ASTR Courses for Fall 2024
Please click on the course title for more information.
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ASTR 100 01 - Life in the Universe
Course: |
ASTR 100 - 01 |
Title: |
Life in the Universe |
Credit Hours: |
1 |
Description: |
This course investigates the origin of life on the Earth and the prospects for finding life elsewhere in the cosmos, and begins with an overview of the Earth's place in the solar system and the universe. The course examines the early history of the Earth and the development of life, changes in the sun that affect the Earth, characteristics of the other objects in our solar system and their potential for supporting life, the detection of planets around stars other than the sun, and the search for extraterrestrial life. Our exploration of our place in the universe will include some nighttime observing at our on-campus observatory. |
Prerequisite(s): |
Fulfillment of the Quantitative Reasoning (QR) component of the Quantitative Reasoning & Data Literacy requirement. |
Notes: |
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Distribution(s): |
Natural and Physical Sciences |
Instructors: |
Wes Andres Watters |
Meeting Time(s): |
Whitin Observatory 114 Classroom - MR 2:20 PM - 3:35 PM |
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ASTR 107 01 - Exploring the Cosmos: Introductory Astronomy w/Lab
Course: |
ASTR 107 - 01 |
Title: |
Exploring the Cosmos: Introductory Astronomy w/Lab |
Credit Hours: |
1 |
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. |
Prerequisite(s): |
Open to First-Years and Sophomores only. Fulfillment of the Quantitative Reasoning (QR) component of the Quantitative Reasoning & Data Literacy requirement. High school physics strongly recommended. |
Notes: |
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Distribution(s): |
Natural and Physical Sciences Laboratory
Mathematical Modeling and Problem Solving
Natural and Physical Sciences |
Instructors: |
Lamiya Mowla |
Meeting Time(s): |
Whitin Observatory 114 Classroom - TF 11:20 AM - 12:35 PM
Whitin Observatory 114 Classroom - W 12:30 PM - 1:20 PM |
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ASTR 107 02 - Exploring the Cosmos: Introductory Astronomy w/Lab
Course: |
ASTR 107 - 02 |
Title: |
Exploring the Cosmos: Introductory Astronomy w/Lab |
Credit Hours: |
1 |
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. |
Prerequisite(s): |
Open to First-Years and Sophomores only. Fulfillment of the Quantitative Reasoning (QR) component of the Quantitative Reasoning & Data Literacy requirement. High school physics strongly recommended. |
Notes: |
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Distribution(s): |
Natural and Physical Sciences Laboratory
Mathematical Modeling and Problem Solving
Natural and Physical Sciences |
Instructors: |
Lamiya Mowla |
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 206 01 - Astronomical Techniques with Laboratory
Course: |
ASTR 206 - 01 |
Title: |
Astronomical Techniques with Laboratory |
Credit Hours: |
1.25 |
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. |
Prerequisite(s): |
ASTR 107 |
Notes: |
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Distribution(s): |
Natural and Physical Sciences Laboratory
Mathematical Modeling and Problem Solving
Natural and Physical Sciences |
Instructors: |
Kim McLeod |
Meeting Time(s): |
Whitin Observatory 123 Seminar Room - MR 2:20 PM - 3:35 PM |
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ASTR 303 01 - Advanced Planetary Geology and Geophysics
Course: |
ASTR 303 - 01 |
Title: |
Advanced Planetary Geology and Geophysics |
Credit Hours: |
1 |
Description: |
Spacecraft observations have revealed a breathtaking diversity of geologic features in the solar system, such as the giant impact basins on Mars, towering thrust fault scarps on Mercury, coronae structures on Venus, and active volcanoes on Io and Enceladus. From a comparative perspective, this course examines the physical processes that drive the evolution of the planets and small bodies in the solar system. Topics include: planetary shape and internal structure, mechanisms of topographic support, tectonics, impacts, volcanism, and tides. Some class sessions are reserved for seminar-style discussions of journal articles. Students will produce a final project that involves researching a topic of their choosing. |
Prerequisite(s): |
Any 100-level course in ASTR or GEOS in addition to at least one of the following - PHYS 107, GEOS 203, GEOS 218, or GEOS 220. An introductory course in mechanics (e.g., PHYS 104 or PHYS 107) is not required but is strongly recommended.
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Notes: |
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Distribution(s): |
Natural and Physical Sciences |
Cross Listed Courses: |
GEOS 313 01 - Advanced Planetary Geology and Geophysics
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Instructors: |
Wes Andres Watters |
Meeting Time(s): |
Whitin Observatory 123 Seminar Room - MR 8:30 AM - 9:45 AM |
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