Fall Term Schedule, Astronomy
Fall 2026
| Number | Title | Instructor | Time |
|---|
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ASTR 105-01
Adam Frank
TR 2:00PM - 3:15PM
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In this course we introduce students to our home galaxy, the Milky Way, and use the structure and contents of this normal galaxy to illustrate the origins of stars like the Sun, the origins of the chemical elements from which we are formed, and the evolution of galaxies through the life of the Universe. The emphasis in the presentation is on the descriptive astronomy and the physical principles describing the operation of the various celestial objects, with a minimum of mathematical detail.
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ASTR 105-02
Adam Frank
W 2:00PM - 3:15PM
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In this course we introduce students to our home galaxy, the Milky Way, and use the structure and contents of this normal galaxy to illustrate the origins of stars like the Sun, the origins of the chemical elements from which we are formed, and the evolution of galaxies through the life of the Universe. The emphasis in the presentation is on the descriptive astronomy and the physical principles describing the operation of the various celestial objects, with a minimum of mathematical detail.
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ASTR 105-03
Adam Frank
R 4:50PM - 6:05PM
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In this course we introduce students to our home galaxy, the Milky Way, and use the structure and contents of this normal galaxy to illustrate the origins of stars like the Sun, the origins of the chemical elements from which we are formed, and the evolution of galaxies through the life of the Universe. The emphasis in the presentation is on the descriptive astronomy and the physical principles describing the operation of the various celestial objects, with a minimum of mathematical detail.
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ASTR 111-01
ZJ Zhang
TR 11:05AM - 12:20PM
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A study of the structure and composition of the individual planets and smaller solar-system bodies; the orbital dynamics and overall structure of the Solar system and its contents; exoplanets; and the formation of planetary systems like ours. Designed for first-years who intend to major in science or engineering, the course involves the use of skills learned in mathematics and physics courses taken concurrently or in high school, such as single-variable calculus, Newton's laws of motion and gravity, and the ideal-gas law. The course includes a night-time observing project using the Mees Observatory 24-inch telescope and its large-format CCD cameras.
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ASTR 111-02
ZJ Zhang
F 2:00PM - 4:40PM
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A study of the structure and composition of the individual planets and smaller solar-system bodies; the orbital dynamics and overall structure of the Solar system and its contents; exoplanets; and the formation of planetary systems like ours. Designed for first-years who intend to major in science or engineering, the course involves the use of skills learned in mathematics and physics courses taken concurrently or in high school, such as single-variable calculus, Newton's laws of motion and gravity, and the ideal-gas law. The course includes a night-time observing project using the Mees Observatory 24-inch telescope and its large-format CCD cameras.
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ASTR 111-03
ZJ Zhang
R 2:00PM - 4:40PM
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A study of the structure and composition of the individual planets and smaller solar-system bodies; the orbital dynamics and overall structure of the Solar system and its contents; exoplanets; and the formation of planetary systems like ours. Designed for first-years who intend to major in science or engineering, the course involves the use of skills learned in mathematics and physics courses taken concurrently or in high school, such as single-variable calculus, Newton's laws of motion and gravity, and the ideal-gas law. The course includes a night-time observing project using the Mees Observatory 24-inch telescope and its large-format CCD cameras.
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ASTR 232W-01
Dominique Segura-Cox
MW 12:30PM - 1:45PM
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Class focuses on our home galaxy and all that's in it. After a review of some aspects of fundamental astrophysics, students learn about the Interstellar Medium (ISM) and its life cycle, the role of stars and stellar evolution in determining the characteristics of the ISM, star formation, stellar death, supernova, planetary nebulae, galactic structure, galactic kinematics, spiral wave theory, and the galactic center. This course may be used towards satisfying the upper level writing requirement.
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ASTR 391-01
7:00PM - 7:00PM
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This course provides undergraduate students the opportunity to pursue in-depth, independent exploration of a topic not regularly offered in the curriculum, under the supervision of a faculty member in the form of independent study, practicum, internship or research. The objectives and content are determined in consultation between students and full-time members of the teaching faculty. Responsibilities and expectations vary by course and department. Registration for Independent Study courses needs to be completed through the Independent Study Registration form (https://secure1.rochester.edu/registrar/forms/independent-study-form.php)
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ASTR 393W-01
Segev BenZvi
7:00PM - 7:00PM
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Under the guidance of a faculty advisor, Seniors identify a topic, develop a project plan, conduct substantive work, and present their findings or creations in a final written report, portfolio, performance, or presentation. Responsibilities and expectations vary by course and department.
