Course Catalog 2012-2013
Associate Professor Daniel C. Homan, Chair
Professors Steven D. Doty, N. Daniel Gibson, C. Wesley Walter; Associate Professors Kimberly A. Coplin, Daniel C. Homan; Assistant Professors Steven Olmschenk, Riina Tehver; Technician/Machinist David Burdick; Academic Administrative Assistant Beth Jeffries
Astronomy 100 is a course in Descriptive Astronomy, designed explicitly for the non-physics major student, and may be used to satisfy one course of the science division requirement. The student who desires preparation for graduate work in Astronomy, Astrophysics, or Space Physics should pursue a major in Physics with a minor in Astronomy and is encouraged to consult early with faculty in the Physics and Astronomy Department. See Physics Department section.
Minimum requirements for a Minor in Astronomy are Physics 125 or 200, 126, 127, 220, 305, 306 and 312, Astronomy 100, at least two upper division Astronomy courses totaling 4-8 credits, and Mathematics 123 and 124. (Students who have taken Physics 121-2 should consult with the Chair about requirements.) The experimental course, Physics 312, may be modified to reflect the student's interest in Astronomy. Students in class year 2012 and 2013 should consult with the Department chair about the requirements. Early consultation with the Department is strongly advised. See the Physics Department section of the catalog.
Current Topics in Astronomy (ASTR-100). This course is designed primarily for the non-physics major student who wishes to better understand the nature of the universe. Topics will be chosen from such areas as the history of astronomy, naked eye observations, the planets and moons, the origin of the solar system, stellar classification, stellar evolution, galactic astronomy, and cosmology. Course and laboratory work will explore the physical and observational background for these topics with an emphasis on the quantitative nature of modern astronomy. Two or three lectures per week; one two-hour laboratory each week. This course satisfies the quantitative general education requirement. No previous training in physics is required, however mathematical preparation is assumed to include high school algebra and trigonometry. (Offered each semester) 4
Introductory Topics in Astronomy (ASTR-199). A general category used only in the evaluation of transfer credit. 1-4
Intermediate Topics in Astronomy (ASTR-299). A general category used only in the evaluation of transfer credit. 1-4
Special Topics in Astronomy (ASTR-311). This course is to provide qualified students with the opportunity to pursue experimental and/or theoretical work in one or more of the areas of Modern Astronomy. Offered in 2010-2011 spring semester, "Observational Astronomy with Optics." Prerequisite: PHYS 122 or 127 and PHYS 200 concurrent or consent. (Not offered every year) 4
Special Topics in Astronomy (ASTR-312). This course is to provide qualified students with the opportunity to pursue experimental and theoretical work in one or more of the areas of Modern Astronomy. Prerequisites: Junior standing or consent. (Not offered every year) 4
Advanced Topics (ASTR-340). Independent work on selected topics at the advanced level under the guidance of individual staff members. May be taken for a maximum of four semester hours of credit. Prerequisites: Junior standing and consent of chairperson. 1-2
Directed Study (ASTR-361). Prerequisite: Consent of chairperson. 1-4
Directed Study (ASTR-362). Prerequisite: Consent of chairperson. 1-4
Independent Study (ASTR-363). 1-4
Independent Study (ASTR-364). 1-4
Advanced Topics in Astronomy (ASTR-399). A general category used only in the evaluation of transfer credit. 1-4
Senior Research (ASTR-451). Prerequisite: Physics 312 or consent of chairperson. 4
Senior Research (ASTR-452). Prerequisite: Physics 312 or consent of chairperson. 4