Astronomy
The Department of Astronomy offers courses on cosmology, the universe, astrophysics, and astronomy.
For questions about specific courses, contact the department.
For questions about specific courses, contact the department.
Courses
Course Number
ASTR1234WOO1Points
3 ptsSpring 2024
Times/Location
Tu 10:10-11:25Th 10:10-11:25Section/Call Number
OO1/12726Enrollment
59 of 65Instructor
David HelfandCourse Number
ASTR1420WOO1Points
3 ptsSpring 2024
Times/Location
Tu 08:40-09:55Th 08:40-09:55Section/Call Number
OO1/12728Enrollment
80 of 80Instructor
Kathryn JohnstonAn introductory course intended primarily for nonscience majors. This interdisciplinary course focuses on the subject of LIfe in the Universe. We will study historical astronomy, gravitation and planetary orbits, the origin of the chemical elements, the discoveries of extrasolar planets, the origin of life on Earth, the evolution and exploration of the Solar Systen, global climate change on Venus, Mars and Earth, and the Search for Extraterrestrial Life (SETI).
You cannot receive credit for this course and for ASTR UN1403 or ASTR UN1453.
Can be paired with the optional Lab class ASTR UN1903.
Course Number
ASTR1753X001Points
3 ptsSpring 2024
Times/Location
Tu 14:40-15:55Th 14:40-15:55Section/Call Number
001/00347Enrollment
129 of 120Instructor
Nicholas LuberCourse Number
ASTR1836WOO1Points
3 ptsSpring 2024
Times/Location
Mo 14:40-15:55We 14:40-15:55Section/Call Number
OO1/12729Enrollment
54 of 54Instructor
Marcel AguerosLaboratory for ASTR UN1403. Projects include observations with the departments telescopes, computer simulation, laboratory experiments in spectroscopy, and the analysis of astronomical data. Lab 1 ASTR UN1903 - goes with ASTR BC1753, ASTR UN1403 or ASTR UN1453.
Course Number
ASTR1903W001Points
1 ptsSpring 2024
Times/Location
Mo 18:00-21:00Section/Call Number
001/16125Enrollment
16 of 16Instructor
Greg BryanLaboratory for ASTR UN1403. Projects include observations with the departments telescopes, computer simulation, laboratory experiments in spectroscopy, and the analysis of astronomical data. Lab 1 ASTR UN1903 - goes with ASTR BC1753, ASTR UN1403 or ASTR UN1453.
Course Number
ASTR1903W002Points
1 ptsSpring 2024
Times/Location
Tu 19:00-22:00Section/Call Number
002/16124Enrollment
16 of 16Instructor
Greg BryanLaboratory for ASTR UN1403. Projects include observations with the departments telescopes, computer simulation, laboratory experiments in spectroscopy, and the analysis of astronomical data. Lab 1 ASTR UN1903 - goes with ASTR BC1753, ASTR UN1403 or ASTR UN1453.
Course Number
ASTR1903W003Points
1 ptsSpring 2024
Times/Location
We 18:00-21:00Section/Call Number
003/17754Enrollment
0 of 16Instructor
Greg BryanLaboratory for ASTR UN1404. Projects include use of telescopes, laboratory experiments in the nature of light, spectroscopy, and the analysis of astronomical data. Lab 2 ASTR UN1904 - goes with ASTR BC1754 or ASTR UN1404 (or ASTR UN1836 or ASTR UN1420).
Course Number
ASTR1904W001Points
1 ptsSpring 2024
Times/Location
Mo 19:00-22:00Section/Call Number
001/16126Enrollment
3 of 16Instructor
Greg BryanCourse Number
ASTR2002WOO1Points
3 ptsSpring 2024
Times/Location
Mo 10:10-11:25We 10:10-11:25Section/Call Number
OO1/12738Enrollment
16 of 40Instructor
Frederik PaerelsParticipation in research is an essential component of a complete undergraduate science education, and is mandatory for those students wishing to go on to the PhD. This course is designed to introduce students to doing astronomy beyond the classroom. It will cover basic topics including but not limited to: coding in astronomy, utilizing international archives, manipulating data, running simulations, reading academic papers, making and giving presentations, academic culture, time management, working in collaborations, and career paths. Students will engage in first-hand research on a specific astronomical topic in order to put their skills to practice; the first year, the selected topic is galactic dynamics and the power of stellar streams to probe the mass distribution and history of the Galaxy. By the end of the course, students should be fully prepared to enter a summer research internship and make the most of their time there. We encourage students considering majoring in Astronomy or Astrophysics who are interested in astrophysical research to take this course. Priority will be given to those interested in majoring in Astrophysics who have no prior research experience. Students should have taken at least one semester of college-level physics and have a knowledge of calculus. No prior experience in python coding is required.