Courses & Requirements
Requirements for the Astrophysics Major
Required Courses
AST-120: The Solar System/Lab (4.00)
A survey of the solar system, including the planets, minor bodies and the sun. An overview of orbital motion, the properties of light and fundamentals of astronomical instrumentation. Includes a required laboratory component in which students learn introductory observational methods, including telescope alignment and calibration and visual, photographic and CCD observations of the Sun, the Moon, planets and stars. Course requires basic mathematical skills, including ratios, exponents, and simple algebra and trigonometry. 3 LEC, 1 LAB.
AST-121: Galaxies & Cosmology (4.00)
This course introduces the field of astronomy beyond our solar system, with close attention to the contributions of international women astronomers in advancing the field. Students will consider the development of scientific ideas that cross national borders and global efforts in the advancement of astronomical science, including connections between astronomers to form international observatory consortia, to plan and construct spacecraft that explore the universe, and to collaborate in scientific projects large and small. In addition to employing fundamental equations that relate astronomical quantities to describe the behavior of stars, nebulae, galaxies, and the evolution of the universe, topical projects will allow students to investigate the professional development and recognition of women astronomers, actions and initiatives of global scientific organizations such as the International Astronomical Union (IAU), or other global systems that foster or inhibit astronomical discoveries.
Course requisites: ASTROPHYSICS majors/minors are encouraged to take AST-200L along with AST-121, but this is NOT REQUIRED.
AST-200L: Intermediate Observational Techniques (2.00)
A laboratory experience in which students learn intermediate observational methods of radio and optical astronomy. Use of computer-controlled optical and radio telescopes, electronic (CCD) imaging and photometry. Students also learn to operate the Zeiss ZKP3 planetarium projector.
Course requisites: AST-120 with lab
AST-300: Astrophysics I: Radiation (4.00)
The application of physics to the study of astronomical radiation. Topics include multiwavelength astronomical telescopes and instruments, stellar and planetary radiation transfer, stellar evolution, the interstellar medium, the intergalactic medium, magnetic fields and cosmology.
Course requisites: Physics 203
AST-301: Astrophysics II: Dynamics (4.00)
The application of physics to the study of astronomical structures and motions. Topics include dynamics from planetary to galactic scales, distance determination, galaxy evolution, mass distributions, large-scale structure and cosmology.
Course requisites: PHY-203 (or as taken under old # PHY-111)
PHY-131: Introduction to Computer Programming (4.00)
This introduction to computer science emphasizes problem solving and data analysis skills along with computer programming skills. Using Python, students will learn design, implementation, testing, and analysis of algorithms and programs. And within the context of programming, they will learn to formulate problems, think creatively about solutions, and express those solutions clearly and accurately. Problems will be chosen from real-world examples such as graphics, image processing, cryptography, data analysis, astronomy, video games, and environmental simulation. Students will get instruction delivered in-person and through interactive media. Class time will focus on collaborative team projects to solve real-life problems. Prior programming experience is not a requirement for this course. (Cross-listed with MAT-131.)
PHY-202: Intro Physics I/Lab: Mechanics (4.00)
A calculus-based course with laboratory covering Newtonian mechanics, oscillations, and other classical physics topics. Credit cannot be received for both PHY-102 and 202. 3 LEC, 1 LAB.
Course requisites: Prereq MAT-118; Pre- or coreq MAT-119 Corequisite MAT-119
PHY-203: Intro Phys II/Lab: Electricity and Magnetism (4.00)
A calculus-based course with laboratory covering Newtonian mechanics, oscillations, and other classical physics topics. Credit cannot be received for both PHY-102 and PHY 202. 3 LEC, 1 LAB.
Course requisites: PHY-202 (grade C- or higher) and MAT-119
PHY-205: Intro to Math for Physicists/Engineers (4.00)
This course introduces mathematical topics that are necessary tools in the study of physics and related disciplines. Students will practice employing these tools, such as complex numbers, differential equations, laplace transforms and linear algebra, within the context of specific physical phenomena.
Course requisites: MAT-119 (grade C- or higher) and PHY-202
PHY-210: Modern Physics (4.00)
One-semester introduction to the fundamentals of modern physics with integrated modern physics laboratory. Students perform simulations and experiments important to the development of modern physics and are introduced to modern experimental techniques. Topics include: relativity, atomic physics, wave phenomena, quantum mechanics, nuclear physics, and particle physics. Course provides a broad base of understanding of modern physics for use in upper-level physics and astronomy courses.
Course requisites: PHY-203 w/ grade C- or higher Req'd pre- or corequisite MAT-220
MAT-220: Multivariable Calculus (4.00)
MULTIVARIABLE CALCULUS--The geometry of curves and surfaces and the calculus of functions of two or more variables, including partial differentiation, multiple integrals, and vector analysis.
Course requisites: 119 with a minimum grade of C-
Research/Seminar Requirement
Students must complete at least 2 credits of 400-level work. This could include research, internships, independent study, or PHY-420.
PHY-400: Capstone Colloquium (1.00)
Monthly colloquium for all students enrolled in all 400-level courses in a given semester. Students will share research, projects and internship results. Course is pass/fail. Can be taken multiple times. Corequisite: Any 400-level Physics or Astronomy course.
