Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences

ASTR 1000 (3) The Solar System

Introduction to the night sky, planets, moons and the life in our solar system. Highlights the latest discoveries from space. For non-science majors. Some lectures may be held at Fiske Planetarium. Offers opportunities for nighttime observations at Sommers-Bausch Observatory.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: ASTR 1010, but without lab ASTR 1010 or ASTR 1030
Requisites: Restricted to non- Astronomy (ASTR) majors only.
Additional Information: Arts Sci Core Curr: Natural Science Sequence
Arts Sci Core Curr: Natural Science Non-Sequence
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Natural Sciences
MAPS Course: Natural Science

ASTR 1010 (4) Introductory Astronomy: The Solar System w/Lab

Introduction to the night sky, planets, moons and the life in our solar system. Highlights the latest discoveries from space. For non-science majors. Some lectures may be held at Fiske Planetarium. Requires nighttime observations at Sommers-Bausch Observatory. Degree credit granted for only one of ASTR 1000 or ASTR 1010.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: ASTR 1000, but with additional lab
Requisites: Restricted to non- Astronomy (ASTR) majors only.
Additional Information: Arts Sci Core Curr: Natural Science Sequence
Arts Sci Core Curr: Natural Science Lab
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Natural Sci Lab
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Natural Sciences
MAPS Course: Natural Science Lab or Lab/Lec

ASTR 1020 (4) Introductory Astronomy: Stars & Galaxies w/Recitation

Non-science majors learn the nature and workings of the Sun, stars, neutron stars, black holes, galaxies, quasars, structure and origins of the universe. Some lectures may be held at Fiske Planetarium. Offers opportunities for nighttime observations at Sommers-Bausch Observatory. Includes recitation.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: ASTR 1040 or ASTR 1200
Requisites: Restricted to non-Astronomy (ASTR) majors only.
Additional Information: Arts Sci Core Curr: Natural Science Sequence
Arts Sci Core Curr: Natural Science Non-Sequence
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Natural Sciences

ASTR 1030 (4) Accelerated Introductory Astronomy 1

Covers principles of modern astronomy summarizing our present knowledge about the Earth, Sun, moon, planets and origin of life. Requires nighttime observation sessions at Sommers-Bausch Observatory. Required in ASTR major/minor. Like ASTR 1000 and 1010, but taught at a higher intellectual level, including a significant amount of quantitative analysis.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: ASTR 1000 or ASTR 1010
Requisites: Requires prerequisite or corequisite course of MATH 1300 or APPM 1350 or APPM 1340 and APPM 1345 (all minimum grade C-).
Additional Information: GT Pathways: GT-SC1 - Natural Physcal Sci:Lec Crse w/ Req Lab
Arts Sci Core Curr: Natural Science Sequence
Arts Sci Core Curr: Natural Science Lab
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Natural Sci Lab
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Natural Sciences

ASTR 1040 (4) Accelerated Introductory Astronomy 2

Covers principles of modern astronomy summarizing our present knowledge about the Sun, stars, birth and death of stars, neutron stars, black holes, galaxies, quasars, and the organization and origins of the universe. May require nighttime observing sessions at Sommers-Bausch Observatory. Required in ASTR major/minor. Includes a recitation. Taught at a higher intellectual level including a significant amount of quantitative analysis.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: ASTR 1020 or ASTR 1200
Requisites: Requires prerequisite course of ASTR 1010 or ASTR 1030 and MATH 1300 or APPM 1350 or APPM 1340 and APPM 1345 (all minimum grade C-).
Additional Information: GT Pathways: GT-SC2 -Natural Physicl Sci:Lec Crse w/o Req Lab
Arts Sci Core Curr: Natural Science Sequence
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Natural Sciences

ASTR 1200 (3) Stars and Galaxies

Non-science majors are introduced to the nature and workings of the Sun, stars, neutron stars, black holes, interstellar gas, galaxies, quasars, plus structure and origins of the universe. Some lectures may be held at Fiske Planetarium. Offers opportunities to attend nighttime observation sessions at Sommers-Bausch Observatory.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: ASTR 1020 or ASTR 1040
Requisites: Restricted to non- Astronomy (ASTR) majors only.
Additional Information: Arts Sci Core Curr: Natural Science Non-Sequence
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Natural Sciences
MAPS Course: Natural Science

ASTR 2000 (3) Ancient Astronomies of the World

Documents the numerous ways in which observational astronomy and cosmology have been features of ancient cultures. Includes naked eye astronomy, archaeoastronomy, ethnoastronomy, concepts of time, calendrics, cosmogony, and cosmology.

