The on-line course schedule lists the classes which are currently available.
These course descriptions and numbers are based on the 2002-2004
course catalog and are subject to change.
LOWER DIVISION COURSES
301. Introduction to Astronomy.
General introduction to astronomy for nonscience majors. The solar system, stars, galaxies, and cosmology. Only one of the following may be counted: Astronomy 301, 302, 303, 307.
101L. Astronomy Discovery Laboratory.
For nonscience majors. Hands-on projects in observational astronomy and related laboratory disciplines. Students work in small groups. Three laboratory hours a week for one semester. May not be counted by students with credit for Astronomy 103L. Prerequisite: Credit or registration for Astronomy 301.
103L. Astronomical Observations.
For nonscience majors. Observations of celestial phenomena with naked eye and small telescope; indoor laboratory activities. Prerequisite: Credit or registration for Astronomy 301. (May not be taken by students enrolled in Astronomy 302 or 303.) Two laboratory hours a week for one semester.
104. Undergraduate Astronomy Seminar.
Discussions about current astronomical research, with different topics emphasized each semester. One lecture hour a week for one semester. Offered on the pass/fail basis only. May be repeated twice for credit when the topics vary. Designed for astronomy majors.
307. Introductory Astronomy.
Introduction to astronomy for science and engineering students. The solar system, stars, galaxies, and cosmology. Prerequisite: Mathematics 305G or the equivalent or consent of instructor; high school trigonometry and physics are recommended. Only one of the following may be counted: Astronomy 301, 302, 303, 307.
309. Topics in Astronomy for Nonscience Students.
Selected topics in modern astronomy: solar system, galaxies, peculiar stars, cosmology, and others. Prerequisite: Astronomy 301, 302, 303, or consent of instructor. May be repeated for credit when the topics vary.
309L. Search for Extraterrestrial Life.
Are we alone? Origin of life in the solar system, existence of other planetary systems, possibilities and techniques for detection of and communication with other intelligences. Prerequisite: Astronomy 301, 302, 303, or consent of instructor.
309N. Lives and Deaths of the Stars
For nonscience majors. How stars live and die; extremes of stars and their life cycles. Exotic objects such as white dwarfs, supernovae, neutron stars, pulsars, and black holes. Specific topics may vary with instructor. Astronomy 309N and 309Q may not both be counted. Prerequisite: Astronomy 301, 302, 303, or consent of instructor.
309P. Astronomy in Science Fiction.
The use of astronomy and other sciences in science fiction literature. Critical analysis of selected novels as to the validity of the astronomy used. Prerequisite: Astronomy 301, 302, 303, or consent of instructor.
309Q. Time and the Cosmos.
From the beginning of time in the big bang to the end of time in black holes. Includes early universe, formation and evolution of stars, and the object they become: white dwarfs, pulsars, and black holes. AST 309N and 309Q may not both be counted; AST 309Q and 309R may not both be counted. For non-science majors. Prerequisite: AST 301,302,303 or consent of instructor.
309R. Galaxies Quasars and Cosmology.
For nonscience majors. Galaxies, quasars, giant black holes; cosmic evolution; the origin and future of the universe. Astronomy 309Q and 309R may not both be counted. Prerequisite: Astronomy 301, 302, 303, or consent of instructor.
309T The Milky Way Galaxy.
Our spiral system of stars, gas, and dust; star formation. Prerequisite: Astronomy 301, 302, 303, or consent of instructor.
110K, 210K, 310K. 410K. Conference Course.
May be repeated for credit when the topics vary. Some sections are offered on the pass/fail basis only; these are identified in the Course Schedule. Supervised study of selected areas of astronomy by arrangement with a faculty member. Prerequisite: Written consent of instructor. Conference course.
119S, 219S, 319S, 419S, 519S, 619S, 719S, 819S, 919S. Topics in Astronomy.
This course is used to record credit the student earns while enrolled at another institution in a program administered by the University's Study Abroad Office. Credit is recorded as assigned by the study abroad adviser in the Department of Astronomy. University credit is awarded for work in an exchange program; it may be counted as coursework taken in residence. Transfer credit is awarded for work in an affiliated studies program. May be repeated for credit when the topics vary.
UPPER DIVISION COURSES
321. Current Problems in Astronomy.
For nonscience majors. Prerequisite: Upper-division standing; and Astronomy 301,302,303, or consent of instructor. May be repeated for credit when the topics vary.
324. Origins: The Universe, Stars, Planets, and Life.
For nonscience majors. Origins of the universe, stars, and planets; origin of life from simple molecules. Prerequisite: Upper-division standing; and Astronomy 301, 302, 303, or consent of instructor.
129S, 229S, 329S, 429S, 529S, 629S, 729S, 829S, 929S. Topics In Astronomy.
This course is used to record credit the student earns while enrolled at another institution in a program administered by the University's Study Abroad Office. Credit is recorded as assigned by the study abroad adviser in the Department of Astronomy. University credit is awarded for work in an exchange program; it may be counted as coursework taken in residence. Transfer credit is awarded for work in an affiliated studies program. May be repeated for credit when the topics vary.
350L. History and Philosophy of Astronomy.
Historical influence of astronomical concepts on social, economic, literary, and scientific life; the place of astronomy in society. Usually is designated as a substantial writing component course. Prerequisite: Upper-division standing; and Astronomy 301, 302, 303, or consent of instructor.
351. Astronomical Instrumentation
A hands-on course in computer-controlled optical instrumentation. Intended for natural science and engineering students interested in the practical aspects of instrument design and construction. Includes optics and optical design, electronics, machining and mechanical design, and computer interfacing. Students work in groups and as teams to design a computer-controlled optical instrument. The equivalent of three lecture hours a week for one semester. Prerequisite: Upper-division standing in the College of Natural Sciences or the College of Engineering, or consent of instructor.
352K. General Stellar Astronomy.
The observed properties of normal stars, multiple stars, variable stars, and peculiar stars. Prerequisite: Physics 316 and 116L.
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.
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 sixteen-inch telescope on campus. Prerequisite: Physics 316 and 116L; concurrent enrollment in Astronomy 352K. is recommended. Three laboratory hours a week for one semester.
353. Astrophysics.
Survey of the physics of stellar and nonstellar radiation laws, stellar atmospheres and interiors; high-energy astrophysics. Prerequisite: Physics 316 and 116L.
358. Galaxies and the Universe.
Structure and contents of our galaxy; normal and active galaxies, quasars; introduction to cosmology. Prerequisite: Physics 316 or the equivalent; Astronomy 352K is recommended.
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.
367M. Methods of Astronomy.
Same as Physical Science 367M. May not be counted toward the Bachelor of Arts, Plan 1, degree with a major in astronomy. An introductory, self-paced course in the methods of astronomy that emphasizes learning astronomical principles through observations. Prerequisite: Upper-division standing and nine semester hours of mathematics and/or science, including one of the following: Physical Science 303, 304, Astronomy 301,302, 303. Equivalent preparation in mathematics, physics, chemistry, or earth sciences may be substituted with written approval of the instructor. Six laboratory hours a week for one semester.
175 ,275, 375. Conference Course.
May be repeated for credit when the topics vary. Prerequisite: Upper-division standing and consent of instructor. Conference course.
376. Special Topics In Advanced Astronomy.
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. Designed for science majors. Prerequisite: Upper-division standing and consent of instructor.
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: An academic record that may qualify the student for admission to the Astronomy Honors Program, and consent of instructor and the honors adviser.
