Astronomy (ASTR)
1115.
Introduction to Astronomy.
(3)
This course surveys observations, theories, and methods of modern astronomy. The course is predominantly for non-science majors, aiming to provide a conceptual understanding of the universe and the basic physics that governs it. Due to the broad coverage of this course, the specific topics and concepts treated may vary. Commonly presented subjects include the general movements of the sky and history of astronomy, followed by an introduction to basic physics concepts like Newton’s and Kepler’s laws of motion. The course may also provide modern details and facts about celestial bodies in our solar system, as well as differentiation between them: Terrestrial and Jovian planets, exoplanets, the practical meaning of “dwarf planets”, asteroids, comets, and Kuiper Belt and Trans-Neptunian Objects. Beyond this we may study stars and galaxies, star clusters, nebulae, black holes, clusters of galaxies and dark matter. Finally, we may study cosmology, the structure and history of the universe.
Meets New Mexico General Education Curriculum Area 3: Physical and Natural Sciences.
1115L.
Introduction to Astronomy Laboratory.
(1)
Includes hands-on exercises that work to reinforce concepts covered in the lecture, and may include additional components that introduce students to the night sky. Two hours lab.
Meets New Mexico General Education Curriculum Area 3: Physical and Natural Sciences.
Pre- or corequisite: 1115.
1996.
Topics.
(1-6, no limit Δ)
A course exploring a topic not covered by the standard curriculum but of interest to faculty and students in a particular semester.
Prerequisite: 1115.
{Offered upon demand}
2110.
General Astronomy I.
(3)
An introductory course covering the basics of the night sky, relevant physics, and the Solar System. The level of math is trigonometry and pre-calculus. First of a two-semester sequence.
Prerequisite: MATH 1230 or MATH 1250 or MATH 1512.
Pre- or corequisite: PHYS 1230 or PHYS 1310.
{Fall}
2110L.
General Astronomy I Laboratory.
(1)
Students learn how to carry out astronomical observations using actual telescopes. Students learn the basics of the celestial sphere, telescope design and characteristics planning observations, astronomical data reduction, how to make measurements from astronomical data, interpreting results, and writing reports. The topics of the lab are aligned with 2110. The level of math is trigonometry and pre-calculus. Three hours lab.
Pre- or corequisite: 2110.
{Fall}
2115.
General Astronomy II.
(3)
An introductory course covering the Sun, stars, the Milky Way, galaxies and cosmology. The level of math is trigonometry and pre-calculus. Second of a two-semester sequence.
Prerequisite: MATH 1230 or MATH 1250, and ASTR 2110
{Spring}
2115L.
General Astronomy II Laboratory.
(1)
Students learn how to carry out astronomical observations using actual telescopes. Students learn the basics of the celestial sphere, telescope design and characteristics planning observations, astronomical data reduction, how to make measurements from astronomical data, interpreting results, and writing reports. The topics of the lab are aligned with 2115. Three hours lab.
Pre- or corequisite: 2115.
{Spring}
2996.
Topics.
(1-6, no limit Δ)
A course exploring a topic not covered by the standard curriculum but of interest to faculty and students in a particular semester.
*421.
Concepts of Astrophysics I.
(3)
Gravitation, radiation, relativity, stellar atmospheres, structure, and evolution.
Prerequisite: PHYS **330.
{Fall}
422 / 538.
Concepts of Astrophysics II.
(3)
Applications of advanced astrophysical concepts to the interstellar medium, star formation, the Milky Way, external galaxies, and cosmology.
Prerequisite: *421.
{Spring}
423 / 539.
Radio Astronomy.
(3)
Single dish and aperture synthesis radio observations; emission processes at radio wavelengths: synchrotron radiation, thermal bremsstrahlung.
Prerequisite: PHYS **330.
{Alternate Springs}
426 / 526.
Optics and Instrumentation.
(3)
Principles of optics and quantum physics applied to modern astronomical instrumentation (over a wide range of electromagnetic wavelengths), data acquisition and processing.
{Offered upon demand}
*427.
Topics in Planetary Astronomy.
(3)
Planetary physics; planetary investigation using space vehicles; optical properties of planetary atmospheres.
{Offered upon demand}
*455.
Problems.
(1-3 to a maximum of 6 Δ)
Individual research into an area proposed by the student and conducted under the direction of a faculty member.
456.
Honors Problems.
(1, may be repeated once Δ)
(Also offered as PHYS 456)
Independent studies course for students seeking departmental honors.
526 / 426.
Optics and Instrumentation.
(3)
Principles of optics and quantum physics applied to modern astronomical instrumentation (over a wide range of electromagnetic wavelengths), data acquisition and processing.
{Offered upon demand}
536.
Advanced Astrophysics I.
(3, may be repeated once Δ)
Astrophysical problems illustrating E&M and classical/statistical mechanics: expansion of the universe; dark matter; big-bang nucleosynthesis; stellar interiors; neutron stars; supernovae. May be repeated when topics are different.
{Alternate Falls}
537.
Advanced Astrophysics II.
(3, may be repeated once Δ)
Astrophysical problems as illustrations of quantum mechanics: atoms; molecules; spectral lines; ionized regions surrounding stars; centers of active galaxies; Lyman-alpha forest. May be repeated when topics are different.
Prerequisite: PHYS 521.
{Alternate Springs}
538 / 422.
Concepts of Astrophysics II.
(3)
Applications of advanced astrophysical concepts to the interstellar medium, star formation, the Milky Way, external galaxies, and cosmology.
Prerequisite: *421.
{Spring}
539 / 423.
Radio Astronomy.
(3)
Single dish and aperture synthesis radio observations; emission processes at radio wavelengths: synchrotron radiation, thermal bremsstrahlung.
Prerequisite: PHYS **330.
{Alternate Springs}
