Undergraduate Program

This course, for non-science majors, focuses on the solar system, planets orbiting other stars and the possibility that life may exist on some of those worlds.  Topics include the history and basic physics of our understanding of the solar system, the origin of planetary systems like the solar system, the nature of the 8 planets and other bodies in our solar system, how we detect planets orbiting other stars and the origin and possibilities for life on planets. The class will also include readings and discussion of climate change as a planetary phenomenon. Calculus is not needed for the course. The class will also include the use of a video game intended to help teach basic concepts in solar system science.

Location

(T 3:25PM - 4:40PM)

This course, for non-science majors, focuses on the solar system, planets orbiting other stars and the possibility that life may exist on some of those worlds.  Topics include the history and basic physics of our understanding of the solar system, the origin of planetary systems like the solar system, the nature of the 8 planets and other bodies in our solar system, how we detect planets orbiting other stars and the origin and possibilities for life on planets. The class will also include readings and discussion of climate change as a planetary phenomenon. Calculus is not needed for the course. The class will also include the use of a video game intended to help teach basic concepts in solar system science.

Location

(R 4:50PM - 6:05PM)

Application of the physics and math techniques learned in the introductory course sequences, to the study of celestial objects outside the Solar system. We discuss stars and their formation from interstellar matter, the structure of galaxies and their distribution in the Universe, and the origins and large-scale structure of the Universe: all topics that are developed much further in the AST 200-level courses. The course also includes a night-time observing project, based upon student use of professional-style telescopes and CCD cameras. Registration of recitation is required at the time of course registration. Typical textbook: Marck Kutner, 'Astronomy' A Physical Perspective,' second edition.

Location

(TR 11:05AM - 12:20PM)

Application of the physics and math techniques learned in the introductory course sequences, to the study of celestial objects outside the Solar system. We discuss stars and their formation from interstellar matter, the structure of galaxies and their distribution in the Universe, and the origins and large-scale structure of the Universe: all topics that are developed much further in the AST 200-level courses. The course also includes a night-time observing project, based upon student use of professional-style telescopes and CCD cameras. Registration of recitation is required at the time of course registration. Typical textbook: Marck Kutner, 'Astronomy' A Physical Perspective,' second edition.

Location

(F 2:00PM - 4:40PM)

Application of the physics and math techniques learned in the introductory course sequences, to the study of celestial objects outside the Solar system. We discuss stars and their formation from interstellar matter, the structure of galaxies and their distribution in the Universe, and the origins and large-scale structure of the Universe: all topics that are developed much further in the AST 200-level courses. The course also includes a night-time observing project, based upon student use of professional-style telescopes and CCD cameras. Registration of recitation is required at the time of course registration. Typical textbook: Marck Kutner, 'Astronomy' A Physical Perspective,' second edition.

Location

(F 3:25PM - 6:05PM)

In this course we will study the structure of galaxies from spirals to large ellipticals. This will include aspects of the physics of the galactic constituents (e.g. stars, gas, dust, outflows) as well as the dynamics that determines galactic structure. We will also look at aspects of galaxy formation, and the connection of galactic astrophysics to cosmology.

Location

(TR 11:05AM - 12:20PM)

ASTR 244W/444 is the astronomy-only version of our Advanced Laboratory (PHYS 243W), in which challenging observing projects and analyses are carried out using the 24-inch Cassegrain telescope, and its research-grade instrument suite, at the Mees Observatory. The semester is front-loaded with ten introductory lessons on instruments, observations, and image processing. Afterwards, most of the effort will go into planning and executing observations, analyzing the data, and writing papers about the results.

Location

(TR 6:15PM - 7:30PM)

This course provides undergraduate students the opportunity to pursue in-depth, independent exploration of a topic not regularly offered in the curriculum, under the supervision of a faculty member in the form of independent study, practicum, internship or research. The objectives and content are determined in consultation between students and full-time members of the teaching faculty. Responsibilities and expectations vary by course and department.

Location

( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)

Under the guidance of a faculty advisor, Seniors identify a topic, develop a project plan, conduct substantive work, and present their findings or creations in a final written report, portfolio, performance, or presentation. Responsibilities and expectations vary by course and department.

Location

( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)

Under the guidance of a faculty advisor, Seniors identify a topic, develop a project plan, conduct substantive work, and present their findings or creations in a final written report, portfolio, performance, or presentation. Responsibilities and expectations vary by course and department.

Location

( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)

Under the guidance of a faculty advisor, Seniors identify a topic, develop a project plan, conduct substantive work, and present their findings or creations in a final written report, portfolio, performance, or presentation. Responsibilities and expectations vary by course and department.

Location

( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)

Under the guidance of a faculty advisor, Seniors identify a topic, develop a project plan, conduct substantive work, and present their findings or creations in a final written report, portfolio, performance, or presentation. Responsibilities and expectations vary by course and department.

Location

( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)

Under the guidance of a faculty advisor, Seniors identify a topic, develop a project plan, conduct substantive work, and present their findings or creations in a final written report, portfolio, performance, or presentation. Responsibilities and expectations vary by course and department.

Location

( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)

Under the guidance of a faculty advisor, Seniors identify a topic, develop a project plan, conduct substantive work, and present their findings or creations in a final written report, portfolio, performance, or presentation. Responsibilities and expectations vary by course and department.

Location

( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)

Under the guidance of a faculty advisor, Seniors identify a topic, develop a project plan, conduct substantive work, and present their findings or creations in a final written report, portfolio, performance, or presentation. Responsibilities and expectations vary by course and department.

Location

( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)

Under the guidance of a faculty advisor, Seniors identify a topic, develop a project plan, conduct substantive work, and present their findings or creations in a final written report, portfolio, performance, or presentation. Responsibilities and expectations vary by course and department.

Location

( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)

Under the guidance of a faculty advisor, Seniors identify a topic, develop a project plan, conduct substantive work, and present their findings or creations in a final written report, portfolio, performance, or presentation. Responsibilities and expectations vary by course and department.

Location

( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)

This course provides undergraduate students the opportunity to pursue in-depth, independent exploration of a topic not regularly offered in the curriculum, under the supervision of a faculty member in the form of independent study, practicum, internship or research. The objectives and content are determined in consultation between students and full-time members of the teaching faculty. Responsibilities and expectations vary by course and department.

Location

( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)