ASTR Courses for Fall 2025
Please click on the course title for more information.
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ASTR 107 01 - Exploring the Cosmos: Introductory Astronomy w/Lab
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Course: |
ASTR 107 - 01 |
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Title: |
Exploring the Cosmos: Introductory Astronomy w/Lab |
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Credit Hours: |
1 |
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Description: |
This course provides an overview of the Universe through the lens of the physical principles that help us to probe it from right here on our puny planetary perch. Topics include stars and their planetary companions, the lives and deaths of stars, black holes, galaxies, and the origin and fate of the Universe. Class meetings include a mix of lecture and daytime laboratory activities. Additional required weekly nighttime sessions (scheduled according to the weather) guide students through their own observations of the sky with both naked eyes and the historic and modern telescopes of Whitin Observatory. This course serves as a gateway to more advanced courses in our astronomy curriculum. |
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Prerequisite(s): |
Open to First-Years, Sophomores. Fulfillment of the Quantitative Reasoning (QR) component of the Quantitative Reasoning & Data Literacy requirement. High school physics strongly recommended. |
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Notes: |
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Distribution(s): |
Natural and Physical Sciences Laboratory
Mathematical Modeling and Problem Solving
Natural and Physical Sciences |
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Instructors: |
Lamiya Mowla |
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Meeting Time(s): |
Whitin Observatory 114 Classroom - TF 12:45 PM - 2:00 PM
Whitin Observatory 114 Classroom - W 1:30 PM - 2:20 PM |
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ASTR 107 02 - Exploring the Cosmos: Introductory Astronomy w/Lab
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Course: |
ASTR 107 - 02 |
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Title: |
Exploring the Cosmos: Introductory Astronomy w/Lab |
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Credit Hours: |
1 |
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Description: |
This course provides an overview of the Universe through the lens of the physical principles that help us to probe it from right here on our puny planetary perch. Topics include stars and their planetary companions, the lives and deaths of stars, black holes, galaxies, and the origin and fate of the Universe. Class meetings include a mix of lecture and daytime laboratory activities. Additional required weekly nighttime sessions (scheduled according to the weather) guide students through their own observations of the sky with both naked eyes and the historic and modern telescopes of Whitin Observatory. This course serves as a gateway to more advanced courses in our astronomy curriculum. |
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Prerequisite(s): |
Open to First-Years, Sophomores. Fulfillment of the Quantitative Reasoning (QR) component of the Quantitative Reasoning & Data Literacy requirement. High school physics strongly recommended. |
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Notes: |
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Distribution(s): |
Natural and Physical Sciences Laboratory
Mathematical Modeling and Problem Solving
Natural and Physical Sciences |
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Instructors: |
Lamiya Mowla |
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Meeting Time(s): |
Whitin Observatory 114 Classroom - TF 2:10 PM - 3:25 PM
Whitin Observatory 114 Classroom - W 3:30 PM - 4:20 PM |
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ASTR 206 01 - Astronomical Techniques with Laboratory
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Course: |
ASTR 206 - 01 |
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Title: |
Astronomical Techniques with Laboratory |
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Credit Hours: |
1.25 |
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Description: |
This course provides an introduction to modern methods of astronomical observation. Students will learn to use the Whitin Observatory's 0.7m research telescope. Topics include: planning observations, modern instrumentation, and the acquisition and quantitative analysis of astronomical images. This course requires substantial nighttime telescope use and culminates with an independent observing project. |
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Prerequisite(s): |
ASTR 107 |
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Notes: |
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Distribution(s): |
Natural and Physical Sciences Laboratory
Mathematical Modeling and Problem Solving
Natural and Physical Sciences |
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Instructors: |
Kim McLeod |
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Meeting Time(s): |
Whitin Observatory 123 Seminar Room - TF 12:45 PM - 2:00 PM |
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ASTR 304 01 - Advanced Experimental Techniques
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Course: |
ASTR 304 - 01 |
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Title: |
Advanced Experimental Techniques |
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Credit Hours: |
1 |
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Description: |
In this course students will learn advanced techniques for experimental astronomy and planetary science. Students will carry out term-long projects involving acquisition and analysis of data. In some cases these data will be derived from observations performed with telescopes or instruments built by the students themselves. In other cases students will build projects around data from space missions or ground or space-based telescopes. Techniques may include spectroscopy, photometry, multiwavelength astronomy, remote sensing of planetary surfaces, particle astrophysics, and gravitational wave astronomy. |
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Prerequisite(s): |
ASTR 202, ASTR 206, PHYS 210 or prior experience with instrumentation with permission of the instructor. |
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Notes: |
Not offered every year. |
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Distribution(s): |
Natural and Physical Sciences |
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Cross Listed Courses: |
PHYS 304 01 - Advanced Experimental Techniques
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Instructors: |
James Battat |
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Meeting Time(s): |
Science Center E Wing 226 Physics Lab - T 12:45 PM - 3:25 PM |
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