Please read Which astronomy course should you take? for a detailed description of the scope and intended audiences for each of these courses.
Astronomy 2291
Basic Astrophysics & Planetary Astronomy
3 credits / Autumn semester
Motions and physical nature of objects in the solar system; electromagnetic radiation, telescopes, & astronomical detectors.
Prereq or concur: Physics 1251 or concurrent; or permission of instructor. Intended only for BS students. This course is available for EM credit.
Astronomy 2292
Stellar, Galactic, & Extragalactic Astronomy & Astrophysics
3 credits / Spring semester
Observational and physical properties of the sun and stars; stellar structure and evolution; interstellar medium; galaxies & cosmology.
Prereq: Astronomy 2291 or permission of instructor. This course is available for EM credit.
Astronomy 2895
Topics in Astrophysics
1 credit / Autumn semester
Prospective astronomy majors will meet weekly with different astronomy faculty to learn about current research topics, facilities, and opportunities available in the undergraduate astronomy program.
Astronomy 2895 is repeatable to a maximum of 2 cr hours. This course is graded S/U.
Astronomy 3350
Methods of Astronomical Observation & Data Analysis
3 credits / Autumn semester
Astronomical observation techniques and quantitative analysis of astronomical data; practical experience with modern astronomical instrumentation and computer-based reduction, analysis, and interpretation of astronomical data.
Prereq: 162, H162, 292, 1162, 1162H, or 2292 and Math 153 or 1152, and Physics 133 or 1251.
Note: While Astronomy 162 (1162) is technically allowed as a prerequisite, Astronomy 2292 will be assumed for most students. The Math 1152 / 2162 / 2173 and Physics 1251 prerequisites will assume a mastery of (not just familiarity with) calculus and classical physics.
Astronomy 5681
Principles of Stellar Evolution & Nucleosynthesis
3 credits / Spring semester of even-numbered years (e.g., Spring 2018)
Physics of stellar structure, evolution, and nucleosynthesis.
Prereq: Math 2174 or 2255 or 2415; and Physics 5500; or permission of instructor. Not open to students with credit for Physics/Astronomy 681.
Astronomy 5682
Introduction to Cosmology
3 credits / Spring semester of odd-numbered years (e.g., Spring 2021)
Structure and Evolution of the Universe.
Prereq: Math 2174 or 2255 or 2415; and Physics 2301; or permission of instructor. Not open to students with credit for Physics/Astronomy 682.
Astronomy 4193
Individual Studies
1-10 cr.
Independent library or laboratory work on a special problem or topic in observational or theoretical astronomy.
Prereq.: Permission of instructor. Repeatable to 30 hours or 3 completions. This course is graded S/U.
Astronomy 4194
Group Studies
1-10 cr.
Special studies not otherwise offered
Prereq.: Permission of instructor. Repeatable to 10 hours or 2 completions. This course is graded S/U.
Astronomy 4998
Non-Thesis Research
1-10 cr.
Directed undergraduate research (non-thesis).
Prereq.: Permission of instructor. Repeatable to 30 hours or 4 completions. This course is graded S/U/
Astronomy 4999
Thesis Research
1-10 cr.
Directed undergraduate research for thesis.
Prereq.: Permission of instructor. Repeatable to 30 hours or 4 completions. This course is graded S/U.
