Astronomy 310a, Galactic and Extragalactic Astronomy.
    This course provides a broad intermediate-level introduction to the basic
astronomy of stars, stellar systems, and the universe.  A knowledge of
elementary astronomical concepts and terminology is assumed, but can be
acquired by extra reading.  Topics include the basic properties of stars and
their distribution in space; stellar populations and the structure of our Galaxy;
basic properties of external galaxies and their evolution; peculiar galaxies,
galaxy interactions, and active galactic nuclei; clusters of galaxies and the
large-scale structure of the universe; and a brief introduction to cosmology.
The current text for this course is "Introductory Astronomy and Astrophysics"
by M. Zeilik and S. A. Gregory (4th edition, 1998).  Also recommended are
"Galactic Astronomy" by D. Mihalas and J. Binney (2nd edition, 1981) and
its successor, "Galactic Astronomy" by J. Binney and M. Merrifield (1998).

More detailed course outline: (PDF)

Hours: Tues. & Thurs., 4:00-5:15 PM.  Location: Room 263, J. W. Gibbs Lab.

Astronomy 360b/560b, Interstellar Matter and Star Formation.
    This course is intended for advanced undergraduate and beginning graduate
students, and it provides an introduction to the properties and dynamics of
the interstellar medium in its many forms as well as to the processes of star
formation.  Topics include observations of interstellar matter at optical,
infrared, radio, and X-ray wavelengths; dynamical processes in the interstellar
medium, including the feedback effects of young stars and supernovae; models
for the overall structure and evolution of the interstellar medium; and star-
forming molecular clouds and the processes of star formation.  Books used
have included "Physical Processes in the Interstellar Medium" by L. Spitzer
(1978), "Interstellar Processes", edited by D. J. Hollenbach and H. A. Thronson
(1987), "The Interstellar Medium in Galaxies", edited by H. A. Thronson and
J. M. Shull (1992), and various more recent reviews and conference volumes.

More detailed course outline: (PDF)

Hours: Mon. & Wed., 10:30-11:50 AM.  Location: Room 263, J. W. Gibbs Lab.