Astronomy (ASTR) Undergraduate Course Descriptions
+ASTR 105. Astrobiology
The origin, evolution, and distribution of life in the universe, astronomical constraints on life, and the scientific techniques used to search for extraterrestrial life on planets and moons. 3 Cr. DEMAND.
+ASTR 106. Concepts of the Solar System
The appearance of the sky, constellation identification, history of astronomy, planetary motion, physical properties of planets, the moon, sun, and minor bodies, telescopes. The planetarium will be used as an integral part of this course. Lab. 3 Cr. F, S, SUM.
+ASTR 107. Concepts of Stars and the Universe
Scale of the universe; distance, structure, and evolution of stars; the Milky Way and other galaxies; cosmology, life in the universe. 3 Cr. F, S.
+ASTR 120. Archaeoastronomy (Diversity/MGM)
Comparative study of the astronomies, cosmologies, and sciences of ancient civilizations. How the physical environment affected observations. Connections between science and religion. Five to ten days will be spent at an archaeological site of astronomical significance. Extra Fees. 3 Cr. S.
ASTR 205. General Astronomy
Basic properties and physical processes of the solar system, stars, and stellar systems. Lab. Prereq.: PHYS 231 or 234. 4 Cr. F.
ASTR 311. Solar System Astronomy
Physical processes in the solar system. Application of physics to the study of the motions, atmospheres, structure, and composition of bodies in the solar system. Prereq.: PHYS 235. 3 Cr. F, ALT.
ASTR 312. Stellar Astronomy
Physical processes in stars and stellar systems. Stellar astronomy and applications of physical principles. Prereq.: PHYS 235. 3 Cr. S, ALT.
ASTR 323. Observational Astronomy
Modern astronomical observing techniques and instrumentation. Coordinate systems, telescope design, detector systems, error analysis, photometry, spectroscopy, and imaging. Lab. Prereq.: PHYS 235. 3 Cr. F, ALT.
ASTR 427. Galaxies
Galactic structure and kinematics; properties and evolution of galaxies and quasars; the basic principles of cosmology. Prereq.: PHYS 235. 3 Cr. S, ALT.
Astronomy (ASTR) Courses for Advanced Undergraduate and Graduate Students
ASTR 405/505. Introduction to Planetarium Operation
Use of the planetarium projector to show important sky motions, appearance of the sky from different places on the Earth, seasonal passage and bright constellations. Student will create and perform a planetarium program. Prereq.: ASTR 311 or equivalent or consent. 1 Cr. DEMAND.
ASTR 421/521. Selected Topics in Astronomy
Lectures, readings and/or discussion on selected topics in astronomy, astrophysics, or planetary science. May be repeated to maximum of 6 credits. 1-3 Cr. DEMAND.
ASTR 485/585. Workshop: Observational Astronomy
Designs of small telescopes and their operation, techniques for locating and observing astronomical objects with a small telescope. Prereq.: ASTR 205 or consent. 1 Cr. SUM.