Additional Information: Arts Sci Core Curr: Human Diversity
Arts Sci Core Curr: Natural Science Non-Sequence
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Diversity-Global Perspective
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Natural Sciences
MAPS Course: Natural Science

ASTR 2010 (3) Modern Cosmology-Origin and Structure of the Universe

Introduces modern cosmology to nonscience majors. Covers the Big Bang; the age, size, and structure of the universe; and the origin of the elements and of stars, galaxies, the solar system, and life.

Additional Information: Arts Sci Core Curr: Natural Science Non-Sequence
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Natural Sciences
MAPS Course: Natural Science

ASTR 2020 (3) Space Astronomy and Exploration

Covers physical principles of performing astronomy from space for science and exploration. The basic design of launch vehicles and spacecraft, orbital dynamics, and instruments will be described in the context of specific space missions (e.g. Hubble Telescope, Mars rovers) as well as prospects for future space observatories in orbit and on the Moon.

Additional Information: Arts Sci Core Curr: Natural Science Non-Sequence
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Natural Sciences
MAPS Course: Natural Science

ASTR 2030 (3) Black Holes

Black holes are one of the most bizarre phenomena of nature. Students are introduced to the predicted properties of black holes, astronomical evidence for their existence and formation, and modern ideas about space, time, and gravity.

Additional Information: Arts Sci Core Curr: Natural Science Non-Sequence
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Natural Sciences
MAPS Course: Natural Science

ASTR 2040 (3) The Search for Life in the Universe

Introduces the scientific basis for the possible existence of life elsewhere in the universe. Includes origin and evolution of life on Earth and the search for evidence of life in our solar system, including Mars and Jupiter's moon Europa. Discusses the conditions necessary for life and whether they might arise on planets around other stars. Credit only for this course or ASTR 3300.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: GEOL 2040
Additional Information: Arts Sci Core Curr: Natural Science Non-Sequence
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Natural Sciences

ASTR 2050 (3) The Sun and Society: Living with an Active Star

Introduces non-science majors to the many ways out Sun influences life and society. Covers how the Sun generates energy, how it evolves over billions of years, how it affects Earth's climate and biology, how it produces dangerous "space weather", how we can harness its power and how life in other solar systems would depend on the properties of their Suns.

Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Natural Sciences
MAPS Course: Natural Science

ASTR 2100 (3) Fundamental Concepts in Astrophysics

Covers topics in modern physics required for upper-level astrophysics and planetary science courses, including quantum mechanics, electromagnetic spectra, atomic and nuclear physics, and thermodynamics, in the context of astrophysics, planetary and space sciences. Also introduces key topics in mathematics to support these topics.

Requisites: Requires prerequisite course of PHYS 1120 or PHYS 1125 and APPM 1360 or MATH 2300 (minimum grade C-).
Grading Basis: Letter Grade

ASTR 2500 (3) Gateway to Space

Introduces the basics of atmosphere and space sciences, space exploration, spacecraft design, rocketry and orbits. Students design, build, and launch a miniature satellite on a high altitude balloon. Explores the current research in space through lectures from industry.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: ASEN 1400, ASEN 1403, ECEN 1400 and GEEN 1400
Requisites: Restricted to Astronomy (ASTR) majors only.
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Natural Sciences

ASTR 2600 (3) Introduction to Scientific Programming

Introduces principles, methods and tools of scientific programming commonly used in research. Topics include an introduction to programming in Python, data structures, numerical methods for calculus and data manipulation/visualization. Techniques covered are relevant to many technical fields but emphasis is placed on application to problems in astronomy and planetary science. Class time is split between lectures and in-lab tutorials.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: PHYS 2600
Requisites: Requires prerequisite course of MATH 1300 or APPM 1350 and PHYS 1110 or PHYS 1115 (minimum grade C-).
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Natural Sciences

ASTR 2840 (1-3) Independent Study

Instructor consent required.

Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 6.00 total credit hours.

ASTR 3300 (3) Extraterrestrial Life

Discusses the scientific basis for the possible existence of extraterrestrial life. Includes origin and evolution of life on Earth; possibility of life elsewhere in the solar system, including Mars; and the possibility of life on planets around other stars. Department enforced prerequisite: one-year sequence in a natural science. Credit only for this course or ASTR 2040.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: GEOL 3300
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Natural Sciences

ASTR 3400 (3) Research Methods in Astronomy

Introduces research methods in astronomy and engages students in an active research project. The research projects will vary and may include astronomical observations, data analysis, scientific programming, theoretical models and statistical inference. As part of their research, students will read scientific papers, attend local seminars and prepare oral and written research proposals and reports. Elective for ASTR majors.

Requisites: Requires prerequisite courses of ASTR 1040 and PHYS 1125 or 1120 (all minimum grade C-). Requires co-requisite or prerequisite of ASTR 2600 or PHYS 2600 (minimum grade C-). Restricted to ASTR majors.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Natural Sci Lab
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Natural Sciences

ASTR 3510 (4) Observations and Instrumentation 1

Lab course in astronomical observation and instrumentation. Hands-on exercises include obtaining and analyzing multi-wavelength data, basic optical design and instrumentation and statistical analysis of data, with emphasis on imaging applications. A significant number of night time observation sessions are required. Elective for APS majors. Practical Python knowledge required (ASTR/PHYS 2600 or equivalent strongly recommended.) Elective for APS minors on space available basis.

Requisites: Requires a prerequisite or corequisite core of APPM 1360 or MATH 2300 and ASTR 1020 or ASTR 1040 and PHYS 1120 (all minimum grade C-). Restricted to Astronomy (ASTR) majors only.
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Natural Sci Lab
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Natural Sciences

ASTR 3520 (4) Observations and Instrumentation 2

Lab course in observation and instrumentation. Hands-on exercises include obtaining and analyzing multi-wavelength data, optical design and instrumentation, and statistical analysis, with emphasis on spectroscopy. A significant number of night time observation sessions are required. Elective for APS majors. Elective for APS minors on space available basis.

Requisites: Requires a prerequisite course of ASTR 3510 (minimum grade C-). Restricted to Astrophysics (ASTR) majors only.
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Natural Sci Lab
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Natural Sciences

ASTR 3560 (3) Astronomical Instrumentation Laboratory

Teaches students aspects of astronomical instrument design in a hands-on setting. Students will learn elementary principles of geometrical optics, diffraction, light detection, signal conditioning, data acquisition and motion control, and mechanical design. Students will apply these principles working in groups to design and build optical spectrometers.

Requisites: Requires prerequisite courses of ASTR 1040 and (PHYS 2130 or PHYS 2170 or ASTR 2100) (minimum grade C-).
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Natural Sci Lab
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Natural Sciences

ASTR 3710 (3) Formation & Dynamics of Planetary Systems

Covers the origin of planetary systems and their dynamical evolution. Topics include the physics and chemistry of planetary formation, orbital mechanics and extrasolar planets. This course and ASTR 3720 and ASTR 3750 may be taken in any order. Elective for APS major and minor.

Requisites: Requires prerequisite course of PHYS 1120 and MATH 2300 or APPM 1360 (all minimum grade C-).
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Natural Sciences

ASTR 3720 (3) Planets and Their Atmospheres

Explores the physics and chemistry of the atmospheres of Mars, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, and Titan. Examines evolution of the atmospheres of Earth, Venus, and Mars; and the escape of gases from the Galilean satellites, Titan and Mars; the orbital characteristics of moons, planets, and comets. Uses recent results of space exploration. Elective for APS major and minor.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: ATOC 3720
Requisites: Requires prerequisite courses of PHYS 1120 and (APPM 1360 or MATH 2300) and prerequisite or corequisite course of ASTR 2100 or MATH 2400 or APPM 2350 (all minimum grade C-).
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Natural Sciences

ASTR 3730 (3) Astrophysics 1 - Stellar and Interstellar

Provides a quantitative introduction to the radiative and gravitational physics relevant to stellar and galactic astrophysics, as applied to understanding observations of tars, stellar evolution, stellar remnants and the structure of the Milky Way. Elective for APS major and minor.

