Course Schedule and Catalog
Course Catalog - 2006-2007
ASTR 100 - EXPLORING THE COSMOS
Long Title: EXPLORING THE COSMOS
Department: Physics and Astronomy
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hours: 1
Description: Introduction to concepts and methods used in astronomy and astrophysics, with a theme of "Astrobiology - Life in the Universe." Will include student presentations and web page development. For first-year students intending to major in science or engineering.
ASTR 201 - STARS, GALAXIES & THE UNIVERSE
Long Title: STARS, GALAXIES, AND THE UNIVERSE
Department: Physics and Astronomy
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Course Type: Lecture
Distribution Group: Distribution Group III
Credit Hours: 3
Description: An introductory course for students in academic programs. The formation, evolution, and death of stars; the composition and evolution of galaxies; the structure and evolution of the universe.
ASTR 202 - EXPLORATN OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM
Long Title: EXPLORATION OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM
Department: Physics and Astronomy
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Course Type: Lecture
Distribution Group: Distribution Group III
Credit Hours: 3
Description: The physical processes governing the nature and behavior of the various Solar System bodies are discussed with a focus on the origins, evolution and fate of the Solar System and its parts. This broader context leads to a deeper understanding of the Earth as a life-supporting planet.
ASTR 221 - OBSERVING THE NIGHT SKY
Long Title: OBSERVING THE NIGHT SKY
Department: Physics and Astronomy
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Course Type: Laboratory
Credit Hours: 1
Prerequisite(s): ASTR 100 OR ASTR 201 OR ASTR 202
Description: Use of small telescopes and binoculars to study constellations, bright stars, planets and the sun at the campus observatory and at dark-sky sites. Modern analog and digital techniques will be used along with direct visual observation. Intended for students in academic programs.
ASTR 230 - ASTRONOMY LAB
Long Title: ASTRONOMY LAB
Department: Physics and Astronomy
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Course Type: Laboratory
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Degree(s):
Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of Arts
Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s):
Astrophysics
Astronomy
Must be enrolled in one of the following Class(es):
Sophomore
Senior
Junior
Prerequisite(s): ASTR 100 OR ASTR 201 OR ASTR 350 OR ASTR 360 or permission of instructor
Description: A hands-on introduction to modern techniques of observational astronomy. Students use telescopes, CCDs, and computers to obtain and analyze their own images of solar system, galactic, and extragalactic objects. This course involves field trips to dark sky observing sites such as George Observatory and makes extensive use of state-of-the-art data analysis software.
ASTR 243 - EXPLORING SUN-EARTH CONNECTION
Long Title: EXPLORING THE SUN-EARTH CONNECTION
Department: Physics and Astronomy
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisite(s): MATH 102 AND PHYS 102 OR PHYS 126
Description: An introduction to astrophysical processes with a focus on the Sun-Earth interaction. Topics include the solar wind, sun spots, flares, and the Earth's diverse responses: magnetospheric storms, atmospheric expansion, and climate effects. The theoretical and observational basis of our current understanding will be presented at an introductory level.
ASTR 350 - INTRO ASTROPHYSICS-STARS
Long Title: INTRODUCTION TO ASTROPHYSICS-STARS
Department: Physics and Astronomy
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisite(s): MATH 211
Description: An introduction to celestial mechanics, radiative transfer, stellar structure, and stellar remnants (including black holes and neutron stars). Aspects of planetary science and solar system formation may also be explored. Together, ASTR 350 and ASTR 360 provide a comprehensive survey of modern astrophysics needed for senior research and graduate study in astronomy. Either ASTR 350 or 360 may be taken first. Recommendation:
ASTR 360 - INTRO ASTROPHYSIC-GALAXY&COSMO
Long Title: INTRODUCTION TO ASTROPHYSICS-GALAXY AND COSMO
Department: Physics and Astronomy
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisite(s): MATH 211
Description: Morphology, kinematics, and dynamics of the Milky Way and external galaxies, including interstellar matter and evidence for dark matter. Peculiar and active galaxies, including interacting systems and evidence for super massive black holes in active galactic nuclei such as quasars. Large scale structure and expansion of the universe, including various cosmologies ranging from the inflationary big bang theory to steady-state and anthropic concepts. Either ASTR 350 or 360 may be taken first.
ASTR 400 - UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH SEMINAR
Long Title: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH SEMINAR
Department: Physics and Astronomy
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hours: 1
Description: Seminar on current research topics in astronomy, astrophysics, and space physics for juniors and seniors. Students will be expected to give one oral presentation each semester. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ASTR 500. Repeatable for Credit.
ASTR 402 - TEACHNG EARTH & SPACE SCIENCE
Long Title: TEACHING EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE
Department: Physics and Astronomy
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Description: Overview of the Earth and the solar system, their structure, evolution, and dynamics. Fundamentals of Earth and Space Science topics as taught in 6th grade. Includes mathematics of solar motion at level of algebra and simple trigonometry. Includes teaching in use of Earth and solar system software and weather station software. This course is designed for science and math teachers (grades 6-12). One hour of lab per week. Equivalency: EDUC 588, PFDV 588, Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: EDUC 588, PFDV 588.
