101. Introductory Astronomy: The Solar System. No credit granted
to those who have completed or are enrolled in 111, 130, or 160. (4). (NS).
(BS). (QR/2).
Astronomy 101 students attend the same lectures as Astronomy 111 students
(see course description below). (Section 001:Cowley; Section 006:Seitzer)
102. Introductory Astronomy: Stars, Galaxies, and the Universe. No
credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in 112, 130,
or 160. (4). (NS). (BS). (QR/2).
Astronomy 102 students attend the same lectures as Astronomy 112 students
(see course description below). Instead of laboratory sections, Astronomy
102 incorporates weekly one-hour discussions and associated exercises, which
is considered along with examinations and quizzes for course grades. Cost:2
WL:4 (Section 001:MacAlpine; Section 006:Mateo)
111. Introductory Astronomy: The Solar System. No credit granted
to those who have completed or are enrolled in 101, 130, or 160. (4). (NS).
(BS). (QR/2).
Section 001. This course presents an introduction to the field of astronomy
and astrophysics with an emphasis on the discoveries from space exploration.
The first third of the course deals with understanding the history of astronomy,
orbits, gravitation, optics, and the properties of light and matter. The
rest of the course explores the properties, origin and evolution of the
major planets, asteroids, comets, the Sun and other components of the Solar
System with particular emphasis on comparative aspects with respect to the
Earth. The origin and formation of the Solar System and the origin of life
will also be discussed. This course is intended for non-science concentrators
with a basic high school math and science background. Astronomy 111 has
a two-hour laboratory section every week. Astronomy 101 has a one-hour discussion
section. Course requirements include assigned reading, section meetings,
homework, observations, quizzes, midterm, and a final examination. Laboratory
sections include observations with telescopes. Text: Kaufmann, Universe,
4th edition. Cost:2 WL:4 (Cowley)
Section 004. This course presents an introduction to the astronomy and astrophysics of the solar system. What do we know about the bodies in our Solar System (planets, comets, asteroids, and the Sun), and how did we learn it? How did the Solar System evolve, when did life arise on the earth, and what do we think the prospects are for life elsewhere in the Solar System and in the Universe? Considerable emphasis will be placed on recent discoveries from space probes and the Hubble Space Telescope. Students in Astronomy 111 have a weekly two-hour laboratory session at the Angell Hall Observatory using telescopes, and in the planetarium. Cost:2 WL:4 (Seitzer)
112. Introductory Astronomy: Stars, Galaxies, and the Universe. No
credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in 102, 130,
or 160. (4). (NS). (BS). (QR/2).
This course is intended primarily for non-science concentrators, who
wish to understand the phenomena and properties of the universe beyond our
solar system. There are no astronomy prerequisites, and a basic high school
math background (e.g., not calculus) will suffice. Students examine the
widest possible range of interrelated natural phenomena, from sub-atomic
particles to the Universe as a whole. Lectures inventory the different types
of stars and examine how red giants, white dwarfs, black holes, supernovae,
and people all fit together in one grand, remarkable scheme. The larger
picture includes our Milky Way galaxy, less hospitable exploding galaxies,
and enigmatic quasars. The present state of knowledge or speculation regarding
the origin and ultimate fate of our universe will also receive special attention.
It all came from somewhere, but where...and why? Course grades will be derived
from scheduled quizzes or exams, and laboratory exercises. Laboratory sections,
which meet for two evening hours each week, will include planetarium demonstrations
and observations with telescopes (weather permitting). Cost:2 WL:4 (Section
001:MacAlpine; Section 006:Mateo)
120. Frontiers of Astronomy. No credit granted to those who have
completed or are enrolled in Astro. 125. (3). (NS).
Astronomy is one of the most visible sciences, and regularly captures
the public's attention. This class will overview our current understanding
of the Universe, stressing discoveries of the last few years made with the
new generation of Earth-based telescopes, and orbiting observatories such
as the Hubble Space Telescope and high-energy satellites. From this we will
see how astronomers can probe the Universe, using only the stray light and
particles from distant objects, and how the need to explain these data enriches
our understanding of the physical world. The class will emphasize how scientific
discoveries are made, the results circulated, and then popularized. By focusing
on such recent discoveries as planetary systems, black hole candidates,
'dark matter' and the large scale structure of the Universe we will learn
to examine critically astronomers' claims of exciting new results. The grade
will be based on writing assignments, class participation, and quizzes.