Requisites: Requires prerequisite courses of PHYS 2130 or PHYS 2170 or ASTR 2100 (all minimum grade C-).
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Natural Sciences

ASTR 3740 (3) Cosmology and Relativity

Special and general relativity as applied to astrophysics, cosmological models, observational cosmology, experimental relativity and the early universe. Elective for APS major and minor.

Requisites: Requires prerequisite courses of PHYS 2130 or PHYS 2170 or ASTR 2100 (all minimum grade C-).
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Natural Sciences

ASTR 3750 (3) Planets, Moons, and Rings

Approaches the physics of planets, emphasizing their surfaces, satellites, and rings. Topics include formation and evolution of planetary surfaces, history of the terrestrial planets, and dynamics of planetary rings. This course and ASTR 3720 may be taken for credit in any order. Elective for APS major and minor.

Requisites: Requires prerequisite courses of PHYS 1120 and (APPM 1360 or MATH 2300) and prerequisite or corequisite course of ASTR 2100 or MATH 2400 or APPM 2350 (all minimum grade C-).
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Natural Sciences

ASTR 3760 (3) Solar and Space Physics

Explores the physical processes linking the Sun and planets, emphasizing solar radiative and particulate variability and the response of planetary atmospheres and magnetospheres. Topics include the solar dynamo, solar wind, coronal mass ejections, cosmic ray modulation, magnetospheres, aurora, the space environment, and climate variability. Elective for APS major and minor.

Requisites: Requires prerequisite courses of PHYS 2130 or PHYS 2170 or ASTR 2100 (all minimum grade C-).
Recommended: Prerequisite PHYS 3310.
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Natural Sciences

ASTR 3800 (3) Introduction to Scientific Data Analysis and Computing

Introduces scientific data analysis from a practical perspective. Covers statistical analysis, model fitting, error analysis, theoretical compliance and image analysis with examples from space-based and ground-based astronomy. Elective for APS major. Opened to qualified non-majors with instructor consent.

Requisites: Requires prerequisite course of (ASTR 2600 or PHYS 2600) and prerequisite or corequisite courses of (ASTR 1020 or ASTR 1040) and PHYS 1120 and (APPM 1360 or MATH 2300) (all minimum grade C-).
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Natural Sciences

ASTR 3830 (3) Astrophysics 2 - Galactic and Extragalactic

The second semester of a year-long introduction to astrophysical processes. The physical processes developed in ASTR 3730 are applied to topics in extragalactic astronomy, including galaxies, supermassive black holes, galaxy clusters and cosmology. Elective for APS major and minor.

Requisites: Requires prerequisite course of ASTR 3730 (minimum grade C-).
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Natural Sciences

ASTR 4330 (3) Cosmochemistry

Investigates chemical and isotopic data to understand the composition of the solar system: emphasis on the physical conditions in various objects, time scales for change, chemical and nuclear processes leading to change, observational constraints, and various models that attempt to describe the chemical state and history of cosmological objects in general and the early solar system in particular. Department enforced prerequisite: upper-division undergraduate standing in physical science and upper-division undergraduate chemistry or physics or math courses.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: ASTR 5330 and GEOL 4330 and GEOL 5330
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Natural Sciences

ASTR 4500 (1-3) Special Topics in Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences

Topics vary each semester.

Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 9.00 total credit hours.
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Natural Sciences

ASTR 4800 (3) Space Science: Practice and Policy

Exposes students to current controversies in science that illustrate the scientific method and the interplay of observation, theory, and science policy. Students research and debate both sides of the issues, which include strategies and spin-offs of space exploration, funding of science, big vs. small science, and scientific heresy and fraud.

Recommended: Prerequisite one year of college level astronomy or physics.
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Natural Sciences

ASTR 4840 (1-3) Independent Study

Instructor consent required.

Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 6.00 total credit hours.

ASTR 4841 (1-3) Independent Study

Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 7.00 total credit hours.