AST 101: Introductory Astronomy – The Solar System and the Search for Life Beyond Earth (4 Credits)
This course presents an introduction to astronomy and astrophysics with an emphasis on the solar system and the possibility of life beyond Earth. The first third of the course deals with understanding the history of astronomy, orbits, gravitation, optics and the properties of light and matter. The second third of the course investigates the properties, origin, and evolution of the major planets, asteroids, comets, the Sun and other components of the Solar System with particular emphasis on comparative aspects with respect to the Earth. Recent discoveries of extrasolar planets and the intensifying search for life on Mars will be highlighted in the last third of the course when we explore the developing field of Astrobiology, the study of the origins, evolution, distribution, and future of life in the universe. This course is intended for non-science concentrators with a basic high school math and science background. Astronomy 101 has a one hour discussion section. Course requirements include assigned reading, section meetings, homework, observations, quizzes, and exams. Telescope viewing is also incorporated into the class.
AST 102: Introductory Astronomy – Stars, Galaxies, And The Universe (4 Credits)
This course is intended primarily for non-science concentrators, who wish to understand the phenomena and properties of the universe beyond our solar system. There are no astronomy prerequisites, and a basic high school math background (e.g. not calculus) will suffice. Students examine the widest possible range of interrelated natural phenomena, from sub-atomic particles to the Universe as a whole. Lectures inventory the different types of stars and examine how red giants, white dwarfs, black holes, supernovae, and people all fit together in one grand, remarkable scheme. The larger picture includes our Milky Way galaxy, less hospitable exploding galaxies, and enigmatic quasars. The present state of knowledge or speculation regarding the origin and ultimate fate of our universe will also receive special attention. It all came from somewhere, but where… and why? Astronomy 102 has a one-hour discussion section. Course requirements include assigned reading, section meetings, homework, observations, quizzes, and exams. Telescope viewing is also incorporated into the class. 4 credits; NS
AST 106: Aliens (1 credit mini-course)
Does ET exist? Has he/she/it been here before? Want to try to communicate – should we? In this course we will discuss the on-going search for extra-terrestrial life. We will place a strong focus on the scientific hurdles that lie in our understanding the development of life and for its potential evolution towards interstellar travel and communication. The framework of the course will be based upon the Drake Equation, which was first posed to estimate the total number of intelligent civilizations that might exist in the galaxy at a given time. Thus we will take a census of the potential for life beyond Earth through an exploration of our own solar system. We will then survey beyond our own star system to the exciting search for “extra-solar” planets and their biological potential. We will end with a group activity where students and professors will try to estimate how many ET civilizations might exist and then move on to discuss our future potential to travel to the stars. This course is intended for non-science concentrators with a basic high school background. Course requirements include homework, in class questions, and one exam.
AST 115: Introduction to Astrobiology (3 Credits)
Over the past decade one of the most exciting areas of planetary science, and indeed within astronomy, is the emergence of a new field, astrobiology, which seeks to explore the origins of life on Earth and in other solar systems. This course presents an introduction to astrobiology beginning with a brief discussion of the history of astronomy and the scientific methods via which we have surveyed the Universe. Our survey will begin with the formation of stars and planets. The course will then explore the origin and evolution of life on the Earth with a focus on the key factors that led to the emergence and diversity of life on our planet. These factors will then be used to explore the large and small bodies of the Solar System asking whether they might harbor life now or potentially in the past. We will then survey beyond our own star system to the exciting search for “extra-solar” planets and their biological potential. At the end of the course we will speculate on the existence of life in the universe, on the possibility of communication with E.T. and, ultimately, travel between the stars. This course is intended for non-science concentrators with a basic high school background. Course requirements include assigned reading, homework, in class questions, and 2 exams.
AST 403: Astrophysics of the Interstellar Medium (3 Credits)
This course examines the various types of gaseous and solid components and their interaction with stars through the processes of star formation, stellar mass loss, photoionization of gas by hot stars, and supernova explosions. The interstellar medium (the material between the stars) comprises a wide variety of material that interacts closely, and often violently, with individual stars and the host galaxy. First, the underlying atomic and molecular physics is developed to elucidate how we detect and observe the ISM and we then examine the microscopic processes that govern how atoms and molecules interact with radiation and solids. These processes combine with the dynamics to provide a picture of a complex multi-phase medium. We then we examine how gas is ionized by hot stars and by supernova remnants. We analyze the content of the cold pervasive atomic and molecular gas in the galaxy, how it often lies in spiral arms, and why giant molecular clouds are the most active sites of star formation.
AST 535: Astrophysics of the Interstellar Medium (3 Credits)
This graduate course explores the components of the interstellar medium through the lens of physics. How do radiation, matter, and motions interact to give rise to observed emission, but also to the evolving physical state of the gas itself. All components of the ISM are discussed from ionized to atomic to molecular to solid state. A key focus of this class is how to look at an astronomical observation and understand how to extract information on the physical and chemical state of the object. Thus we will discuss both atomic and molecular physics along with the optical properties of astrophysical dust grains. We will outline a basic view of gas dynamics that occur within a multiphase ISM but also locally in shocked gas near stars. This perspective includes the macrophysics of dynamics but also the microphysics of gas heating and cooling. The class ends with a discussion of molecular cloud formation, the condensation of cores, and core collapse into stars.