AST - Astronomy

Astronomy: AST

Lower-Division Courses

AST X01. Introduction to Astronomy.

General introduction to astronomy for nonscience majors. The solar system, stars, galaxies, and cosmology.

AST X01L. Astronomy Discovery Laboratory.

Hands-on projects in observational astronomy and related laboratory disciplines. Students work in small groups.

AST X02. Self-Paced Introduction to Astronomy.

General, self-paced introduction to astronomy for nonscience majors. The solar system, stars, galaxies, and cosmology.

AST X03. Introduction to Astronomy with Celestial Observations.

General introduction to astronomy for nonscience majors. The solar system, stars, galaxies, and cosmology. Introduces students to the night sky and includes some observational activities.

AST X03L. Astronomical Observations.

Observations of the night sky with the naked eye and small telescopes; indoor laboratory activities.

AST X04. Undergraduate Astronomy Seminar.

Discussions about current astronomical research, with different topics emphasized each semester.

AST X07. Introductory Astronomy.

Introduction to astronomy for science and engineering students. The solar system, stars, galaxies, and cosmology.

AST X09. Topics in Astronomy for Nonscience Students.

Selected topics in modern astronomy: solar system, galaxies, peculiar stars, cosmology, and others.

AST X09.1. Popular Astronomy.

Survey of topics of greatest interest to the public and the media, including new planets, black holes, dark matter, dark energy, and the origin of the Universe.

AST X09C. Birth of Stars and Planets.

Study of how stars and planets form, including discussions on the implications for the formation of our own solar system. Designed for non-College of Natural Sciences majors.

AST X09G. Popular Astronomy for Nonscience Students.

Subjects include new planets, neutron stars, supernovae, gamma-ray bursts, black holes, dark matter, dark energy, and the origin of the universe. Designed for non-College of Natural Sciences majors.

AST X09L. Search for Extraterrestrial Life.

Origin of life in the solar system, existence of other planetary systems, possibilities and techniques for detection of and communication with other intelligences. Designed for non-College of Natural Sciences majors.

AST X09N. Lives and Deaths of Stars.

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 subjects may vary with instructor. Designed for non-College of Natural Sciences majors.

AST X09P. 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. Designed for non-College of Natural Sciences majors.

AST X09Q. Time and the Cosmos.

From the beginning of time in the Big Bang to the end of time in the black hole. Includes the early universe, the formation and evolution of single and double stars, and the supercompact objects they eventually become: white dwarfs, pulsars, and black holes. Designed for non-College of Natural Sciences majors.

AST X09R. Galaxies, Quasars, and the Universe.

Galaxies, quasars, giant black holes; cosmic evolution; the origin and future of the universe. Designed for non-College of Natural Sciences majors.

AST X09S. The Solar System.

The nature, origin, and evolution of our solar system, including planets, moons, and other bodies. Designed for non-College of Natural Sciences majors.

AST X09T. The Milky Way Galaxy.

Our spiral system of stars, gas, and dust; star formation. Designed for non-College of Natural Sciences majors.

AST X10C. Conference Course in Astronomy.

Independent research course with supervision by astronomy faculty member or research scientist.

AST X10K. Topics in Astronomy Research.

AST X11G. Galaxy Evolution - Vertically Integrated Projects I.

Improve Python programming skills and learn application to galaxy evolution research in astronomy. Develop research skills through a group project and discussions. Report on progress each week, produce a research notebook, and conduct presentations.

AST X12G. Galaxy Evolution - Vertically Integrated Projects II.

Collaborate with senior mentoring team to define and develop capstone research project. Complete original project initiated in Astronomy 211G, and present results at the CNS Undergraduate Research Fair. Analyze and discuss current scientific papers related to astronomy.

AST X19S. 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.

AST X29S. Topics in Astronomy.

Upper-Division Courses

AST X19S. Topics in Astronomy.

AST X21. Topics in Current Problems in Astronomy.

AST X22G. Galaxy Evolution - Vertically Integrated Projects Capstone.