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ASTR 395-01
7:00PM - 7:00PM
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This course provides undergraduate students the opportunity to pursue in-depth, independent exploration of a topic not regularly offered in the curriculum, under the supervision of a faculty member in the form of independent study, practicum, internship or research. The objectives and content are determined in consultation between students and full-time members of the teaching faculty. Responsibilities and expectations vary by course and department. Registration for Independent Study courses needs to be completed through the Independent Study Registration form (https://secure1.rochester.edu/registrar/forms/independent-study-form.php)
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Fall 2026
| Number | Title | Instructor | Time |
|---|---|
| Monday and Wednesday | |
|
ASTR 232W-01
Dominique Segura-Cox
|
|
|
Class focuses on our home galaxy and all that's in it. After a review of some aspects of fundamental astrophysics, students learn about the Interstellar Medium (ISM) and its life cycle, the role of stars and stellar evolution in determining the characteristics of the ISM, star formation, stellar death, supernova, planetary nebulae, galactic structure, galactic kinematics, spiral wave theory, and the galactic center. This course may be used towards satisfying the upper level writing requirement. |
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| Tuesday and Thursday | |
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ASTR 111-01
ZJ Zhang
|
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|
A study of the structure and composition of the individual planets and smaller solar-system bodies; the orbital dynamics and overall structure of the Solar system and its contents; exoplanets; and the formation of planetary systems like ours. Designed for first-years who intend to major in science or engineering, the course involves the use of skills learned in mathematics and physics courses taken concurrently or in high school, such as single-variable calculus, Newton's laws of motion and gravity, and the ideal-gas law. The course includes a night-time observing project using the Mees Observatory 24-inch telescope and its large-format CCD cameras. |
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ASTR 105-01
Adam Frank
|
|
|
In this course we introduce students to our home galaxy, the Milky Way, and use the structure and contents of this normal galaxy to illustrate the origins of stars like the Sun, the origins of the chemical elements from which we are formed, and the evolution of galaxies through the life of the Universe. The emphasis in the presentation is on the descriptive astronomy and the physical principles describing the operation of the various celestial objects, with a minimum of mathematical detail. |
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| Wednesday | |
|
ASTR 105-02
Adam Frank
|
|
|
In this course we introduce students to our home galaxy, the Milky Way, and use the structure and contents of this normal galaxy to illustrate the origins of stars like the Sun, the origins of the chemical elements from which we are formed, and the evolution of galaxies through the life of the Universe. The emphasis in the presentation is on the descriptive astronomy and the physical principles describing the operation of the various celestial objects, with a minimum of mathematical detail. |
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| Thursday | |
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ASTR 111-03
ZJ Zhang
|
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|
A study of the structure and composition of the individual planets and smaller solar-system bodies; the orbital dynamics and overall structure of the Solar system and its contents; exoplanets; and the formation of planetary systems like ours. Designed for first-years who intend to major in science or engineering, the course involves the use of skills learned in mathematics and physics courses taken concurrently or in high school, such as single-variable calculus, Newton's laws of motion and gravity, and the ideal-gas law. The course includes a night-time observing project using the Mees Observatory 24-inch telescope and its large-format CCD cameras. |
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ASTR 105-03
Adam Frank
|
|
|
In this course we introduce students to our home galaxy, the Milky Way, and use the structure and contents of this normal galaxy to illustrate the origins of stars like the Sun, the origins of the chemical elements from which we are formed, and the evolution of galaxies through the life of the Universe. The emphasis in the presentation is on the descriptive astronomy and the physical principles describing the operation of the various celestial objects, with a minimum of mathematical detail. |
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| Friday | |
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ASTR 111-02
ZJ Zhang
|
|
|
A study of the structure and composition of the individual planets and smaller solar-system bodies; the orbital dynamics and overall structure of the Solar system and its contents; exoplanets; and the formation of planetary systems like ours. Designed for first-years who intend to major in science or engineering, the course involves the use of skills learned in mathematics and physics courses taken concurrently or in high school, such as single-variable calculus, Newton's laws of motion and gravity, and the ideal-gas law. The course includes a night-time observing project using the Mees Observatory 24-inch telescope and its large-format CCD cameras. |
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