Spring Term Schedule, Astronomy
Spring 2023
| Number | Title | Instructor | Time |
|---|
|
ASTR 104-01
Adam Frank
TR 2:00PM - 3:15PM
|
|
This course, for non-science majors, focuses on the solar system, planets orbiting other stars and the possibility that life may exist on some of those worlds. Topics include the history and basic physics of our understanding of the solar system, the origin of planetary systems like the solar system, the nature of the 8 planets and other bodies in our solar system, how we detect planets orbiting other stars and the origin and possibilities for life on planets. The class will also include readings and discussion of climate change as a planetary phenomenon. Calculus is not needed for the course. The class will also include the use of a video game intended to help teach basic concepts in solar system science.
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|
ASTR 104-02
Adam Frank
T 3:25PM - 4:40PM
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No description
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ASTR 104-03
Adam Frank
R 4:50PM - 6:05PM
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No description
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ASTR 142-01
Kelly Douglass
TR 11:05AM - 12:20PM
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|
Application of the physics and math techniques learned in the introductory course sequences, to the study of celestial objects outside the Solar system. We discuss stars and their formation from interstellar matter, the structure of galaxies and their distribution in the Universe, and the origins and large-scale structure of the Universe: all topics that are developed much further in the AST 200-level courses. The course also includes a night-time observing project, based upon student use of professional-style telescopes and CCD cameras. Registration of recitation is required at the time of course registration. Typical textbook: Marck Kutner, 'Astronomy' A Physical Perspective,' second edition. Prerequisites: PHY 141-143 or PHY 121- 123 (PHY 123 may be taken concurrently); MTH 161-165 or MTH 171-174 (MTH 174 may be taken concurrently), or permission of instructor; AST 111 recommended but not required
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ASTR 142-02
Kelly Douglass
F 2:00PM - 4:40PM
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No description
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ASTR 243-01
Eric Blackman
TR 11:05AM - 12:20PM
|
|
An Introduction to Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics. This class explores topics in astrophysics while giving a solid foundation in the fundamentals of fluid mechanics. We introduce the theory of the motion of gases and fluids necessary to understand and explore a wide range of astronomical phenomena including stellar structure, supernovae blast waves and accretion discs. We will cover ideal fluid mechanics, Eulerian and Lagrangian views, conservations laws, hydrostatic equilibrium, self-similar flows, blast waves, spherical accretion and wind flows, astrophysics shocks, viscous flows, vorticity, accretion disks, atmospheric waves, hydrodynamic instabilities, and radiative heating and cooling. We will introduce finite difference numerical techniques so that dynamics in 1 dimension can be explored numerically. At the end of the term we will explore topics of recent interest such as gamma ray bursts, astrophysical turbulence or winds from exoplanets. Prerequisites: PHY 237 (may be taken concurrently); familiarity with the subject matter of AST 142 and/or AST 111 is advised
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ASTR 244W-01
Kelly Douglass
TR 3:25PM - 4:40PM
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No description
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ASTR 391-01
Kelly Douglass
–
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|
Normally open to seniors concentrating in physics and astronomy. Independent study project under the direction of a faculty member of the Department of Physics and Astronomy. |
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ASTR 393-01
–
–
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|
Completion of an independent research project under the direction of a faculty member of the Department of Physics and Astronomy. |
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ASTR 393W-01
Miki Nakajima
–
|
|
Completion of an independent research project under the direction of a faculty member of the Department of Physics and Astronomy. This course includes a writing component and can be used to satisfy part of the upper-level writing requirement. |
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ASTR 393W-02
Dan Watson
–
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|
Completion of an independent research project under the direction of a faculty member of the Department of Physics and Astronomy. This course includes a writing component and can be used to satisfy part of the upper-level writing requirement. |
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ASTR 393W-03
Regina Demina
–
|
|
Completion of an independent research project under the direction of a faculty member of the Department of Physics and Astronomy. This course includes a writing component and can be used to satisfy part of the upper-level writing requirement. |
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ASTR 393W-04
Kelly Douglass
–
|
|
Completion of an independent research project under the direction of a faculty member of the Department of Physics and Astronomy. This course includes a writing component and can be used to satisfy part of the upper-level writing requirement. |
|
ASTR 393W-05
Segev BenZvi
–
|
|
Completion of an independent research project under the direction of a faculty member of the Department of Physics and Astronomy. This course includes a writing component and can be used to satisfy part of the upper-level writing requirement. |
Spring 2023
| Number | Title | Instructor | Time |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | |
|
ASTR 104-02
Adam Frank
|
|
|
No description |
|
| Tuesday and Thursday | |
|
ASTR 142-01
Kelly Douglass
|
|
|
Application of the physics and math techniques learned in the introductory course sequences, to the study of celestial objects outside the Solar system. We discuss stars and their formation from interstellar matter, the structure of galaxies and their distribution in the Universe, and the origins and large-scale structure of the Universe: all topics that are developed much further in the AST 200-level courses. The course also includes a night-time observing project, based upon student use of professional-style telescopes and CCD cameras. Registration of recitation is required at the time of course registration. Typical textbook: Marck Kutner, 'Astronomy' A Physical Perspective,' second edition. Prerequisites: PHY 141-143 or PHY 121- 123 (PHY 123 may be taken concurrently); MTH 161-165 or MTH 171-174 (MTH 174 may be taken concurrently), or permission of instructor; AST 111 recommended but not required |
|
|
ASTR 243-01
Eric Blackman
|
|
|
An Introduction to Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics. This class explores topics in astrophysics while giving a solid foundation in the fundamentals of fluid mechanics. We introduce the theory of the motion of gases and fluids necessary to understand and explore a wide range of astronomical phenomena including stellar structure, supernovae blast waves and accretion discs. We will cover ideal fluid mechanics, Eulerian and Lagrangian views, conservations laws, hydrostatic equilibrium, self-similar flows, blast waves, spherical accretion and wind flows, astrophysics shocks, viscous flows, vorticity, accretion disks, atmospheric waves, hydrodynamic instabilities, and radiative heating and cooling. We will introduce finite difference numerical techniques so that dynamics in 1 dimension can be explored numerically. At the end of the term we will explore topics of recent interest such as gamma ray bursts, astrophysical turbulence or winds from exoplanets. Prerequisites: PHY 237 (may be taken concurrently); familiarity with the subject matter of AST 142 and/or AST 111 is advised |
|
|
ASTR 104-01
Adam Frank
|
|
|
This course, for non-science majors, focuses on the solar system, planets orbiting other stars and the possibility that life may exist on some of those worlds. Topics include the history and basic physics of our understanding of the solar system, the origin of planetary systems like the solar system, the nature of the 8 planets and other bodies in our solar system, how we detect planets orbiting other stars and the origin and possibilities for life on planets. The class will also include readings and discussion of climate change as a planetary phenomenon. Calculus is not needed for the course. The class will also include the use of a video game intended to help teach basic concepts in solar system science. |
|
|
ASTR 244W-01
Kelly Douglass
|
|
|
No description |
|
| Thursday | |
|
ASTR 104-03
Adam Frank
|
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No description |
|
| Friday | |
|
ASTR 142-02
Kelly Douglass
|
|
|
No description |
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