Introduction to concepts and methods used in astronomy and astrophysics, with a theme of "Astrobiology - Life in the Universe."
An introductory course for students in academic programs. The formation, evolution, and death of stars; the composition and evolution of galaxies; the structure and evolution of the universe.
ASTR 201 Course Outline
The physical processes governing the nature and behavior of the various Solar System bodies are discussed with a focus on the origins, evolution and fate of the Solar System and its parts.
ASTR 202 Course Outline
Use of small telescopes and binoculars to study constellations, bright stars, planets and the sun at the campus observatory and at dark-sky sites.
ASTR 221 Course Outline
A hands-on introduction to modern techniques of observational astronomy. Students use telescopes, CCDs, and computers to obtain and analyze their own images of solar system, galactic, and extragalactic objects.
ASTR 230 Course Outline
An introduction to astrophysical processes with a focus on the Sun-Earth interaction. Topics include the solar wind, sun spots, flares, and the Earth's diverse responses: magnetospheric storms, atmospheric expansion, and climate effects.
ASTR 243 Course Outline
An introduction to celestial mechanics, radiative transfer, stellar structure, and stellar remnants (including black holes and neutron stars). Aspects of planetary science and solar system formation may also be explored.
ASTR 350 Course Outline
Morphology, kinematics, and dynamics of the Milky Way and external galaxies, including interstellar matter and evidence for dark matter.
ASTR 360 Course Outline
Seminar on current research topics in astronomy, astrophysics, and space physics for Juniors, Seniors, and Graduate Students.
ASTR 400/500 Course Outline
Overview of the Earth and the solar system, their structure, evolution, and dynamics. Fundamentals of Earth and Space Science topics as taught in 6th grade.This course is designed for science and math teachers (grades 6-12).
Learn how to teach astronomy concepts as specified by the state of Texas. Methods to help students master content, including lab activities suitable for K-9 classrooms and as field trips.
Methods and facilities of observational astronomy for public education. Students will help train beginners in the use of telescopes and carry out a modest observational program.
Study of instruments and methods used in space physics and astronomy.
ASTR 450 Course Outline
Physics of stellar interiors and atmospheres; solar phenomena. Concepts of stellar evolution.
ASTR 451/551 Course Outline
The physics of interstellar matter; structure of the Milky Way and other normal galaxies; physical cosmology and high-red shift phenomena.
ASTR 452/552 Course Outline
The Sun, solar-terrestrial relationships, solar wind; planetary atmospheres, ionospheres and magnetospheres.
ASTR 470 Course Outline
The physics of emission nebulae, including radiative transfer, photo ionization and thermal equilibria, and internal gaseous dynamics. Physical processes in the interstellar medium.
ASTR 542 Course Outline
Analysis of physical processes at work in the sun, such as helioseismology, solar variability, solar activity, magnetic reconnection, heliosphere interactions and modern observational techniques.
ASTR 554 Course Outline
Physics of star and planet information, including molecular cloud dynamics and chemistry, circumstellar accretion disks, jets, dust, debris disks, atmospheres rotation, and magnetic fields of young stars, binaries, brown dwarfs, comets, Kuiper belt objects, giant planet formation and discoveries of extra solar planets.
ASTR 555 Course Outline
Selected topics involving white dwarfs, neutron stars, black holes and their environments, e.g., pulsars, supernova remnants, and accretion disks.
ASTR 565 Course Outline
Lecture/seminars which treat topics of departmental interest. Not offered every year.