Continue capstone research project developed in Astronomy 212G. Discuss and pursue publication possibilities. Present poster of research results at the CNS Undergraduate Research Fair and in an oral presentation.

AST X24. Origins: The Universe, Stars, Planets, and Life.

Cosmic origins from the Big Bang to life, and the connections among the origins of stars, planets, and life.

AST X29S. Topics in Astronomy.

AST X50L. History and Philosophy of Astronomy.

Historical influence of astronomical concepts on social, economic, literary, and scientific life; the place of astronomy in society.

AST X51. 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.

AST X52K. Stellar Astronomy.

Properties of stars and starlight: principles of radiation; interpretation of stellar spectra. Observational techniques such as photometry, spectroscopy, and telescopes and detectors; variable stars; binary stars.

AST X52L. Positional, Dynamical, and Kinematical Astronomy.

Coordinate systems and time; stellar positions and motions; the kinematics and dynamics of star clusters and galaxies.

AST X52M. 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.

AST X53. Astrophysics.

Survey of the physics of stellar and nonstellar radiation laws, stellar atmospheres and interiors; high-energy astrophysics. Designed for science and engineering majors.

AST X58. Galaxies and the Universe.

Our galaxy and its constituents; stars and interstellar matter. Properties of other galaxies; galaxy interactions and mergers; expansion and evolution of the universe. Designed for science and engineering majors.

AST X64P. Planetary Systems.

Modern studies of the solar system, including properties of the planets and smaller bodies, and the origin of planetary systems.

AST X67M. Physical Science: Methods of Astronomy.

An introductory, self-paced course in the methods of astronomy that emphasizes learning astronomical principles through observations.

AST X75. Topics in Astronomy Research.

AST X75C. Conference Course in Astronomy.

Independent research course with astronomy faculty member or research scientist.

AST X76. Special Topics in Advanced Astronomy.

AST X76.1. Observational Methods in Astronomy.

A hands-on course in astronomical observations and data analysis. Explores astronomical observing techniques, data reduction and analysis, and interpretation of results. The coursework will include regular exercises in obtaining and analyzing data to solve currently relevant astronomical problems.

AST X76C. Cosmology.

The laws of physics applied to the Universe at large: its featureless beginning in the Big Bang, its fundamental constituents including radiation, atoms, and dark matter; the discoveries of universal expansion and dark energy, and a structure reflected in the web of galaxies. Designed for science and engineering majors.

AST X76R. A Practical Introduction to Research Methods.

Practical exercises including analysis of imaging data, visualization, programming exercises with Python, IDL or other languages, statistical analyses, and training for papers and oral presentations.

AST X79H. Honors Tutorial Course.

Research project and thesis for students electing to take the honors program in astronomy.

Graduate Courses

AST X19S. Topics in Astronomy.

AST X29S. Topics in Astronomy.

AST X80E. Radiative Processes and Radiative Transfer.

Classical and quantum radiative processes relevant to astrophysics; basic radiative transfer.

AST X81. Topics in Theoretical Astrophysics.

AST X81C. Gravitational Dynamics.

Orbital, collective, and tidal effects of astronomical objects, such as planets, stars, galaxies, and interstellar medium, under the influence of a gravitational field.

AST X81S. Seminar in Theoretical Astrophysics.

Topics to be announced.

AST X82C. Astrophysical Gas Dynamics.

The basic principles of compressible gas dynamics and magnetohydrodynamics, developed and applied in an astrophysical context to a wide range of astronomical phenomena.

AST X82D. Astronomical Data Analysis.

Apply statistical analysis techniques to astronomical data. Examine probability theory, parameter estimation, Bayesian statistics, Markov Chain Monte Carlo methods, and model fitting.

AST X83. Topics in Stellar Astronomy.

AST X83C. Stellar Atmospheres.

Observational properties of stellar atmospheres; theoretical calculations of stellar atmospheres and stellar spectra.

AST X83D. Stellar Structure and Evolution.

Theoretical calculations of the structure and evolution of stars.

AST X83E. Order of Magnitude Astrophysics.

