Undergraduate Program
Two degrees in astronomy are offered, the Bachelor of
Science degree and the Bachelor of Arts degree. The primary difference
between the two degrees is that the B.A. degree allows somewhat more
flexibility in choice of courses.
Both the B.A. and B.S. degrees
provide excellent preparation for
graduate studies. There is also a minor program in astronomy.
A broad and substantial background in physics and
mathematics with
introductory exposure to astronomy is emphasized in the astronomy
curriculum. A faculty actively engaged in research provides first-rate
instruction and opportunity for undergraduate involvement in research.
Sample 4-year course
schedules for undergraduate majors can be found here.
Update
(1/1/08): The requirements for
the minor have been streamlined and are now as follows:
Astronomy minor
requirements for all students except Physics majors:
- PHYS 115 (or
equivalent)
- PHYS 116 (or equivalent)
- ASTR 221
- ASTR 222
- one of ASTR 306/311/323/328
Astronomy minor
requirements for Physics majors:
(University rules do not allow hours within the major department to
count towards a minor; therefore, the requirements for Physics majors
are different.)
- ASTR 221
- ASTR 222
- one of ASTR 306/311/323/328
- 6 more credit hours of Astronomy courses, taken from:
ASTR 151/306/309/310/311/323/328/351/369
These
requirements are in effect immediately and supersede those published in
previous versions of the General Bulletin and Undergraduate Handbook.
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Undergraduate Course Listings
ASTR 151. Doing Astronomy
(1). ASTR 151 is a one-credit hour course usually taken by
students in the spring semester of their freshman year. We give a
wide-ranging view of what it means to be an astronomer, and students
have the opportunity to meet and hear about the research interests of
astronomy faculty.
ASTR
201. The Sun and Its Planets (3). An overview of the solar
system; the
planets and other objects that orbit about the sun and the sun itself
as the
dominant mass and the most important source of energy in the solar
system.
Concepts and the development of our knowledge will be emphasized. Not
available for credit to astronomy majors.
ASTR 202. Stars, Galaxies and the
Universe (3). Stellar structure, energy
sources and evolution, including red giants, white dwarfs, supernovae,
pulsars and black holes. Stellar populations in the Milky Way and
external
galaxies. The universe and its evolution. Not available for credit to
astronomy majors.
ASTR 203. Archeoastronomy: Calendars,
Barrows, and Megaliths (3). A study of
the regular cycles of the Sun, Moon, planets, and stars. To show how
ancient
civilizations (and some not so ancient) have used those cycles to
formulate
calendars which are evidenced primarily by artifacts and ruins
scattered
over the entire Earth.
ASTR 204. Einstein's Universe (3).
This course is intended to introduce the
non-scientist to the concepts of modern cosmology- the structure and
evolution of the universe. No mathematical background beyond simple
algebra
is needed.
ASTR 205. The Scale of the Universe
(3). The solar system, stars, and
galaxies. Our place in the Universe. Cosmology and the evolution of the
Universe. The use of physical laws to study the Universe. The
scientific
method -- predictions and tests of scientific theory.
ASTR 206. Life in the Universe
(3). This course is intended to introduce the non-scientist
to the field of astrobiology -- the interdisciplinary study of, and the search for,
extraterrestrial life and the conditions for extraterrestrial life in the Universe.
ASTR 221. Stars and Planets (3).
Stellar structure and energy production.
Formation and evolution of stars. Supernovae, neutron stars, and black
holes. Star clusters. Planetary systems and the detection of extrasolar
planets. The application of physical laws to the study of the universe.
Prerequisite: MATH 122 or 126.
ASTR 222. Galaxies and Cosmology (3).
The Milky Way Galaxy. Structure,
dynamics, and evolution of galaxies. Galaxy clusters and large scale
structure of the Universe. Physical cosmology and the Big Bang.
Evolution of
the Universe. Prerequisite: ASTR 221 or consent of instructor.
ASTR 306. Astronomical Techniques (3).
Emphasis will be on acquisition of
direct imaging and/or spectroscopic data at the 0.9 meter telescope and
its
subsequent reduction. Principles of optics applied to astronomical
telescopes and instrumentation. Modern detector technology.
Computational
techniques will also be explored through projects emphasizing modeling
of
data, dynamical simulations of star clusters emphasizing modeling of
data,
dynamical simulations of star clusters and galaxies, or astronomical
database mining.
ASTR 309. Astrophyics Seminar I (1).
Selected topics in astronomy not covered ordinarily
in courses. Presentation of talks by the students. Prerequisite:
consent of
instructor.
ASTR 310. Astrophysics Seminar II (1).
Selected topics in astronomy not covered
ordinarily in courses. Presentation of talks by the students.
Prerequisite:
consent of instructor.
ASTR 311. Stellar Physics (3).
Radiative transfer, atomic and molecular
opacities, and the observable properties of stars. Stellar interiors,
nuclear processes, and energy generation. The evolution of stars of
varying
mass and production of the elements within supernovae explosions.
Prerequisite: ASTR 222 or consent.
ASTR 323. The Local Universe (3).
The Milky Way Galaxy. Galaxy populations.
Quantitative structure and dynamics of galaxies. The interstellar media
of
galaxies. Dark matter and stellar populations. The Local Group and
Virgo
cluster.
ASTR 328. Cosmology and the Structure
of the Universe (3). Distances to
galaxies. The content of the distant universe. Large scale structure
and
galaxy clusters. Physical cosmology. Structure and galaxy formation and
evolution. Testing cosmological models.
ASTR
369. Independent Research (1-9).
ASTR 396. Special Topics in Astronomy
(1-3). Open to astronomy majors only.
