ASTR-ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS – 2005-07 Catalog
Physics Department

ASTR 101 Introduction to the Solar System (4) GE B3

Descriptive astronomical properties of the Earth, Moon, other planets and their satellites. Comets, asteroids and other members of the Solar System. Theories of the formation of the Solar System. Opportunities for telescope observations of the Moon and planets. Not open to students who have completed or are taking ASTR 301, ASTR 302, or PHYS 132. 4 lectures.

ASTR 102 Introduction to the Stars and Galaxies (4) GE B3

Descriptive astronomical properties of the Sun, stars, galaxies and interstellar material. Expanding universe and cosmological models. Opportunities for telescope observations of the stars and constellation identification. Not open to students who have completed or are taking ASTR 112, ASTR 301, ASTR 302, or PHYS 132. ASTR 101 is not a prerequisite. 4 lectures.

ASTR 112 Introduction to the Stars and Galaxies (4) GE B3 & B4

Descriptive astronomical properties of the Sun, starts, galaxies and interstellar material. Exploration of cosmological models of an expanding universe. Laboratory activities include real and virtual astronomical viewing and experiments. Not open to students who have completed or are taking ASTR 102, ASTR 301, ASTR 302, or PHYS 132. ASTR 101 is not a prerequisite. 3 lectures, 1 activity.

ASTR 200 Special Problems for Undergraduates (1-2)

Individual investigation, research, studies, or surveys of selected problems. Total credit limited to 4 units, with a maximum of 2 units per quarter. Prerequisite: Consent of department chair. New course, effective Fall 2006.

ASTR 301 The Solar System (3)

Quantitative and descriptive properties of the Solar System including the physics of the planets, their satellites, comets and interplanetary media. Possible origins of the Solar System. Not open to students who have completed ASTR 101. 3 lectures. Prerequisite: PHYS 132 or PHYS 123.

ASTR 302 Stars and Galaxies (3)

Quantitative and descriptive properties of the stars, galaxies and interstellar media; including stellar structure and evolution, structure and make-up of galaxies and cosmological models. Not open to students who have completed ASTR 102. 3 lectures. Prerequisite: PHYS 132 or PHYS 123. ASTR 301 is not a prerequisite.

ASTR 326 Relativity and Cosmology (3)

Introduction to the basic ideas of Einstein's theories of relativity and cosmology. The structure and evolution of the universe. The principle of relativity, the speed of light, gravity and the equivalence principle. Curved spacetime, black holes, the expanding universe, the Big Bang, and nucleosynthesis. 3 lectures. ASTR 302 is not a prerequisite. Prerequisite: PHYS 122 or PHYS 132.

ASTR 400 Special Problems for Advanced Undergraduates (1-2)

Individual investigation, research, studies, or surveys of selected problems. Total credit limited to 4 units, with a maximum of 2 units per quarter. Prerequisite: Consent of department chair. New course, effective Fall 2006.