Introduction

The Department of Astronomy offers courses both for the nonscientist interested in learning about modern astronomy and for the student wishing to prepare for graduate work in astronomy or a related science. The department offers two degree programs: the B.A. degree program in Astronomy and the B.S. degree program in Astronomy and Physics.

The department offers a variety of courses without prerequisites that provide an introduction to astronomy with particular attention to recent discoveries and theories. Courses numbered below 150, including ASTR 110a, 120b, and 130a, are intended for students who do not plan to major in the sciences but who desire a broad, nontechnical introduction to astronomy. These courses have no prerequisites, and a student may elect any or all of them and take them in any order. Courses with numbers between 150 and 199, including ASTR 155a, 160b, and 170a, are also intended for students who do not plan to major in the sciences, but they provide a more in-depth treatment and assume a somewhat stronger high school science background. ASTR 155a provides a hands-on introduction to astronomical observing, while ASTR 160b and 170a provide an introduction to topics in modern astrophysics and cosmology. For students with good preparation in high school mathematics and physics, ASTR 210b and 220a provide a more intensive introduction to astronomy with emphasis on topics of current interest, and ASTR 255a provides a more quantitative introduction to astronomical research techniques. These courses may be taken independently of each other.

Courses numbered 300 and above are open to students at the sophomore and higher levels who already have an elementary acquaintance with astronomy, and mathematics and physics as described in the course prerequisites. For advice about astronomy courses, students should consult the director of undergraduate studies.

In addition to the normal undergraduate courses, graduate courses in astronomy are open to qualified undergraduates who already have strong preparation in mathematics, physics, and astronomy. Students wishing to take a graduate course must first obtain the permission of the instructor and of the director of graduate studies.