Courses for Science Majors

Astronomy courses for science majors

Astronomy courses for majors and interested students with more background in science and math cover similar topics, but at greater depth and from a physical science perspective. Students learn analytical and quantitative thinking skills as well as the latest in astronomy and astrophysics research.

AST 202 General Astronomy

introductory astronomy course aimed at beginning undergraduate physical science majors. Basic principles of gravity, mechanics, optics, and radiation to problems in modern astronomy and astrophysics.  Topics will include:  the properties and detection of light (electromagnetic radiation from radio to gamma-ray wavelengths);  the structure and evolution of the Sun and other stars; the properties of galaxies; and the large-scale structure, origin, and fate of the Universe. 

AST A300 Exoplanets

applies basic physical principles to the investigation of exoplanets, including their detection methods, demographics, formation and evolution pathways, and prospects for habitability. This course is open to all students who have completed Physics P 221 General Physics 1 or H 221 Honors Physics 1.

AST-A 305 Modern Observational Techniques

is a one semester course in which telescopes, astronomical imaging, spectroscopic and photoelectric observations and reductions are taught.

AST-A 405 Computational Astrophysics

helps students build a computational skill set that can be used for carrying out research projects in astronomy/astrophysics or other fields. The course overs a range of topics, from the sources of astronomical data to the presentation of the results.

AST-A 450 Galactic Astrophysics

covers Galactic structure, kinematics, chemical properties, stellar populations, and theories of formation and evolution of the Milky Way and nearby galaxies.

AST-A 451 Stellar Astrophysics

applies basic physical principles to investigation of the solar system, stars, stellar evolution, and the Milky Way galaxy.

AST-A 452 Extragalactic Astrophysics

applies basic physical principles to understand galaxy formation, galaxy evolution, large scale structure, and cosmology.

AST-A 453 Topics in Astrophysics

covers topics in astrophysics not covered extensively by other courses. Possible topics include celestial mechanics, astrobiology, stellar interiors, stellar atmospheres, stellar populations, galaxy dynamics, and cosmology.