Physics and Astronomy
Introduction to origin of life, earth, planets and sun, stars, galaxies, quasars, nature of space radiation, and general theory of relativity. Not for physics majors
Lab course in astronomy for nonscience majors. Topics include astronomical instruments, coordinates and time, celestial mechanics, astro-photography, planets, satellites, comets and meteorites, the sun, magnitudes and distances of the stars, and others. Can be useful to fulfill the 8-hour lab science requirement; not for physics majors.
Examines the scientific, historical, and philosophical foundations and development of cosmological thought from antiquity to the present. Emphasizes a qualitative understanding of the development of cosmology concluding with the present concept of the origin and evolution of the universe. No advanced background in mathematics or the natural sciences is required.
A course which covers the foundations of astrophysics. The course covers topics of importance to modern astrophysics including physical concepts; stellar spectra and the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram; stellar atmospheres and stellar interiors; stellar structure and evolution; interstellar matter and star formation; introduction to high-energy phenomena, including collapsed stars; hydrodynamical processes in astrophysics; introduction to the physics of the galaxy as well as cosmology and the large scale structure of the universe. Prerequisites: PHYS 303, 305, 361; MATH 214. Students taking the course for graduate credit are expected to do a term paper which could be a computational project on a topics in astrophysics. Minimum page requirement is 20 pages of double-space text and references plus figures or computer output. The project will have to be approved by the instructor prior to October 18. Class participation is expected for all students.
Prerequisite: Math 214 or 306; and Phys 303, 305 and 352; or permission of instructor. Special relativity, four-dimensional space-time, general relativity, non-Euclidian geometries, geodesic and field equations, tests of general theory of relativity, black holes, cosmology, models of the universe, remnant blackbody radiation, big bang cosmology, thermodynamics and the universe.
Prerequisite: Graduate standing or permission of instructor. Emphasis on the connection of astronomy to other disciplines as well as the recent developments in astronomy. Planet earth, its origin and past history, and the origin of life. Ancient, Renaissance, and modern astronomers. Basic physics. Tools of the astronomer. The solar system, the sun, starts, our galaxy, quasars, general relativity, and cosmology. Recommended for teachers of general sciences.
Prerequisite: Phys 303, 305, 361; Math 214. Structure of interplanetary medium. Interplanetary disturbances produced by solar activity and their terrestrial effects. Charged particle motion in the earth's magnetosphere. Planetary atmospheres. Solar wind, comets, asteroids, and meteoroids.
Prerequisite: Phys 352; Math 213. Survey of the instruments, devices, and methods used for space and planetary exploration. Remote sensing of earth and other solar system bodies. Planned manned and unmanned missions by the United States and other countries.
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