Intro To Cosmology

[Nerio Cintron]

Cosmologyis the scientific study of the large scale properties of the universe as a whole. It endeavors to use thescientific method to understand the origin, evolution and ultimate fate of the entire Universe. Like any field of science,cosmology involves the formation of theories or hypotheses about the universe which make specific predictions for phenomenathat can be tested with observations. Depending on the outcome of the observations, the theories will need to be abandoned,revised or extended to accommodate the data. The prevailing theory about the origin and evolution of our Universe is theso-called Big Bang theory.

For purposed of citation of this portion of the site or the downloadable PDF you can use this information:

WMAP Science Team, "Cosmology: The Study of the Universe," NASA's Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe,last modified June 6, 2011, _Universe.pdf or

ASTR 102 Introduction to Astronomy (5) NSc, RSN

Emphasis on mathematical and physical comprehension of nature, the sun, stars, galaxies, and cosmology. Designed for students who have had algebra and trigonometry and high school or introductory-level college physics. Cannot be taken for credit in combination with ASTR 101 or ASTR 301. Offered: A.

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ASTR 109 Measuring the Universe (3) SSc/NSc

How did we measure the distance to the Sun, the mass of the Earth, the age of the Universe? How do we know that everyday matter is composed of atoms? Provides a mostly descriptive, historical introduction to the methods different societies have devised to solve such quandaries, in the process constraining nature's laws and shaping the physical sciences into their modern form.

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ASTR 150 The Planets (5) NSc, RSN

For liberal arts and beginning science students. Survey of the planets of the solar system, with emphases on recent space exploration of the planets and on the comparative evolution of the Earth and the other planets. Offered: AWSpS.

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ASTR 160 Introduction to Exoplanets (3/5) NSc

Introduction to exoplanets. Explores how studies of extrasolar planets have changed our views of how planets and planetary systems form and evolve. Examines the science behind the search for Earth-like planets and life beyond our Solar System. May not earn credit if credit earned in ASTR 419.

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ASTR 201 The Universe and the Origin of Life (5) NSc, RSN

Sequel to 101 or 102, emphasizing modern views of the atomic and molecular evolution of the universe from the initial "big bang" through the formation of the solar system and the emergence of biological forms on the earth. The latter part of the course considers questions about the existence of, and communication with, extraterrestrial intelligent life, and finally the ultimate fate of the cosmos.

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ASTR 210 Distance and Time: Size and Age in the Universe (5) NSc, RSN

Space and time as basic concepts in physical science. How we define and measure them, how the concepts have developed over the centuries, and how modern measurements allow us to determine the size and age of the universe.

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ASTR 211 The Universe and Change (5) NSc, RSN

Gravity as central to the form and evolution of the universe. Conceptual formulation of gravity from the Renaissance to Einstein. Its consequences from the falling of an apple to the slowing of the expansion of the universe. Offered: W.

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ASTR 216 The Impact Threat to Earth (3) NSc

Earth has been hit by large rocks in the past, and will be hit by such rocks in the future. Explores the history and future of impacts on Earth. Investigates why and how often we are hit, how big is the material that hits us. What can we do about it? Recommended: ASTR 101 or ASTR 150. Offered: Sp.

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ASTR 270 Public Outreach in Astronomy (3) A&H/NSc

Emphasis on giving effective scientific presentations, developing and giving educational programs to school-age groups, and communicating knowledge of astronomy to others. Give talks at the Jacobsen Observatory on campus and presentations in the Astronomy Department's planetarium. Learn to operate a telescope and the planetarium equipment. Prerequisite: one astronomy course at either the 100-, 200-, or 300-level. Offered: Sp.

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ASTR 300 Introduction to Programming for Astronomical Applications (3) RSN

Introduction to programming needed for astronomical applications: Linux operating systems, PERL, IDL. Recommended for astronomy majors planning to take 400-level astronomy courses, to pursue individual research projects, or to apply for research experience for undergraduate appointments. Prerequisite: either ASTR 321, ASTR 322, or ASTR 323, any of which may be taken concurrently. Offered: AW.

