Department of Astronomy
420 Smith Building
Phone 368-3728; Fax 368-5203
Peter Pesch
The Department of Astronomy operates the Kitt Peak Station near Tucson, Arizona, home of the Burrell Schmidt telescope. This is the largest Schmidt telescope in the United States with objective prisms (five prisms are available to provide a range of dispersion), and it is used for photographic spectroscopic surveys and direct imaging with CCDs. A 9.5-inch refractor is permanently mounted on the roof of the campus offices of the Department of Astronomy and is available for use by students.
Peter Pesch, Ph.D. (University of Chicago)
Professor and Chairman, Director of the Warner and Swasey Observatory
George W. Collins, II, Ph.D. (University of Wisconsin, Madison)
Adjunct Professor
R. Earle Luck, Ph.D. (University of Texas, Austin)
Professor
Charles Bruce Stephenson, Ph.D. (University of California, Berkeley)
Worcester R. and Cornelia B. Warner Professor
Two degrees in astronomy are offered, the Bachelor of Science degree and the Bachelor of Arts degree. The primary difference between the two degrees is that the B.A. degree allows somewhat more flexibility in choice of courses. Both the B.A. and B.S. degrees provide excellent preparation for graduate studies. There are also two minor programs in astronomy, one for physical science majors, the other for non-physical science majors.
A broad and substantial background in physics and mathematics with introductory exposure to astronomy is emphasized in the astronomy curriculum. A faculty actively engaged in research provides first-rate instruction and opportunity for undergraduate involvement in research.
A bachelor's degree in astronomy is designed to prepare for graduate study in astronomy, but the holder of this undergraduate degree who seeks employment can fill the same jobs as physics and computer science majors.
Bachelor of Arts Degree
FRESHMAN
Fall Semester
CHEM 107 Properties and Structure of Matter I (3)
CMPS 131 Elementary Computer Programming (3)
CORE Sequence II, III or IV (3)
ENGL 150 Expository Writing (3)
MATH 121 Calculus for Science & Engineering I (4) or
MATH 123 Calculus I (4)
PHED 101 Physical Education Activities (0)
Spring Semester
CHEM 108 Properties & Structure of Matter II (3)
CHEM 113 Principles of Chemistry Laboratory (2)
CORE Sequence II, III or IV (3)
MATH 122 Calculus for Science & Engineering II (4) or
MATH 124 Calculus II (4)
PHYS 120 General Physics I - Mechanics (4)
PHED 102 Physical Education Activities (0)
SOPHOMORE
Fall Semester
ASTR 221 The Solar System (3)
MATH 223 Calculus for Science & Engineering III (3) or
MATH 227 Calculus III (3)
PHYS 205 General Physics Laboratory (2)
PHYS 225 Mechanical & Electromagnetic Waves (4)
PHYS 229 Special Relativity (1)
Spring Semester
ASTR 222 The Stellar System (3)
CORE Sequence II, III or IV (3)
CORE Sequence II, III or IV (3)
MATH 224 Elementary Differential Equations (3) or
MATH 228 Differential Equations (3)
PHYS 226 Electromagnetism (4)
Open Elective (3)
JUNIOR
Fall Semester
ASTR 321 Introduction to Astrophysics I (3)
CORE Sequence II, III or IV (3)
PHYS 311 Classical Mechanics (3)
PHYS 333 Introduction to Quantum Mechanics (3)
Course in selected minor field (3)
Spring Semester
ASTR 322 Introduction to Astrophysics II (3)
PHYS 249 Mathematical Physics & Computing (3) or
ECMP 251 Numerical Methods (3) or
EMAE 250 Computing in Mechanical Engineering (3)
PHYS 334 Introduction to Subatomic Physics (3)
PHYS 361 Thermodynamics & Statistical Mechanics (3)
Course in selected minor field (3)
SENIOR
Fall Semester
ASTR 303 Practical Astronomy (3)
ASTR 309 Seminar I (1)
CORE Sequence II, III or IV (3)
Courses in selected minor field (6)
Open Elective (3)
Spring Semester
Spring Semester
ASTR 304 Astronomical Optics (3)
ASTR 310 Senior Seminar II (1)
ASTR 327 Introduction to Celestial Mechanics (3)
CORE Sequence II, III or IV (3)
Courses in selected minor field (6)
- Minor A--For non-physical science majors (22 hours): ASTR 221, 222; MATH 125, 126; PHYS 115, 116.
- Minor B--For physical science majors (15 hours): ASTR 221, 222, 303, 321, 322.
