Course Schedule and Catalog
Course Catalog - 2015-2016
ASTR 100 - EXPLORING THE COSMOS
Long Title: EXPLORING THE COSMOS
Department: Physics and Astronomy
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hours: 1
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Introduction to concepts, methods and discoveries of astronomy and astrophysics, with a theme to be chosen from the frontier topics of modern astrophysics. Will emphasize student presentations. Designed for first year students interested in science or engineering, but other majors are welcome.
ASTR 201 - STARS, GALAXIES & THE UNIVERSE
Long Title: STARS, GALAXIES, AND THE UNIVERSE
Department: Physics and Astronomy
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Distribution Group: Distribution Group III
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
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
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Distribution Group: Distribution Group III
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
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
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture/Laboratory
Credit Hours: 2
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: An introduction to the celestial sphere and movements of the sun, moon, and planets. Students will gain hands-on experience using computerized telescopes, binoculars, digital imagers, and planetarium software to study astronomical objects. Intended for students in all types of academic programs.
ASTR 230 - ASTRONOMY LAB
Long Title: ASTRONOMY LAB
Department: Physics and Astronomy
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Laboratory
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: A hands-on introduction to modern techniques of observational astronomy. Students use telescopes, CCDs, and computers to obtain and analyze their own images and spectra of solar system, galactic, and extragalactic objects. The course employs the campus observatory, dark sky observing sites, and state of the art data analysis software. Instructor Permission Required.
ASTR 243 - LIVING WITH A STAR
Long Title: LIVING WITH A STAR: THE PHYSICS OF THE SUN-EARTH CONNECTION
Department: Physics and Astronomy
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Prerequisite(s): MATH 102 AND PHYS 102 OR PHYS 126
Description: Introduction to astrophysical processes, particularly the effect of the Sun on the Earth. Possible effects of solar variability will be considered, especially global warming. The observational and theoretical basis of our current understanding will be presented.
ASTR 350 - INTRO ASTROPHYSICS-STARS
Long Title: INTRODUCTION TO ASTROPHYSICS-STARS
Department: Physics and Astronomy
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Prerequisite(s): (MATH 211 AND PHYS 202)
Description: Introduction to celestial mechanics, radiative transfer, stellar structure, and stellar remnants (including black holes and neutron stars). Aspects of stellar atmospheres 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. Recommended Prerequisite(s): MATH 212
ASTR 360 - INTRO ASTROPHYSIC-GALAXY&COSMO
Long Title: INTRODUCTION TO ASTROPHYSICS-GALAXY AND COSMO
Department: Physics and Astronomy
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Prerequisite(s): (MATH 211 AND PHYS 202)
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. PHYS 202 may be taken as a prereq or concurrently with ASTR 360.
ASTR 400 - UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH SEMINAR
Long Title: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH SEMINAR
Department: Physics and Astronomy
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hours: 1
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
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 451 - ASTROPHYSICS I: SUN AND STARS
Long Title: ASTROPHYSICS I: SUN AND STARS
Department: Physics and Astronomy
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Prerequisite(s): (ASTR 350 OR ASTR 360 AND (PHYS 301 AND PHYS 302
Description: Physics of stellar atmospheres, interiors and evolution. Polytropes, nucleosynthesis, radiative transfer, convection, oscillations, opacities, curves of growth, spectral line theory and observation.
ASTR 452 - ASTROPHYS II:GALAXY&COSMOLOGY
Long Title: ASTROPHYSICS II: GALAXIES AND COSMOLOGY
Department: Physics and Astronomy
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Prerequisite(s): (ASTR 350 OR ASTR 360 AND (PHYS 301 AND PHYS 302
Description: Study of physical cosmology models. Description of the evolution of the universe, including nucleosynthesis, cosmic background radiation, large-scale structure, galaxy formation and evolution, and high redshift phenomena.
ASTR 470 - SOLAR SYSTEM PHYSICS
Long Title: SOLAR SYSTEM PHYSICS
Department: Physics and Astronomy
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Prerequisite(s): (PHYS 301 AND PHYS 302)
Description: The Sun, solar-terrestrial relationships, solar wind; planetary atmospheres, ionospheres and magnetospheres. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ASTR 570. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ASTR 470 if student has credit for ASTR 570.
ASTR 500 - GRADUATE RESEARCH SEMINAR
Long Title: GRADUATE RESEARCH SEMINAR
Department: Physics and Astronomy
Grade Mode: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hours: 1
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: A presentation of current research programs in the department. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ASTR 400. Repeatable for Credit.
ASTR 502 - TEACHNG EARTH & SPACE SCIENCE
Long Title: TEACHING EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE
Department: Physics and Astronomy
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Overview of the Earth and the solar system: structure, evolution, and dynamics. Includes non-calculus mathematics: algebra, logarithms and simple trigonometry, including Kepler's laws. Observing sessions at campus observatory and George Observatory TBD. Designed for inservice and preservice science teachers (grades 4-12), but open to undergraduates considering a teaching career. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ASTR 502 if student has credit for ASTR 402.
ASTR 503 - ASTRONOMY FOR TEACHERS
Long Title: ASTRONOMY FOR TEACHERS
Department: Physics and Astronomy
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Overview of the Sun, stars, galaxies, and the Universe at a non-calculus level. Methods to help students master content, including lab activities suitable for K-12. Observing sessions at Rice campus observatory and George Observatory TBD. Designed for inservice and preservice teachers (grades 5-12), but open to undergraduates considering a teaching career.
ASTR 505 - PROCESSES IN COSMIC PLASMAS
Long Title: PROCESSES IN COSMIC PLASMAS
Department: Physics and Astronomy
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
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 530 - TEACHING ASTRONOMY LABORATORY
Long Title: TEACHING ASTRONOMY LABORATORY
Department: Physics and Astronomy
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Laboratory
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Prerequisite(s): ASTR 230 OR ASTR 350 OR ASTR 360 OR ASTR 402 OR ASTR 403 OR ASTR 502 OR ASTR 503 or permission of instructor
Description: Methods of observational astronomy for public education: telescopes, astronomical binoculars, portable planetariums, digital cameras, and photography (still, 3D, and time lapse). Students will train beginners in the use of telescopes and carry out a modest observational program. The course requires one public presentation. Topics vary with each offering. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ASTR 530 if student has credit for ASTR 430.
ASTR 554 - ASTROPHYSICS OF THE SUN
Long Title: ASTROPHYSICS OF THE SUN
Department: Physics and Astronomy
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
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
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Prerequisite(s): ASTR 451
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
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Selected topics involving white dwarfs, neutron stars, black holes and their environments, e.g., pulsars, supernova remnants, and accretion disks.
ASTR 570 - SOLAR SYSTEM PHYSICS
Long Title: SOLAR SYSTEM PHYSICS
Department: Physics and Astronomy
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Lecture
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: The Sun, solar-terrestrial relationships, solar wind; planetary atmospheres, ionospheres and magnetospheres. Includes a research paper and presentation on a physical process in the solar system. Graduate/Undergraduate Equivalency: ASTR 470. Mutually Exclusive: Cannot register for ASTR 570 if student has credit for ASTR 470.
ASTR 600 - ADV TOPICS IN ASTROPHYSICS
Long Title: ADVANCED TOPICS IN ASTROPHYSICS
Department: Physics and Astronomy
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
Language of Instruction: Taught in English
Course Type: Seminar
Credit Hours: 3
Restrictions:
Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s):
Graduate
Description: Lecture/seminars which treat topics of departmental interest. Not offered every year. Repeatable for Credit.