Cost:2 WL:4 (Hughes)
122. The Origin of the Elements and the History of Matter. (3).
(NS).
Our study of the history of matter in the Universe will take us from
the beginnings of time to the present, and from the smallest elementary
particles to massive stars and galaxies. This seminar will focus on the
creation and evolution of the elements, which originated in the Big Bang
and are still being made today in the centers of stars and in the explosive
deaths of the most massive stars. The course will begin with a survey of
the astronomical universe, from our planet Earth out to the farthest quasars
and beyond. From there we will begin our study of the beginning of the matter
in the Universe as we know it, following the evolution of the elements as
we return to the present day, and investigating how we can determine the
chemical composition of matter in space. Grading will be based on written
assignments, quizzes, and class participation. Cost:2 WL:4 (C. Smith)
125. Observational Astronomy. No credit granted to those who have
completed or are enrolled in Astro. 120. (4). (NS).
This course will teach how astronomical discoveries are made, by addressing
hypothetical 'what if' questions in astronomy. These case studies will provide
insights into fundamental physical laws that rule the universe, as well
as demonstrating how fine-tuned we are with the special environment we live
in. Students will gain experience with the optical telescopes on campus
as well as with computers, which are necessary for some of the labs. Through
hands-on observing experience, students will understand how astronomical
research is conducted and will discuss the merits and pitfalls of such observations.
Some of the topics to be featured include measuring the distance to the
Moon, measuring the size and expansion rate of the Universe, the moons of
Jupiter, the evolution of stars, the creation of the elements, and the cosmic
background radiation of the Big Bang. The course structure involves writing
assignments, laboratory and observing exercises, introductory lectures by
the instructor, and discussions led by individual students. One evening
observing laboratory per week. Some knowledge of basic physics is helpful
but not necessary. Cost:2 WL:4 (Bernstein)
130. Explorations in Astronomy. No credit granted to those who
have completed or are enrolled in 101, 102, 111, 112, or 160. (4). (NS).
(BS). (QR/2).
This course is a one-term exploration of a few selected topics representing
all of astronomy. Here are a few examples of possible topics. (1) The stars:
how we are able to learn about them, how they evolve and die, how they produce
chemical elements and generate energy. (2) The formation of stars and solar
systems. What we are learning about star formation. How our solar system
tells us about star formation. Recent developments in our understanding
of the planets during our age of planetary exploration. (3) Cosmology: the
expansion of the universe, and its eventual fate. The formation of structure
and of galaxies, the cosmic radiation fields. This course will include assigned
reading, some homework, quizzes, a midterm and a final. Cost:2 WL:4 (Richstone)
160. Introduction to Astrophysics. Math. 115, and prior or concurrent
enrollment in Phys. 140; or permission of instructor. No credit granted
to those who have completed or are enrolled in 102, 112, or 130. (4). (NS).
(BS). (QR/2).
Some of the most exciting phenomena and concepts in astronomy and astrophysics
are explored in this survey course. One major theme is the structure and
evolution of stars from their birth in giant molecular clouds through their
death as white dwarfs, neutron stars, and black holes. Another important
theme is galaxies, with discussions about the missing or dark matter in
galaxies, galaxy-galaxy interactions, and the large-scale distribution of
galaxies in the Universe. We conclude with an examination of the Big Bang,
the Inflationary Universe, and the Cosmic Background radiation. Intermixed
with the discussion of "normal" objects, we will cover the violent
components of the universe: supernovae and their remnants, active galactic
nuclei and quasars. This course is directed toward students with an interest
in science and mathematics. There are problem sets and a weekly two-hour
laboratory using telescopes. Cost:2 WL:3 (Aller)
204/AOSS 204/Geology 204. The Planets: Their Geology and Climates. High
school mathematics through plane geometry and trigonometry. Those with credit
for GS 113 may only elect Astro. 204 for 2 credits. (3). (NS). (BS).
See Geology 204. (Atreya and
Pollack)