A study of the night sky primarily for non-science majors. Provides a brief history of astronomy through Newton. Topics include the properties of the sun, earth, moon, planets, asteroids, meteors …
A study of stars, star formation, and evolution primarily for non-science majors. Topics include light, atoms, and modern observing technologies; origin of the chemical elements; supernovae, pulsars, neutron stars, and …
Alien worlds orbiting other stars were the subject of speculation going back to ancient times, and were first detected in the 1990s. Today, thousands of extrasolar planets are known and …
From ancient Babylon to modern cosmology, nearly every culture on Earth has stories and myths of creation. It is a universal human desire to understand from where we came. In …
Black holes are stellar remnants that are so dense that nothing, not even light, can escape their gravitational pull. Nevertheless, systems that contain these "dark stars" are among the brightest …
For first- and second-year students considering Astronomy/Astronomy-Physics as a major, or current A/A-P majors. Faculty will present ongoing research to introduce students to both the subject matter and the required …
Primarily for science majors. A thorough discussion of the basic concepts and methods of solar system, stellar, galactic, and extragalactic astronomy and astrophysics with an emphasis on physical principles. Prerequisite/corequisite: …
Primarily for science majors. A lecture and laboratory course that deals with basic observational techniques in astronomy. The laboratory section generally meets at night. Students use observational facilities at the …
Open to non-science students. Studies the possibility of intelligent extraterrestrial life; methods and desirability of interstellar communication; prospects for humanity's colonization of space; interaction of space colonies; and the search …
This course introduces communication skills for scientists who need to engage with diverse audiences beyond their immediate research community by teaching practical tools for grant writing, peer review, policy briefings, …
The next great adventure in space flight will be a human mission to Mars. In this course, we will explore how such a mission might take place. Topics will include …
Intended for STEM majors and non-STEM majors who are comfortable with some non-calculus math. Cosmology explores the origin and evolution of the Universe, including cosmic expansion, mapping the Universe, dark …
Studies the origin and evolution of the bodies in the solar system, emphasizing the geology of the planets and satellites of the inner solar system and the satellites of the …
Optional one hour laboratory for students in ASTR 3880 that provides practical experience in accessing and analyzing data related to the origin and geology of solar system planetary bodies, including …
Primarily for astronomy/astrophysics majors. Students will be exposed to a research methods-intensive set of mini projects, with emphasis on current active areas of astrophysics research. The goal is to prepare …
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Independent study of a topic of special interest to the student under individual supervision by a faculty member. May be repeated once for credit. Prerequisite: Instructor permission.
May be repeated once for credit. Prerequisite: Instructor permission.
Graduate students will be exposed to a research methods-intensive set of projects, with emphasis on current active areas of astrophysics research. The goal is to prepare students for research in …
Studies the physics of the interstellar gas and grains, the distribution and dynamics of gas, and cosmic radiation and interstellar magnetic fields. Prerequisite: Instructor permission.