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ASTR 302 Python for Astronomy (3) NSc, RSN

Teaches how to effectively use Python for research and astronomical data analysis. Introduction to key tools and libraries used in astronomy and how to use these to analyze data , visualize datasets, automate analyses, and apply this knowledge to reproducing results of some key astronomy papers. Prerequisite: ASTR 300; recommended: knowledge of Python and related astronomy libraries at the ASTR 300 level highly recommended.

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ASTR 313 Science in Civilization: Physics and Astrophysics Since 1850 (5) SSc/NSc

Organization and pursuit of the physical and astrophysical sciences, focusing on the major unifying principles of physics and astronomy and the social and cultural settings in which they were created. Offered: jointly with HSTCMP 313.

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ASTR 324 Introduction to Astrostatistics and Machine Learning in Astronomy (3) RSN

Introduces students to data science tools and techniques commonly used in data driven astronomy and astrophysics. Combines introductory theoretical background with hands-on work on examples of data analysis with modern astronomical datasets. Prerequisite: MATH 124 or MATH 134; MATH 125 or MATH 135; MATH 126; and ASTR 300 or ASTR 302; recommended: basic understanding of scientific measurement and statistics at the level of a first-year undergraduate lab. Offered: Sp.

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ASTR 400 Undergraduate Research Seminar (1) NSc

Introduces research topics conducted by astronomy faculty. Each week a faculty member describes her/his current research and the opportunities available for interested majors to participate in the research. Credit/no-credit only. Offered: A.

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ASTR 419 Exoplanets (3) NSc

Exoplanet properties, discovery, and habitability. Examines the science involved in the search for Earth-like planets and life beyond our Solar System. Topics include: exoplanet environments, modelling exoplanet planetary systems, planetary habitability, detection, and properties of exoplanets. May not earn credit if credit earned in ASTR 160. Prerequisite: ASTR 321.

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ASTR 425 Cosmology (3) RSN

Studies the universe as a whole. Overview of fundamental observations of cosmology and an introduction to general relativity. Examines theories of the past and future history of the universe, the nature of dark matter and dark energy, and the origin of ordinary matter on the large-scale structure. Prerequisite: PHYS 224; PHYS 225.

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ASTR 427 Methods of Computational Astrophysics (3) NSc

Provides hands-on experiences in writing computer programs to solve astrophysics problems. Topics include: interpolation and extrapolation, integration, ordinary, differential equations, root finding, optimization, linear algebra, Monte-Carlo partial differential equations, and parallel techniques.

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ASTR 480 Introduction to Astronomical Data Analysis (5) NSc

Hands-on experience with electronic imaging devices (CCDs) and software for image reduction and analysis. Introduction to operating systems, reduction software, and statistical analysis with applications to CCD photometry. Prerequisite: ASTR 300; ASTR 323, which may be taken concurrently. Offered: Sp.

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ASTR 481 Introduction to Astronomical Observation (3/5) NSc

Theory and practice of obtaining optical data at a telescope. Topics include observing preparation and execution, and the subsequent data analysis required for completion of a research project. 3-credit option available for students unable to join overnight trips to the telescope. Prerequisite: ASTR 480. Offered: S.

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ASTR 508 Physical Foundations of Astrophysics II (3)

Introduction to astronomical hydrodynamics and magnetohydrodynamics, basic theorems and application to stellar and interstellar magnetic fields. Introduction to plasma physics and waves in a plasma.

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ASTR 509 Physical Foundations of Astrophysics III (3)

Potential theory as applied to astrophysical systems. Orbits. Integrals of motion. Equilibrium and stability of stellar systems. Encounters of stellar systems. Kinetic theory of collisional systems. Applications of stellar dynamics to star clusters, galaxies, and large-scale structure.

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ASTR 532 Stellar Evolution (3)

Theoretical and observational approaches to stellar evolution. Structure of red giants, supernovae, and white dwarfs. Observations of star clusters and the chemical composition of stars as they relate to the theory of stellar structure. Prerequisite: ASTR 531.

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