offered on the pass/fail basis only.
Offered each Fall semester
AST 152M: Stellar Astronomy Laboratory
An introduction to practical observational techniques in astronomy,
designed for astronomy majors or advanced students in a physical
science. Exercises on the spectroscopy, photometry, and positions
of stars using a 16-inch telescope on campus. Three laboratory
hours a week for one semester. Prerequisite: Physics 316 and
116L; concurrent enrollment in Astronomy 352K is recommended.
Last offered Fall 2008
AST 307: Introductory Astronomy
Introduction to astronomy for science and engineering students.
The solar system, stars, galaxies, and cosmology. Only one of
the following may be counted: AST 301, 302, 303, 307. Prerequisite:
Mathematics 305G or the equivalent or consent of instructor;
high school trigonometry and physics are recommended.
Offered each Fall and Spring semester
AST 350L: History and Philosophy of Astronomy
Historical influence of
astronomical concepts on social, economic, literary, and scientific
life; the place of astronomy in society. Prerequisite: Upper-division
standing; and Astronomy 301, 302, 303, or consent of instructor.
Last offered Fall 2006
AST 352L: Positional, Dynamical, and Kinematical
Astronomy
Coordinate systems and time; stellar positions and motions; the
kinematics and dynamics of star clusters and galaxies. Prerequisite:
Credit or registration for Mathematics 427K.
Last offered Spring 1998
AST 351: Astronomical Instrumentation
A hands-on course in computer-controlled optical instrumentation.
This course is intended for Natural Science and Engineering students
interested in the practical aspects of instrument design and
construction. Topics covered include optics and optical design,
electronics, machining and mechanical design, and computer interfacing.
Students work in groups to learn the material and as teams design
a computer-controlled optical instrument. Prerequisites: Upper-division
standing in Natural Science or Engineering, or consent of instructor.
Last offered Fall 2008
AST 364: Solar System Astronomy
Modern Studies of the solar system,including properties of the
planets and smaller bodies, and the origin of planetary systems.
Prerequisite: Physics 316 and 116L.
Last offered Fall 2000
AST 376: Special Topics in Advanced Astronomy
Designed for science
majors. May be repeated for credit when the topics vary. Up to six
semester hours may be counted toward the major requirement for the
Bachelor of Arts with a major in astronomy.
Prerequisite: Upper-division
standing and consent of instructor.
Offered each Fall
** Examples of the topics offered as AST 376 are as follows **
AST 376: A Practical Introduction to Research
This course aims at equipping undergraduates with skills that are
relevant for research projects in astronomy and astrophysics, and
thereby facilitate their involvement in the astronomy freshman
research initiative, as well as in more advanced research projects
in astronomy in their second year and beyond. The course will
involve hands-on practical exercises, including visualization and
analysis of astronomical data, statistical analysis, plotting and
programming exercises with IDL, and training for papers and oral
science presentations. The course is aimed at undergraduate majors
in Astronomy and Physics, who are in their Freshman, Sophomore, or
Junior years.
To be offered in Fall 2009
AST 376: Cosmology
This course will provide the basic physical
principles of modern cosmology. The lectures will cover the expansion of
the universe, kinematical and thermodynamical evolution of the universe,
the Big Bang model, the origin of light elements, the cosmic microwave
background, theory of cosmological fluctuations, formation of
large-scale structure, cosmic inflation, the origin of cosmological
fluctuations, dark matter and dark energy, and observational cosmology.
Since some topics require knowledge of special and general relativity,
introduction to special and general relativity needed for cosmology will
be provided when it is necessary.
Prerequisite: Upper-division standing
and consent of instructor.
Last offered Fall 2008
AST 376: Planets and Life
An interdisciplinary course that explores
Astrobiology. This course involves readings in Chemistry, Planet
Formation and Biology.
Prerequisite: Upper-division standing and
consent of instructor.
Last offered Spring 2008
AST 379H: Honors Tutorial Course
Research project and thesis for
students electing to take the honors program in astronomy. May be
repeated once for credit. Prerequisite: Consent of the student's
research supervisor and the departmental honors adviser.
Offered each Fall and Spring semester
AST 110K, 210K, 310K, 175, 275, 375: Conference
Course
Supervised study of selected areas of astronomy, by arrangement
with a faculty member. May be repeated for credit when the topics
vary. Prerequisite: Written consent of the instructor. (in
addition for 175, 275, 375: Upper-division standing).
Offered each Fall and Spring semester,
sometimes in Summer
