For a description of the physics courses that are required for the astrophysics major, see the Physics subject heading in this catalog.
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01:750:341,342
Principles of Astrophysics (3,3)
Properties and processes of the solar system, the stars, and the galaxies; origin of the elements; evolution of the stars and the universe; neutron stars and black holes.
Prerequisites: Two semesters of introductory physics and two semesters of calculus.
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01:750:343
Observational Radio Astronomy (3)
Observational study of the solar system, stars, and galaxies, using the Serin 3 meter radio telescope. Emphasizes computer techniques for data reduction and analysis. Topics may include calibrating system properties, the variability of the Sun, Jupiter, or quasars, and mapping the distribution of hydrogen in our Milky Way galaxy and measuring its rotation.
Lec. 1.5 hrs., lab. 3 hrs. Prerequisites: 01:750:341,342 or permission of instructor. Lab schedule will vary through the semester.
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01:750:344
Observational Optical Astronomy (3)
Observational study of the solar system, stars, and galaxies, using the Serin 0.5 meter optical telescope. Emphasizes computer techniques for data reduction and analysis. Topics may include the dimensions of lunar features, planetary satellite orbits, color-magnitude diagrams for star clusters, and the structure and colors of galaxies.
Lec. 1.5 hrs., lab. 3 hrs. Prerequisites: 01:750:341,342, or permission of instructor. Students must have nighttime hours free for observing.
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01:750:441
Stars and Star Formation (3)
Observed properties of stars. Internal structure of stars, energy generation and transport, neutrinos, and solar oscillations. Evolution of isolated and double stars, red giants, white dwarfs, variable stars, supernovae. Challenges presented by formation of stars, importance of magnetic fields. Pre-main sequence stellar evolution.
Prerequisites: 01:750:361, 385-386.
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01:750:442
High Energy Astrophysics and Radiative Processes (3)
Radiation and scattering processes in plasma. Detection and X- and gamma-rays. Supernovae and remnants, pulsars. Gamma-ray bursts. Accretion disks and binary star outbursts. Quasars and active galactic nuclei. Cosmic rays.
Prerequisites: 01:750:361, 385-386.
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01:750:443
Galaxies and the Milky Way (3)
Properties of galaxies: photometry, kinematics, and masses. Disk galaxies; spiral patterns, bars and warps, gas content, star formation rates, chemical evolution. Elliptical galaxies; shapes. Structure of the Milky Way. Nature of dark matter.
Prerequisites: 01:750:381-382, 385-386.
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01:750:444
Introduction to Cosmology (3)
Expansion of the universe, techniques for distance estimation. Large-scale structure of the universe. Cosmological models: open, closed, flat, and accelerating universes. Microwave background: observations, properties, and origin. Problems of standard cosmology and preliminary concept of inflation.
Prerequisites: 01:750:361, 385-386.
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01:750:497,498
Honors in Astronomy (BA,BA)
Supervised independent research or reading in astronomy, culminating in a seminar conducted by the student.
Prerequisite: Invitation of chair.
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Programs of Study and Courses for Liberal Arts and Sciences Students 
