Undergraduate Courses

The galaxy NGC 2403, also known as Caldwell 7.

AST 2001: Introduction to Astrophysics

4 credits — Lecture

Prerequisites: one year of calculus, PHYS 1302 (or instructor consent)

Typically Offered: Every Fall & Spring

Physical principles and study of solar system, stars, galaxy, and universe. How observations/conclusions are made.


AST 2993: Directed Studies

1–5 credits — Independent Study

Prerequisites: one year of calculus, PHYS 1302 and instructor consent

Typically Offered: Every Fall & Spring

Independent, directed study in observational and theoretical astrophysics. Arranged with faculty member.

AST 4001: Astrophysics I

4 credits — Lecture

Prerequisites: AST 2001, PHYS 2601

Typically Offered: Periodic Fall

Astrophysics of stars and stellar populations. Stellar formation, evolution, interiors/atmospheres. Stellar populations, galactic distribution of stars.


AST 4002: Astrophysics II

4 credits — Lecture

Prerequisites: AST 2001, PHYS 2601

Typically Offered: Periodic Fall

Astrophysics of galaxies and the universe. Diffuse matter, galactic structure, and evolution. Clusters of galaxies. Introductory cosmology, evolution of the universe.


AST 4031: Interpretation and Analysis of Astrophysical Data

4 credits — Lecture

Prerequisites: MATH 2243, 2373, or equivalent, MATH 2263, 2374, or equivalent, AST 2001 or instructor consent

Typically Offered: Every Spring

Introduction to analysis techniques with applications to modern astrophysics. Methods to interpret/analyze large data sets from experiments. Principles/methods of analysis, with applications to current research. For senior undergraduate/graduate students in Physics/Astronomy.


AST 4041: Computational Methods in the Physical Sciences

4 credits — Lab and lecture

Prerequisites: Upper division, graduate student, or instructor consent

Typically Offered: Periodic Fall & Spring

Introduction to using computer programs to solve problems in physical sciences. Selected numerical methods, mapping problems onto computational algorithms. Arranged lab.


AST 4299H: Senior Honors Astrophysics Research Seminar

1 credit — Lecture

Prerequisites: Upper division honors student in IT or CLA and instructor consent

Typically Offered: Every Fall & Spring

Based on department's research seminar.

AST 4993: Directed Studies

1–5 credits — Independent Study

Prerequisites: AST 2001 and instructor consent

Typically Offered: Every Fall & Spring

Independent, directed study in observational and theoretical astrophysics. Arranged with faculty member.


AST 4994W - Directed Research

2–5 credits — Independent Study

Prerequisite: instructor consent

Typically Offered: Every Fall & Spring

Independent research in observational or theoretical astrophysics. Senior Thesis for undergraduate astrophysics majors. Arranged with faculty member.