Apply rapid estimation strategies employing astrophysical knowledge to answer a broad range of problems. Develop skills in posing and answering questions about research.

AST X83L. Seminar in Planets and Life.

Discussions concerning the solar system; the detection, formation, and evolution of planets; planetary atmospheres, climates, and meteorology; and various aspects of life in the universe.

AST X83T. Seminar in Stellar Astronomy.

AST X84C. Computational Astrophysics.

Investigate, compare, and implement computational techniques for numerical modeling of astrophysical systems.

AST X84T. Current Studies in Astronomy for Teachers.

Lectures and laboratory work in astronomy for elementary and secondary school teachers of earth science, physical science, or astronomy.

AST X85. Topics in Conference Course.

AST X85C. Conference on Modern Astronomy.

A broad introduction to the research being conducted by the faculty and research staff in astronomy.

AST X86. Topics in Extragalactic Astronomy.

Topics include classification of galaxies, distance indicators, luminosities, dimensions, colors, spectra, polarization, radio emission, rotation, masses; formation and evolution; pairs, groups, clusters, superclusters, large-scale distribution, redshifts, cosmology.

AST X86C. Properties of Galaxies.

Observational properties of galaxies and their interpretation; includes a discussion of the Milky Way galaxy.

AST X86S. Seminar in Extragalactic Astronomy.

Topics to be announced.

AST X89. Topics in Dynamical Astronomy.

Topics include planetary and stellar motions, asymptotic representations of quasi integrals, galactic dynamics.

AST X90F. Stars, Planets, and Interstellar Matter Seminar.

Present and discuss current research broadly related to stars, planets in the Solar System, extrasolar planets, and interstellar matter.

AST X90G. Galaxies and Cosmology Seminar.

Present and discuss current research on properties of galaxies, galaxy evolution, cosmology, and related subjects.

AST X91. Graduate Research in Astronomy.

AST X92D. Mathematical Methods of Astrophysics.

Statistics, error theory, least squares and curve fitting, numerical methods, approximation theory, Fourier transforms, sampling theory, time-series analysis.

AST X92E. Topics in Optical Techniques in Astronomy.

Topics include photometry, spectroscopy, direct imaging, interferometry and polarimetry at ultraviolet, visual, and infrared wavelengths.

AST X92G. Observing Techniques in Astronomy.

Survey of techniques used at the McDonald Observatory. Includes workshop at the observatory.

AST X92J. Astronomical Instrumentation.

A hands-on course in instrument development, including mechanical design and machining, electronics design, optical design and optics, computer interfacing, and project planning. Students use CAD programs in each area and design and build a computer-controlled instrument. Learning activities are carried out in groups and teams.

AST X93F. Survey of the Interstellar Medium.

A broad introduction to the processes and properties of the interstellar medium. Topics include H I regions, H II regions, molecular clouds, interstellar dust, and the distribution of the interstellar medium in our galaxy.

AST X93S. Seminar in Interstellar Matter.

Topics to be announced.

AST X94F. Formation of Galaxies and Large-Scale Structure.

Investigate formation and evolution of galaxies and larger structures in their cosmological context, including dark matter, dark energy, and the intergalactic medium.

AST X94P. Planetary Astrophysics.

Discuss exoplanet detection methods; demographics, architecture, formation and evolution of planetary systems; planetary interiors, atmospheres and habitability.

AST X95H. High Redshift Galaxies.

Examine galaxy evolution, emphasizing first galaxies to the cosmic star formation peak at redshift z=2. Interpret relevant observations and simulations.

AST X96C. Elements of Cosmology.

A theoretical discussion of the origin and evolution of the universe; includes a brief review of general relativity.

AST X97. Graduate Research Project.

Two-semester graduate research project in astronomy.

AST X98. Thesis.

AST X98R. Master's Report.

Preparation of a report to fulfill the requirement for the master's degree under the report option.

AST X98T. Supervised Teaching in Astronomy.

Effective astronomy teaching: course design, instructional materials, test design, other methods. In-class practice teaching. Projects in astronomy education.