Course requisites: Required co-req: another 400-Level PHY or AST course
PHY-401: Problem-Solving in Physics (1.00)
An additional course for students seeking greater depth in physics problem-solving. Students will identify specific areas of physics for development or enrichment and will work together to solve a variety of physics problems. May be repeated for credit.
Course requisites: PHY-210
PHY-410: Directed Reading (1.00)
Directed reading courses are offered by all academic programs and are open to qualified juniors and seniors to pursue reading outside a program's listed courses. Nonmajors who demonstrate sufficient preparation in the discipline may also apply. Applications to take directed reading are available in the Office of Academic Advising. A 410 course carries 1 to 4 semester hours of credit.
PHY-420: Advanced Seminar in Physics (2.00)
A capstone experience for astrophysics and physics majors. Topics will include use of online and other research resources, research methods and the ethics of scientific research. Students in the class will report regularly on their research experiences, or if they are not actively engaged in a research project with a faculty member on recent advances as reported in the scientific literature. Cross-listed with AST-400.
Course requisites: Req'd corequisite PHY-400
PHY-440: Directed Research (1.00)
Directed research courses are open to junior and senior majors to work with a faculty member on a project related to a particular field of intellectual or artistic interest, or to non-majors who demonstrate sufficient preparation in the discipline. Applications are available in the Office of Academic Advising and must be returned to the assistant dean of the college for approval. A 440 course carries 1 to 4 semester-hours credit.
Course requisites: Req'd corequisite PHY-400
PHY-450: Credit Internship (1.00)
For juniors and seniors who want a more-focused academic component to accompany their internship, the independently designed 450 may be an option. Students must identify a faculty sponsor and complete detailed paperwork for approval from the Office of Internship and Career Development. See the Special Curricular Opportunities section for more information.
Course requisites: Req'd corequisite PHY-400
Additional Courses
Students must complete at least 12 additional credits in physics, typically 3 courses.
Requirements for the Astrophysics Minor
Courses
AST-120: The Solar System/Lab (4.00)
A survey of the solar system, including the planets, minor bodies and the sun. An overview of orbital motion, the properties of light and fundamentals of astronomical instrumentation. Includes a required laboratory component in which students learn introductory observational methods, including telescope alignment and calibration and visual, photographic and CCD observations of the Sun, the Moon, planets and stars. Course requires basic mathematical skills, including ratios, exponents, and simple algebra and trigonometry. 3 LEC, 1 LAB.
AST-121: Galaxies & Cosmology (4.00)
This course introduces the field of astronomy beyond our solar system, with close attention to the contributions of international women astronomers in advancing the field. Students will consider the development of scientific ideas that cross national borders and global efforts in the advancement of astronomical science, including connections between astronomers to form international observatory consortia, to plan and construct spacecraft that explore the universe, and to collaborate in scientific projects large and small. In addition to employing fundamental equations that relate astronomical quantities to describe the behavior of stars, nebulae, galaxies, and the evolution of the universe, topical projects will allow students to investigate the professional development and recognition of women astronomers, actions and initiatives of global scientific organizations such as the International Astronomical Union (IAU), or other global systems that foster or inhibit astronomical discoveries.
Course requisites: ASTROPHYSICS majors/minors are encouraged to take AST-200L along with AST-121, but this is NOT REQUIRED.
AST-200L: Intermediate Observational Techniques (2.00)
A laboratory experience in which students learn intermediate observational methods of radio and optical astronomy. Use of computer-controlled optical and radio telescopes, electronic (CCD) imaging and photometry. Students also learn to operate the Zeiss ZKP3 planetarium projector.
Course requisites: AST-120 with lab
PHY-131: Introduction to Computer Programming (4.00)
This introduction to computer science emphasizes problem solving and data analysis skills along with computer programming skills. Using Python, students will learn design, implementation, testing, and analysis of algorithms and programs. And within the context of programming, they will learn to formulate problems, think creatively about solutions, and express those solutions clearly and accurately. Problems will be chosen from real-world examples such as graphics, image processing, cryptography, data analysis, astronomy, video games, and environmental simulation. Students will get instruction delivered in-person and through interactive media. Class time will focus on collaborative team projects to solve real-life problems. Prior programming experience is not a requirement for this course. (Cross-listed with MAT-131.)
PHY-202: Intro Physics I/Lab: Mechanics (4.00)
A calculus-based course with laboratory covering Newtonian mechanics, oscillations, and other classical physics topics. Credit cannot be received for both PHY-102 and 202. 3 LEC, 1 LAB.
Course requisites: Prereq MAT-118; Pre- or coreq MAT-119 Corequisite MAT-119
PHY-203: Intro Phys II/Lab: Electricity and Magnetism (4.00)
A calculus-based course with laboratory covering Newtonian mechanics, oscillations, and other classical physics topics. Credit cannot be received for both PHY-102 and PHY 202. 3 LEC, 1 LAB.
Course requisites: PHY-202 (grade C- or higher) and MAT-119
PHY-210: Modern Physics (4.00)
One-semester introduction to the fundamentals of modern physics with integrated modern physics laboratory. Students perform simulations and experiments important to the development of modern physics and are introduced to modern experimental techniques. Topics include: relativity, atomic physics, wave phenomena, quantum mechanics, nuclear physics, and particle physics. Course provides a broad base of understanding of modern physics for use in upper-level physics and astronomy courses.
Course requisites: PHY-203 w/ grade C- or higher Req'd pre- or corequisite MAT-220