FRESHMAN
Fall Semester
Introductory Humanities or Social Science (3-0-3) or
Open Elective (3-0-3)
CHEM 107 Properties and Structure of Matter I (3-0-3)
CMPS 131 Elementary Computer Programming (2-2-3)
ENGL 150 Expository Writing (3-0-3)
MATH 121 Calculus for Science & Engineering I (4-0-4) or
MATH 123 Calculus I (4-0-4)
PHED 101 Physical Education Activities (0-3-0)
TOTAL: 15-5-16
Spring Semster
Introductory Humanities or Social Science (3-0-3) or
Open Elective (3-0-3)
CHEM 108 Properties & Structure of Matter II (3-0-3)
CHEM 113 Principles of Chemistry Lab (1-3-2)
MATH 122 Calculus for Science & Engineering II (4-0-4) or
MATH 124 Calculus II (4-0-4)
PHYS 120 General Physics I - Mechanics (4-0-4)a
PHED 102 Physical Education Activities (0-3-0)
TOTAL: 15-6-16
SOPHOMORE
Fall Semester
ASTR 221 The Solar System (3-0-3)
MATH 223 Calculus for Science & Engineering III (3-0-3) or
MATH 227 Calculus III (3-0-3)
PHYS 203 Laboratory Physics (2-4-4)
PHYS 225 Mechanical & Electromagnetic Waves (4-0-4)
PHYS 229 Special Relativity (2-0-1)b
TOTAL: 14-4-15
Spring Semester
Humanities or Social Science Sequence I (3-0-3)
ASTR 222 The Stellar System (3-0-3)
MATH 224 Elementary Differential Equations (3-0-3) or
MATH 228 Differential Equations (3-0-3)
PHYS 204 Advanced Instrumentation Lab (1-4-3)
PHYS 226 Electromagnetism (4-0-4)
TOTAL: 14-4-16
JUNIOR
Fall Semester
Humanities or Social Science Sequence II (3-0-3)
ASTR 321 Introduction to Astrophysics I (3-0-3)c
PHYS 311 Classical Mechanics (3-0-3)
PHYS 333 Introduction to Quantum Mechanics (3-0-3)
Open Elective (3-0-3)
TOTAL: 15-0-15
Spring Semester
Introductory Humanities or Social Science (3-0-3)
Humanities or Social Science Sequence III (3-0-3)
ASTR 322 Introduction to Astrophysics II (3-0-3)c
PHYS 249 Mathematical Physics & Computing (3-0-3) or
ECMP 251 Numerical Methods I (2-2-3) or
EMAE 250 Computing in Mechanical Engineering (2-2-3)
PHYS 334 Introduction to Subatomic Physics (3-0-3)
PHYS 361 Thermodynamics & Statistical Mechanics (3-0-3)
TOTAL: 18-0-18 or 17-2-18
SENIOR
Fall Semester
Humanities or Social Science Sequence IV (3-0-3)
ASTR 303 Practical Astronomy (3-0-3)
ASTR 309 Senior Seminar I (1-0-1)
MATH Approved Elective (3-0-3)*
PHYS 321 Electricity & Magnetism I (3-0-3)
Open Elective (3-0-3)d
TOTAL: 16-0-16
Spring Semester
Humanities or Social Science Elective (3-0-3)
ASTR 304 Astronomical Optics (3-0-3)c
ASTR 310 Senior Seminar II (1-0-1)
ASTR 327 Introduction to Celestial Mechanics (3-0-3)
MATH Approved Elective (3-0-3)*
Open Elective (3-0-3)d
TOTAL: 16-0-16
TOTAL HOURS REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION: 128
* Approved Math Elective
a Selected students may be invited to take PHYS 125, 126, Physics and Frontiers, I and II, in place of an open elective and PHYS 120.
b Not required by those students who have taken PHYS 109 or PHYS 125,126.
c Courses taught every other year only.
d A senior thesis may replace these open electives for students selected by the department.
The department offers graduate programs leading to the degrees of Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy in astronomy. Current research provides opportunities in optical observational astronomy. Prospective graduate students must submit scores on the Graduate Record Examination including the advanced physics test. Further information on the department's graduate programs, and details concerning financial aid, are available through the departmental office.
Astronomy (ASTR)
ASTR 201. The Sun and Its Planets (3).
An overview of the solar system; the planets and other objects that orbit about the sun and the sun itself as the dominant mass and the most important source of energy in the solar system. Concepts and the development of our knowledge will be emphasized. Not available for credit to astronomy majors.
ASTR 202. Stars, Galaxies and the Universe (3).
