Department of Astronomy

• Department of Astronomy
  • FACILITIES
  • FACULTY
  • ADJUNCT FACULTY
  • UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS
  • GRADUATE PROGRAMS
  • UNDERGRADUATE COURSES
  • GRADUATE COURSES
  • BACHELOR OF ARTS DEGREE - MAJOR IN ASTRONOMY
  • BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ASTRONOMY DEGREE

Department of Astronomy

420 Smith Building
Phone 368-3728; Fax 368-5406
R. Earle Luck

FACILITIES

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.

FACULTY

R. Earle Luck, Ph.D. (University of Texas, Austin)

Heather Morrison, Ph.D. (Australian National University)

Peter Pesch, Ph.D. (University of Chicago)

ADJUNCT FACULTY

George W. Collins, II, Ph.D. (University of Wisconsin, Madison)

UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS

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.

GRADUATE PROGRAMS

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)

UNDERGRADUATE COURSES

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 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, From Stars to Cosmology, 3

Stars, star clusters, structure of the Milky Way, external galaxies, and cosmology.

Prerequisite: ASTR 221

ASTR 303, Practical Astronomy, 3

Geometric and physical optics, emphasizing concepts widely applicable in astronomy.

Prerequisite: ASTR 221 and ASTR 222

ASTR 309, Senior Seminar I, 1

Selected topics in astronomy not covered ordinarily in courses. Presentation of talks by the students.

ASTR 310, Senior Seminar II, 1

Selected topics in astronomy not covered ordinarily in courses. Presentation of talks by students.

ASTR 313, Senior Thesis, 2-6

To replace open electives for those seniors who can profit by engaging in original research under the direction of a staff member.

ASTR 314, Senior Thesis, 2-6

To replace open elective for seniors who can profit by engaging in original research under the direction of a staff member.

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 ASTR 222

ASTR 322, Introduction to Astrophysics II, 3

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

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 these elements from observation.

An introduction to the observational constraints on the models of the structure and evolution of the Universe. Current topics such as the cosmic background radiation, dark matter, and inflation will be discussed.

ASTR 369, Undergraduate Research, 1-36

(Credit as arranged)

ASTR 396, Special Topics in Astronomy, 1-3

Open to astronomy majors only

GRADUATE COURSES

ASTR 401, Observational Techniques, 3

Instruments and techniques of astrophysical research.

ASTR 402, Astronomical Spectroscopy, 3

Observational and theoretical fundamentals of astronomical spectroscopy. Spectral classification of normal and peculiar stars.

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.

ASTR 405, Stellar Interiors, 3

Properties of matter in stellar interiors, structure, stellar energy generation. Evolutionary problems.

ASTR 408, The Structure and Evolution of Galaxies, 3

Galaxy structure, stellar populations and interstellar matter, stellar dynamics, dark matter in galaxies, formation theories and their constraints at low and high redshift.

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.

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. Additional work over the 321 level will be required of graduate registrants.

ASTR 422, Introduction to Astrophysics II, 3

Inner structure of stars, nuclear processes, energy generation and evolution of stars, gaseous nebulae and the interstellar medium, elements of galactic dynamics. Additional work will be required over the 322 level for graduate registrants.

ASTR 427, Introduction to Celestial Mechanics, 3

Classical, mechanical foundations of celestial mechanics. Includes location in the sky of celestial objects based on their orbital elements, and the determination of these elements from observation. Additional requirements for 400 level course.

ASTR 430, Observational Cosmology, 3

See ASTR 330.

ASTR 497, Special Topics in Astronomy, 1-3

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, 1-36

Original research under the guidance of the staff

ASTR 651, Thesis M.S., 1-36

Credit as arranged

ASTR 701, Dissertation Ph.D., 1-36

Credit as arranged

BACHELOR OF ARTS DEGREE - MAJOR IN ASTRONOMY

Total Hours in Arts and Sciences GER and Departmental Requirements: 104
Open Electives to be added as appropriate to bring the total number of hours to the minimum of 120 needed for graduation with a B.A.
Nine hours of Mathematics and Natural Science (Phvsics) double counted toward the Arts and Sciences General Education Requirements.
Astronomy Hours: 7
Physics Hours: 29
Math/Stat Hours 17
Technical Electives Hours: 09
Technical Electives are additional courses in astronomy, chemistry, mathematics, statistics, physics, or geology which satisfy interests of the student but also fall within the science/mathematics objectives of the major. For a list of approved technical electives see advisor.

Minors in Astronomy For non-physical science majors (22 hours): ASTR 221, 222; MATH 125, 126; PHYS 115, 116.
For physical science majors (15 hours): ASTR 221, 222, 303, 321, 322.
Approved Technical Elective in Computer Science for the B.A. in Astronomy
CMPS 131 Introduction to Programming in C
NB: The PASCAL sections do not meet this requirement

Approved Technical Electives - B. A. In Astronomy
(This is not an exhaustive list)
CHEM 107 Properties and Structure of Matter I
CHEM 108 Properties and Structure of Matter Il
PHYS 204 Advanced Instrumentation Lab
PHYS 316 Introduction to Nuclear and Particle Physics
PHYS 325 E&M II
PHYS 332 QM II
ASTR 327 Celestial Mechanics

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ASTRONOMY DEGREE

Total Hours Required for Graduation: 125
Nine hours of Mathematics and Natural Science (Physics) double counted toward Arts and Sciences General Education Requirements.
Astronomy Hours: 20
Physics Hours: 38
Math/Stat Hours: 17
Technical Electives Hours: 12
Technical Electives are additional courses in astronomy, chemistry, mathematics, statistics, physics, or geology which satisfy interests of the student but also fall within the science/mathematics objectives of the major. For a list of approved technical electives see advisor.

Approved Technical Elective in Computer Science for the B. S. in Astronomy CMPS 131 - Introduction to Programming in C NB: The PASCAL sections do not meet this requirement

Approved Technical Electives - B. S. In Astronomy (This is not an exhaustive list)
CHEM 107 Properties and Structure of Matter I
CHEM 108 Properties and Structure of Matter II
MATH 201 Introduction to Linear Algebra
MATH 345 Introduction to Applied Mathematics
PHYS 316 Introduction to Nuclear and Particle Physics
PHYS 349 Methods of Mathematical Physics I
PHYS 350 Methods of Mathematical Physics II
STAT 380 Introduction to Probability

a) Selected students may be invited to take PHYS 123, 124, 223 in place of 121, 122, 221.
b) Courses taught every other year only.

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