Astrophysics and Planetary Science

Degrees and Certificates

Classes

AST 1076 : How Old is the Universe?

Explores one of the most basic questions in modern astronomy. Evidence from the Earth, Moon, and meterorites will be examined, along with that from stars, white dwarfs, and the Universe itself. Includes an overview of the formation and evolution of the Universe.

Credits

Credits 3

AST 2120 : Sun and Stars

A technical study of the Sun and other stars; their internal constitutions and atmospheres, life cycles and evolutionary processes, memberships in groups, the radiations they produce, and the manner in which astronomers quantify their characteristics.

Credits

Credits 3

Prerequisites

MAT 1310 or MAT 1320 or MAT 1330 or MAT 1400 or MAT 1500

AST 2121 : Solar System Astronomy

The science of the solar system. Early ideas of the nature of the solar system; the dynamics and compositions of the planets; atmospheric evolution and maintenance. How comets and meteorites reveal the structures of the primitive solar system.

Credits

Credits 3

Prerequisites

MAT 1310 or MAT 1320 or MAT 1330 or MAT 1400 or MAT 1500

AST 2122 : Understanding Our Universe

A study of the formation and evolution of the Universe. Emphasis on the observational evidence leading to the Big Bang Theory, inflation, dark matter, and dark energy. Current model of the universe described and evidence for the "multiverse" discussed.

Credits

Credits 3

AST 2133 : Observational Lab I

Astronomical instruments, methods of observing, reduction of observations, and discussion of astronomical data. Observations include CCD imaging, spectroscopy, and photoelectric photometry using the observatory reflector and Schmidt telescopes. Two hours per week in the laboratory in addition to the observing time necessary to complete the assigned projects. Corerquisite or prerequisite: AST 2120.

Credits

Credits 2

Prerequisites

AST 3141 : Galactic Astronomy

The nature, distribution, and motions of the constituents of the Galaxy; the major star system in which our Sun is located the stars, the gas and dust, star clusters, etc.; stellar distance determination, distribution of stars and gas, stellar kinematics, galactic dynamics, galactic radio emission, cosmic rays, and evolution of galaxies. Prerequisite: one year of mathematics or physics and either AST 2120 or AST 2122.

Credits

Credits 3

AST 3142 : Intro to Astrophysics

Theories of stellar atmospheres, line-broadening and formation, radiative transfer, theoretical spectra, and the theory of stellar interiors are covered. Fundamental stellar timescales, thermonuclear reactions, evolutionary models, stellar pulsations, novae and supernovae.

Credits

Credits 3

Prerequisites

AST 2120 :D- or AST 2122 :D- and PHY 2410 :D-

AST 3143 : Astrobiology, Planets, & Life

Are we alone? Does life exist elsewhere in the Universe? Focus on the origin of life on Earth and the possibility of life in the Solar System and beyond. Topics include: Planetary-Habitability, Exoplanets, Astro/Exobiology, Extremophiles, Techniques, and searches for Extraterrestrial-Intelligence.

Credits

Credits 3

AST 3148 : The Prncpl of Scientific Model

Discusses the principle aspects of computational modeling in science, with stress on interdisciplinarity and synergy with big data science. Students gain hands-on experience in solving prototypical scientific problems using modern computational techniques.

Credits

Credits 3

AST 4121 : Undergrad Research I

Student participation in departmental or independent research under faculty supervision; frequent conferences on literature search, research techniques, experimental procedures and results.

Credits

Credits 3

AST 5900 : Independent Study

Supervised study, activity or research in a selected area of astronomy & astrophysics. May be repeated for credit if the topics are different. Prior approval of chair and instructor.

Credits

Credits 3

AST 5930 : Topics in Astron & Astrophyics

Lecture presentation of selected topics in astronomy & astrophysics. May be repeated for credit if topics are different. Prerequisities may be imposed depending on the topics.

Credits

Credits 3

MET 1221 : Severe & Hazardous Weather

This introductory meterorology course covers the fundamentals of meteorology with emphasis on severe and hazardous weather and effects of these on human life, environment and the economy. Severe storms that include tropical cyclones (hurricanes), extratropical cyclones, "Nor-easters", thunderstorms, lightning, tornados, and blizzards are featured. Floods, droughts, cold waves and heat waves are covered and their effects on health, agriculture and commerce are discussed. Also included are causes and effects of climate change with emphasis on the recent global warming trends over the last century. The consequences of global warming on the global economy will be stressed.

Credits

Credits 3

Prerequisites

MET 1222 : Climate Change:Past & Present

Earth's climate and climate changes. Past climates (Paleoclimatology), major Ice Ages over the last billion years, methods for reconstructing past climates, including radio isotopic techniques. Fossil, geological, sedimentary, flora and fauna and documentary records. Physical causes of climate changes, recent warming trends in global climate (both natural and anthropogenic), future global climate (short- and long- term) and climate models. Possible effects of global climate change on our environment and resulting economic and geopolitical consequences.

Credits

Credits 3

Prerequisites

MAT 1310 or MAT 1320 or MAT 1330 or MAT 1500 or MAT 1400

MSE 2100 : AST:Birth and Death of Stars

A study of the fundamental properties of the Sun and stars. The formation of stars, their energy generation, evolution, and death - leading to the formation of exotic new objects such as white dwarfs, neutron stars, and black holes.

Credits

Credits 3

Corequisites

MSE 2151

MSE 2101 : AST:Life in the Universe

A study of the origin and evolution of life on Earth and the possibilities of life in the Solar System and among the stars. The conditions leading to planetary habitability and how life outside the Solar System might be detected.

Credits

Credits 3

Corequisites

MSE 2150

MSE 2102 : AST:Planetary Skies/Landscapes

A study of our own and other Solar Systems, including formation and evolution. The physical properties which shape planetary interiors, surfaces, and atmospheres. The Earth is studied in the context of the other planets, and its unique properties are examined.

Credits

Credits 3

Corequisites

MSE 2150

MSE 2103 : AST:How Old is the Universe

How we know the Universe is 13.7 billion years old? Includes evidence from the Solar System, the oldest stars seen in the Milky Way galaxy, and the observed expansion of the Universe itself. Evolution and fate of the Universe.

Credits

Credits 3

Corequisites

MSE 2151

MSE 2104 : AST:Earth-Our Habitable World

Explores the Earth as our home and as a laboratory for understanding the scientific method. The characteristics, dynamics, and evolution of the Earth. Leads to the discovery and understanding of the fundamental scientific principles at work on our home world.

Credits

Credits 3

Corequisites

MSE 2152

MSE 2105 : AST:Earth-A Cosmic Connection

Explores the Sun and the stars - our ultimate sources of energy and the chemical elements. Characteristics, dynamics, and evolution of the Sun and the stars. The discovery and understanding of the fundamental scientific principles at work throughout the universe.

Credits

Credits 3

Corequisites

MSE 2153

MSE 2150 : AST:Astronomy Lab - Planets

1-cr laboratory course focusing on planetary astronomy. To be taken as a co-requisite with MSE 2101 "Life in the Universe" or MSE 2102 "Planetary Skies and Landscapes".

Credits

Credits 1

Prerequisites

MSE 2101 :Y or MSE 2102 :Y

MSE 2151 : AST:Astronomy Lab - Stars

1-cr laboratory course focusing on stellar and galactic astronomy. To be taken as a co-requisite with MSE 2100 "Birth and Death of Stars" or MSE 2103 "How Old is the Universe?".

Credits

Credits 1

Prerequisites

MSE 2100 :Y or MSE 2103 :Y