Astronomy 220: Galaxies and Cosmology

n intensive introduction to extragalactic astronomy. Topics include the structure and contents of galaxies, evolution of galaxies, observational cosmology, and the history of the universe. Prerequisites: A strong background in high school mathematics and physics.

Astronomy 355 : Observational Astronomy

Optics for astronomers. Design and use of optical telescopes, photometers, spectrographs, and detectors for astronomical observations. Introduction to error analysis, concepts of signal-to-noise, and the reduction and analysis of photometric and spectroscopic observations. Prerequisites: Previous experience with computer programming recommended. Prerequisite: one astronomy course numbered above 200, or permission of instructor.

Astronomy 360: Interstellar Matter and Star Formation

Observations of interstellar matter at optical, infrared, radio, and X-ray wavelengths. Dynamics and evolution of the interstellar medium including interactions between stars and interstellar matter. Molecular clouds and processes of star formation. Prerequisites: MATH 120 and PHYS 201 or equivalents.

Astronomy 375bG: Exoplanets

In recent years hundreds of exoplanets have been discovered orbiting around other stars. This course will review the physics of planetary orbits and current exoplanet detection techniques, recent progress in characterizing exoplanet interiors and atmospheres, and the implications of these findings for our understanding of planet formation and evolution. Prerequisites: MATH 120 and PHYS 201 or the equivalents, and one astronomy course numbered above 200.

Astronomy 380: Stellar Populations

The stellar populations of our galaxy and galaxies of the Local Group. Topics include the properties of stars and star clusters, stellar evolution, and the structure and evolution of our galaxy. Taught in alternate years. Prerequisites: MATH 120, PHYS 201, and one Astronomy course numbered above 200.

Astronomy 385: Introduction to Radio Astronomy

Introduction to the theory and techniques of radio astronomy, including radio emission mechanisms, propagation effects, antenna theory, interferometry, and spectroscopy. Discussion of specific topics such as Jupiter, radio stars, molecular clouds, radio galaxies, ETI, and the microwave background. Includes observational exercises with a small radio telescope. Prerequisites: MATH 120 and PHYS 201 or equivalents

Astronomy 418: Stellar Dynamics

The dynamics and evolution of star clusters; structure and dynamics of our galaxy; theories of spiral structure, dynamical evolution of galaxies. Prerequisites: PHYS 201b and MATH 246a or b or equivalents; ASTR 310a.

Astronomy 430: Galaxies

This course provides the student with a survey of the content, structure, dynamics, formation and evolution of galaxies. After a detailed overview of the various components of galaxies (disk/spheroid, stars, gas, dark matter, supermassive black holes), their statistical properties (luminosity function, size distribution, color distribution, metallicity distribution), and the corresponding scaling relations, the course focusses on the physical processes underlying galaxy formation and evolution. Topics include Newtonian perturbation theory, the spherical collapse model, formation and structure of dark matter haloes (including Press-Schechter theory), the virial theorem, cooling processes, and an expose of current topics in galaxy formation and evolution. The course also includes a detailed treatment of statistical tools used to describe the large scale distribution of galaxies (n-point correlation functions, galaxy power spectra, counts-in-cells, etc.) and introduces the student to the concepts of galaxy bias and halo occupation modeling. Prerequisites: MATH 120, PHYS 201, and one Astronomy course numbered above 200.

Astronomy 440: Radiative Processes in Astrophysics and Geophysics

Astronomy 450: Stellar Astrophysics

The physics of stellar atmospheres and interiors. Topics include the basic equations of stellar structure, nuclear processes, stellar evolution, white dwarfs, and neutron stars. Taught in alternate years. Prerequisites: MATH 120 and PHYS 201 or equivalents.

Astronomy 465: The Evolving Universe

Overview of cosmic history from the formation of the first star to the present day, focusing on direct observations of the high-redshift universe. Prerequisites: MATH 120a or b, PHYS 201b, and one astronomy course numbered above 200.