Stellar structure, energy sources and evolution, including red giants, white dwarfs, supernovae, pulsars and black holes. Stellar populations in the Milky Way and external galaxies. The universe and its evolution. Not available for credit to astronomy majors.
ASTR 221. The Solar System (3).
The celestial sphere, astronomical instruments, the earth, other planets, and the sun. Application of physical laws to the study of the universe.
ASTR 222. The Stellar System (3).
Stars, star clusters, structure of the Milky Way, external galaxies, and cosmology. Prerequisite: ASTR 221 or consent of instructor.
ASTR 303. Practical Astronomy (3).
Spherical astronomy; fundamental and photographic astronomy; geodesy. Astronomical data recovery; astronomical constants. Prerequisite: ASTR 221 or 222 or consent.
ASTR 304. Astronomical Optics (3).
Geometric and physical optics, emphasizing concepts widely applicable in astronomy.
ASTR 309. Seminar I (1).
Selected topics in astronomy not covered ordinarily in courses. Presentation of talks by the students. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
ASTR 310. Seminar II (1).
Selected topics in astronomy not covered ordinarily in courses. Presentation of talks by the students. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
ASTR 313. Senior Thesis (1-6).
To replace open electives for those seniors who can profit by engaging in original research under the direction of a staff member. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
ASTR 314. Senior Thesis (1-6).
To replace open electives for those seniors who can profit by engaging in original research under the direction of a staff member. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
ASTR 321. Introduction to Astrophysics I (3).
Radiation laws, radiative transfer, stellar radiation, and structure of stellar atmospheres; theory of line formation, broadening of atomic energy levels. Prerequisite ASTR 221 or 222 or consent.
ASTR 322. Introduction to Astrophysics II (3).
(Continuation of ASTR 321.) Inner structure of stars; nuclear processes, energy generation and evolution of stars; gaseous nebulae and the interstellar medium; elements of galactic dynamics. Prerequisite ASTR 321 or consent.
ASTR 327. Introduction to Celestial Mechanics (3).
The classical mechanical foundations of celestial mechanics leading to the solution of the two body and restricted three body problems. Includes location in the sky of celestial objects based on their orbital elements and the determination of those elements from observation.
ASTR 369. Undergraduate Research (credit as arranged).
ASTR 396. Special Topics in Astronomy (1-3).
Open to astronomy majors only.
ASTR 397. Special Topics in Astronomy (1-3).
Open to astronomy majors only.
ASTR 401. Observational Techniques (3).
Instruments and techniques of ground-based optical research. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
ASTR 402. Astronomical Spectroscopy (3).
Observational and theoretical fundamentals of astronomical spectroscopy. Spectral classification of normal and peculiar stars. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
ASTR 404. Stellar Atmospheres (3).
Transfer of radiation in stellar atmospheres. Continuous spectra and opacities. Theory of line formation, calculation of flux constant model atmospheres. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
ASTR 405. Stellar Interiors (3).
Properties of matter in stellar interiors: structure, stellar energy generation. Evolutionary problems. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
ASTR 408. Galactic Structure (3).
Space distribution of stars and interstellar material. Luminosity function. Galactic rotation. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
ASTR 409. Chemical Evolution of Galactic Systems (3).
Formation and dynamic evolution of galaxies. Relation of the dynamic and chemical evolution of galaxies to observable properties of galaxies and stellar populations. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
ASTR 421. Introduction to Astrophysics I (3).
Radiation laws, radiative transfer, stellar radiation, and structure of stellar atmospheres; theory of line formation, broadening of atomic energy levels. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
ASTR 422. Introduction to Astrophysics II (3).
(Continuation of ASTR 421.) Inner structure of stars; nuclear processes, energy generation and evolution of stars; gaseous nebulae and the interstellar medium; elements of galactic dynamics. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
ASTR 427. Introduction to Celestial Mechanics (3).
The classical mechanical foundations of celestial mechanics leading to the solution of the two body and restricted three body problems. Includes location in the sky of celestial objects based on their orbital elements and the determination of those elements from observation.
ASTR 497. Special Topics in Astronomy (1-3).
Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
ASTR 502. Seminar in Stellar Spectroscopy (3).
Student and staff discussion of classic investigations in astronomical spectroscopy. Lectures on various advanced topics. Prerequisite: ASTR 402.
ASTR 601. Research in Astronomy (credit as arranged).
Original research under the guidance of the staff.
ASTR 651. Thesis (M.S.) (credit as arranged).
ASTR 701. Dissertation (Ph.D.) (credit as arranged).
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