ASTR 403 - ASTRONOMY FOR TEACHERS
Long Title: ASTRONOMY FOR TEACHERS
Department: Physics and Astronomy
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Description: Learn how to teach astronomy concepts as specified by the state of Texas. Methods to help students master content, including lab activities suitable for K-9 classrooms and as field trips. Topics vary with each offering. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: EDUC 589.
ASTR 430 - TEACHING ASTRONOMY LABORATORY
Long Title: TEACHING ASTRONOMY LABORATORY
Department: Physics and Astronomy
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Course Type: Laboratory
Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisite(s): ASTR 230 OR ASTR 350 OR ASTR 360 or permission of instructor
Description: Methods and facilities of observational astronomy for public education. Students will help train beginners in the use of telescopes and carry out a modest observational program. The course requires one public talk and internship work. Topics vary with each offering.
ASTR 450 - EXPERIMENTAL SPACE SCIENCE
Long Title: EXPERIMENTAL SPACE SCIENCE
Department: Physics and Astronomy
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisite(s): ASTR 230 AND (ASTR 350 OR ASTR 360) or permission of instructor
Description: Study of instruments and methods used in space physics and astronomy. May include the electromagnetic spectrum, cosmic rays, neutrinos, magnetic fields, and particles in the solar system, as well as discussion of special techniques for remote sensing or for the analysis of massive astronomical data sets.
ASTR 451 - ASTROPHYSICS I: SUN AND STARS
Long Title: ASTROPHYSICS I: SUN AND STARS
Department: Physics and Astronomy
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisite(s): ASTR 350 OR ASTR 360 AND PHYS 301 AND PHYS 302
Description:
ASTR 452 - ASTROPHYS II: GALAXY & COSMO
Long Title: ASTROPHYSICS II: GALAXIES AND COSMOLOGY
Department: Physics and Astronomy
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisite(s): (ASTR 350 OR ASTR 360) AND PHYS 301 AND PHYS 302
Description:
ASTR 470 - SOLAR SYSTEM PHYSICS
Long Title: SOLAR SYSTEM PHYSICS
Department: Physics and Astronomy
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 301 AND PHYS 302
Description: The Sun, solar-terrestrial relationships, solar wind; planetary atmospheres, ionospheres and magnetospheres.
ASTR 500 - GRADUATE RESEARCH SEMINAR
Long Title: GRADUATE RESEARCH SEMINAR
Department: Physics and Astronomy
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hours: 1
Description: A presentation of current research programs in the department. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ASTR 400. Repeatable for Credit.
ASTR 505 - PROCESSES IN COSMIC PLASMAS
Long Title: PROCESSES IN COSMIC PLASMAS
Department: Physics and Astronomy
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisite(s): ASTR 470 AND PHYS 480
Description: Study of plasma phenomena that occur widely in nature. May include quasi-static equilibrium, magnetic equilibrium, magnetic reconnection, particle acceleration, plasma winds and jets, and interchange instabilities.
ASTR 542 - NEBULAR ASTROPHYSICS
Long Title: NEBULAR ASTROPHYSICS
Department: Physics and Astronomy
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Description: The physics of emission nebulae, including radiative transfer, photo ionization and thermal equilibria, and internal gaseous dynamics. Physical processes in the interstellar medium.
ASTR 551 - ASTROPHYSICS I: SUN AND STARS
Long Title: ASTROPHYSICS I: SUN AND STARS
Department: Physics and Astronomy
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Description: Physics of stellar interiors and atmospheres; solar phenomena. Concepts of stellar evolution. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ASTR 451.
ASTR 552 - ASTROPHYS II:GALAXY&COSMOLOGY
Long Title: ASTROPHYSICS II: GALAXIES & COSMOLOGY
Department: Physics and Astronomy
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Description: The physics of interstellar matter; structure of the Milky Way and other normal galaxies; physical cosmology and high-red shift phenomena. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ASTR 452.
ASTR 554 - ASTROPHYSICS OF THE SUN
Long Title: ASTROPHYSICS OF THE SUN
Department: Physics and Astronomy
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Description: Analysis of physical processes at work in the sun, such as helioseismology, solar variability, solar activity, magnetic reconnection, heliosphere interactions and modern observational techniques.
ASTR 555 - PROTOSTARS AND PLANETS
Long Title: PROTOSTARS AND PLANETS
Department: Physics and Astronomy
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisite(s): ASTR 551
Description: Physics of star and planet information, including molecular cloud dynamics and chemistry, circumstellar accretion disks, jets, dust, debris disks, atmospheres rotation, and magnetic fields of young stars, binaries, brown dwarfs, comets, Kuiper belt objects, giant planet formation and discoveries of extra solar planets.
ASTR 565 - COMPACT OBJECTS
Long Title: COMPACT OBJECTS
Department: Physics and Astronomy
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Description: Selected topics involving white dwarfs, neutron stars, black holes and their environments, e.g., pulsars, supernova remnants, and accretion disks.