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Astronomy 590: Discovering the Universe: Astronomy for Teachers |
| In this course we introduce the many denizens of the cosmos and we explore how a scientific approach can reveal the properties of these fantastic objects. Topics of note include how we know "where" and "when" we are in the universe, the ways in which we are able to explore remote objects, and how to convey these ideas to students through projects and activities.
Restrictions & Notes: Open to all; meets with EDUC 791B Session: CPE (Continuing Education) |
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Astronomy 597A: Astronomy for Teachers
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| ntroductory survey of Astronomy for in-service teachers and graduate students in Education. The range of topics is similar to that of Astronomy 100, but the emphasis is on understanding the material in a way that can be transmitted to students in K-K. A hands-on laboratory component is included as part of this course.
This course meets with a section of Astronomy 100, but includes additional assignments (e.g. lesson plans). See the Astronomy 100 description for more information. Permission of instructor is required. |
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Astronomy 640: Galactic Astronomy |
| Distribution of stars and gas in the Milky Way. Spiral structure; formation and evolution of Milky Way; kinematics of stars and gas; missing mass in our galaxy; the galactic center. |
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Astronomy 643: Stellar Objects |
| Topics include gravitational equilibrium configurations, virial theorem, polytropes, thermodynamics, convective and radiative transport, stellar atmospheres, nuclear reactions and energy generation, pre-main-sequence contraction, evolution to red giant, white dwarf, and neutron star, and supernova explosions. |
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Astronomy 644: Radiation Processes in Astrophysics |
| Topics include continuous emission mechanisms (synchrotron radiation, inverse compton, and free-free emission), dust emission, photo-ionization and recombination, excitation and transfer of atomic and molecular lines, line broadening, and population inversion and astrophysical masers. physics of shock waves, and plasma physics. |
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Astronomy 645: Astrophysical Dynamics |
| Dynamic and gravitational principles applied to astrophysics. Potential theory, orbital mechanics, virial theorem, Jeans' equations, equilibrium and stability of self-gravitating systems, kinetic theory. Applications to galactic structure and evolution, mergers, dark matter, evolution of star clusters and galactic nuclei and solar system dynamics. |
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Astronomy 646: Radiative Transfer |
| Broad survey of application of radiation transfer theory to astronomical problems; practical, rather than formal, aspects of subject. Analytic and numerical solutions of equation of transfer, including Monte Carlo method and difference equation techniques. Applications to problems of increasing complexity: stars with expanding atmospheres, nebulae, molecular clouds, interstellar masers. |
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Astronomy 650: Extragalactic Astronomy |
| Structure, formation, and evolution of galaxies. Stellar/gas content, kinematics, spiral structure, chemical evolution, galactic nuclei, missing mass in galaxies and clusters, galaxy collisions, determination of the Hubble constant, large-scale structure, and motions in the universe. |
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Astronomy 696: Independent Study |
| Credit, 1-6 |
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Astronomy 699: Masters Thesis |
| Credit, 1-9 |
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Astronomy 731: Radio Astronomy |
| Principles of antennas, receivers, and spectrometers for radio astronomy. Surveys state-of-art systems at centimeter to sub-millimeter wavelengths. Observational techniques and basic system design discussed. There is a laboratory component to course. |
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Astronomy 732: Computational Methods for Physical Science |
| Basic numerical methods: linear algebra, interpolation and extrapolation, integration, root finding, extremization and differential equations. Introduction to Monte Carlo techniques used to stimulate processes that occur in nature and methods to simulate experiments that measure these processes including random number generators, sampling techniques, and multidimensional simulation. Methods for extracting information from experiments such as experimental measurements and uncertainties, confidence intervals, parameter estimation, likelihood methods, least squares method, hypothesis tests, and goodness of fit tests. Chaotic dynamics and other special topics as time permits. |
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Astronomy 741: Interstellar Medium |
| Describes the gas and dust components of the interstellar medium in ionized regions, atomic clouds, and molecular clouds. Shows how data from optical, infrared, and radio wavelengths can be utilized to determine density, temperature, composition, and dynamics of the various phases of the ISM. Comparison of these results with theoretical models. Includes an overview of the processes that affect the evolution of the ISM including the incorporation of gas and dust into stars, the effect of HII regions and young stellar objects, and the return of matter from evolved stars and supernovae. |
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Astronomy 742: Molecular Astrophysics |
| History of molecular astrophysics. Rotational spectra of molecules. Excitation of molecules under interstellar conditions. Techniques for inferring physical conditions in molecular clouds: microwave and infrared observations. Relationship of molecular clouds to star formation. |
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Astronomy 746: Solar System Physics |
| Physics and chemistry of planetary atmospheres, surfaces, and interiors. Comets, meteors, and asteroids. Solar wind, solar terrestrial relations, and interplanetary medium. Advanced topics in mechanics applicable to astronomical problems. |
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Astronomy 748: Cosmology and General Relativity |
| Observational cosmology and cosmological principles. Background radiation and Olbers' paradox. Newtonian cosmology. General relativity, gravitational waves, relativistic cosmology, and gravitational collapse. Theories of the universe and origin of celestial structure. |
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Astronomy 791, 792: Seminar: Review of Current LIterature |
| Discussion and review of current articles in astronomical literature. May be repeated for credit. Required of graduate students. Credit, 1-2 each semester. |
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Astronomy 796, 797: Special Topics |
| Special study in astronomy or astrophysics, either theoretical or experimental under direction of faculty member. May be repeated for credit. Consents of Head of the Astronomy Program and directing faculty member required. Credit, 1-6. |
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Astronomy 850: Advanced Topics in Astronomy |
| Topics of special interest not covered in regular courses at the present time. Recent examples include material in infrared astronomical techniques and instrumentation; high resolution astronomy, including interferometry and speckle methods; and the use of modern computer hardware and software in astronomical problems involving large data sets. |
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Astronomy 860: Seminar on Research Topics in Astronomy |
| Topics of current interest not covered in regular courses. Instruction via reading assignments and seminars. May be repeated for credit. Consent of instructor required. Credit, 1-3. |
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Astronomy 899: Doctoral Dissertation Credit |
| Credit, 1-9. |
