 |
|
|
|
|
|
Core courses are identified as lab science or allied science by color. ASTR 0101: Astronomy (3) A broad introductory survey of astronomy that also provides students with an introduction to scientific methodology and the multifaceted interactions between science, technology, and society. Topics to be covered include the history of astronomy, basic observations of the night sky, the solar system, stars and stellar evolution, supernovae, pulsars, black holes, the Milky Way galaxy and other galaxies, cosmology, and the search for extra-terrestrial intelligence. Several optional observing sessions will be held on clear evenings. (usually offered every semester) ASTR 0121: Life in the Universe (3) The Universe contains billions of galaxies, each including billions of stars, and many of those stars might be orbited by a planet harboring life! With those kinds of numbers, many astronomers think it likely that there are other civilizations of intelligent beings elsewhere in the Universe. But if intelligence is common, why haven't we received unambiguous signals from any of them? This course will investigate the possibility of life elsewhere in the Universe, beginning with a look at life on Earth and the potential for life elsewhere in our solar system, then moving on to consider the more general requirements for life and how they might be met elsewhere. Topics will include the stellar synthesis of the elements necessary for life, recent discoveries of extrasolar planets, stellar and galactic habitability zones, possible modes of communication with other civilizations, and the potential for space travel. (usually offered in spring semester) ASTR 0239: Special Topics in Astronomy (1) Offers students a chance to pursue topics in astronomy at a level beyond that of the introductory survey courses. One or more topics will serve as a focus for the course each semester. May be repeated for credit with a different topic. Prerequisite: ASTR 0101 or permission of instructor. (offered occasionally) ASTR 0349: Integrated Physical Science: Astronomy (3) Examines current topics in astronomy, with an emphasis on the application of basic principles of chemistry and physics to those topics. Both conceptual and quantitative approaches to the subject will be explored. Topics may include comparative planetology, meteorites, tidal forces, stellar evolution, nucleosynthesis, extrasolar planets, dark matter, chemistry of the interstellar medium, galactic dynamics, or cosmology. Prerequisites: ASTR 0101 and one semester each of college-level chemistry and physics. (usually offered in alternate fall semesters, including F09) . ASTR 0350: Theoretical or Experimental Research (1-3) Involves independent work in astronomy, with the student performing an observational or theoretical research project under the supervision of a faculty member. May be repeated for credit, but no more than 6 credits may be applied to the undergraduate degree. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. (offered on demand) ASTR 0398: Internship (2-15) Offers students the opportunity to explore employment opportunities in astronomy by completing a paid or unpaid internship in a business, non-profit organization, or governmental setting. Each credit of internship should correspond to approximately 40 hours of work. Students will be required to keep a log of their activities during the internship and to complete a reflective paper on their experience at its conclusion. Prerequisite: junior or senior standing within the General Science Major, or permission of the instructor. (offered on demand) ASTR 0399: Independent Study (1-3) Independent study, under the supervision of a faculty member, in an area of astronomy beyond that covered by departmental courses. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. (offered on demand) |
|
|
|