Course Schedule and Catalog

Department: Physics and Astronomy

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Seminar

Credit Hours: 1

Description: EXPLORING THE COSMOS ***** 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. ***** Co-requisite(s): PHYS 102 or PHYS 112. ***** Instructor(s): Liang.

Department: Physics and Astronomy

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Distribution Group: Distribution Group III

Credit Hours: 3

Description: STARS, GALAXIES, AND THE UNIVERSE ***** 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. ***** Instructor(s): Oberlock, Hartigan.

Department: Physics and Astronomy

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Distribution Group: Distribution Group III

Credit Hours: 3

Description: EXPLORATION OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM ***** An introductory course for students in academic programs, surveying the sun, planetary motions, interplanetary fields and plasmas, the planets, their satellites and rings, and comets. The purposes and methods of manned and unmanned solar system exploration are also discussed. ***** Instructor(s): Reiff, Alexander.

Department: Physics and Astronomy

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Laboratory

Credit Hours: 1

Description: OBSERVING THE NIGHT SKY ***** 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. ***** Prerequisite(s): One of ASTR 100, ASTR 201, ASTR 202. ***** Instructor(s): Dufour

Department: Physics and Astronomy

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Laboratory

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): ASTR 100 OR ASTR 201 OR ASTR 350 OR ASTR 360

Description: ASTRONOMY LAB ***** 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. ***** Prerequisite(s): any one of the following courses: ASTR 100, 201, 350, 360, plus consent of the instructor. ***** Instructor(s): Johns-Krull.

Department: Physics and Astronomy

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): MATH 211

Description: INTRODUCTION TO ASTROPHYSICS - STARS ***** 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. ***** Prerequisite(s): MATH 211. ***** Co-requisite(s): PHYS 202 or CHEM 312. ***** Instructor(s): Baring.

Department: Physics and Astronomy

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): MATH 211

Description: INTRODUCTION TO ASTROPHYSICS - GALAXIES AND COSMOLOGY ***** 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 supermassive 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. ***** Prerequisite(s): MATH 211. ***** Co-requisite(s): PHYS 202 or CHEM 312. ***** Instructor(s): Dufor.

Department: Physics and Astronomy

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Seminar

Credit Hours: 1

Description: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH SEMINAR ***** 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. May be repeated for credit. ***** Instructor(s): Liang, Dufour Repeatable for Credit.

Department: Physics and Astronomy

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Description: TEACHING EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE ***** Overview of the Earth and the solar system, their structure, evolution, and dynamics. Fundamental 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) but is also available for a general audience. One hour of lab per week. ***** Also offered as PFDV 588. ***** Instructor(s): Reiff

Department: Physics and Astronomy

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Description: ASTRONOMY FOR TEACHERS ***** 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. ***** Also offered as PFDV 589. ***** Instructor(s): Reiff

Department: Physics and Astronomy

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Laboratory

Credit Hours: 3

Description: TEACHING ASTRONOMY LABORATORY ***** 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. ***** Prerequisite(s): One of ASTR 230, ASTR 350, ASTR 360, or permission of instructor. ***** Instructor(s): Reiff

Department: Physics and Astronomy

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): ASTR 230 AND (ASTR 350

Description: EXPERIMENTAL SPACE SCIENCE ***** 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. ***** Prerequisite(s): ASTR 230 and 350, or permission of the instructor. ***** Instructor(s): Oberlack

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: ASTROPHYSICS I: SUN AND STARS ***** Undergraduate version of ASTR 551. ***** Prerequisite(s): ASTR 350 or 360 and PHYS 301 and 302. ***** Instructor(s): Johns-Krull.

Long Title: ASTROPHYSICS II: GALAXIES AND COSMOLOGY

Department: Physics and Astronomy

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Description: ASTROPHYSICS II: GALAXIES AND COSMOLOGY ***** Undergraduate version of ASTR 552.

Department: Physics and Astronomy

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Description: SOLAR SYSTEM PHYSICS ***** The Sun, solar-terrestrial relationships, solar wind; planetary atmospheres, ionospheres and magnetospheres. ***** Prerequisite(s): PHYS 301 and 302. ***** Instructor(s): Cloutier.

Department: Physics and Astronomy

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Seminar

Credit Hours: 1

Description: GRADUATE SEMINAR ***** A presentation of current research programs in the department. Course may be repeated for credit. ***** Instructor(s): Liang, Dufour Repeatable for Credit.

Department: Physics and Astronomy

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): ASTR 470 AND PHYS 480

Description: PROCESSES IN COSMIC PLASMAS ***** 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. ***** Prerequisite(s): ASTR 470 and PHYS 480. ***** Course not offered 2004-2005. ***** Instructor(s): Staff.

Department: Physics and Astronomy

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Description: NEBULAR ASTROPHYSICS ***** The physics of emission nebulae, including radiative transfer, photoionization and thermal equilibria, and internal gaseous dynamics. Physical processes in the interstellar medium. ***** Course not offered 2004-2005. ***** Intructor(s): Staff

Department: Physics and Astronomy

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Description: ASTROPHYSICS I: SUN AND STARS ***** Physics of stellar interiors and atmospheres; solar phenomena. Concepts of stellar evolution. ***** Instructor(s): Johns-Krull

Department: Physics and Astronomy

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Description: ASTROPHYSICS II: GALAXIES & COSMOLOGY ***** The physics of interstellar matter; structure of the Milky Way and other normal galaxies; physical cosmology and high-redshift phenomena. ***** Instructor(s): Liang

Department: Physics and Astronomy

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Description: ASTROPHYSICS OF THE SUN ***** Analysis of physical processes at work in the sun, including such as helioseismology, solar variability, solar activity, magnetic reconnection, heliosphere interactions and modern observational techniques. ***** Instructor: David Alexander

Department: Physics and Astronomy

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Description: COMPACT OBJECTS ***** Selected topics involving white dwarfs, neutron stars, black holes and their environments, e.g., pulsars, supernova remnants, and accretion disks. ***** Course not offered 2004-2005. ***** Instructor(s): Staff

Department: Physics and Astronomy

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Lecture

Credit Hours: 3

Description: ADVANCED TOPICS IN ASTROPHYSICS ***** Lecture/seminars which treat topics of departmental interest. Not offered every year. ***** Course not offered 2004-2005. ***** Instructor(s): Staff Repeatable for Credit.