UNC System Astronomy Courses

UNC Campuses

Elizabeth City State University

https://pwfs.ecsu.edu/ia-bin/tsrvweb.exe

PHYS-203 ASTRONOMY College: Liberal Arts Department: Chemistry and Physics Credits: 3.00 ASTRONOMY (3)(F/S) Designed for both science and non-science majors. Presents a clear, vivid, non-mathematical treatment of the frontiers of modern astronomy. Students become conversant and acquainted with new developments regarding pulsars, black holes, quasars and controversies surrounding the redshifts, and other phenomenological concepts concerning astronomy. Lecture: three hours per week.

PHYS-203L ASTRONOMY LAB College: Liberal Arts Department: Chemistry and Physics Credits: 1.00 ASTRONOMY LAB (1)(F/S) Laboratory exercises, demonstration exercises, and elementary calculations to illustrate methods used in astronomy. Some constellation study with planetarium visits and occasional evening observation. Laboratory: two hours per week. Corequisite: PHYS 203.

East Carolina University

http://www.ecu.edu/cs-acad/aa/customcf/grcat/grcat0506/grcat0506.pdf

PHYS 1080 (Lab: 1081). 3 lecture and 2 lab hours per week. Nonmathematical study of universe from earth to galaxies. Topics include appearance of sky, physical nature of moon and planets, birth and evolution of stars, and galaxies.

NC A&T State University

http://www.physics.ncat.edu/

PHYS-101. Introduction to Astronomy Credit 3(3-0) Fundamentals of astronomy with emphasis on methods of observation and the solar system. Astronomical instruments including optical and radio telescopes. The nature of the sun, moon, planets and other objects of the solar system.

NC Central University

http://ariel.acc.nccu.edu/artsci/physics/course.htm

PHYS 2050. Astronomy (3) An introduction to the field of astronomy. This course will acquaint the student with the methods and tools of modem astronomy. The historical development of astronomical models is briefly reviewed. The student will study the population of stars in the universe, their evolution and the processes responsible for it. They will study in some detail our galaxy, the solar system and the planets. Current cosmological theories will be reviewed. (Three hours lecture per week.).

UNC Chapel Hill

http://www.physics.unc.edu/classes/courses.php?area=2

031 Descriptive Astronomy (3). Celestial motions and the night sky. Planetary astronomy and formation of the solar system. The sun, stars, supernovae, and black holes. Galaxies and galactic nuclei. The expanding universe and Big Bang cosmology. Fall and spring. Clemens, Rose, staff.

031L Descriptive Astronomy Laboratory (1). Corequisite, Astronomy 31. Laboratory exercises, demonstration exercises, and elementary calculations to illustrate methods used in astronomy. Some constellation study with occasional evening observations. Two laboratory hours a week. Fall and spring. Christiansen, staff.

091, 092 Research and Special Topics for Juniors and Seniors (2 or 3 each). Prerequisite, Permission of instructor. To be taken by honors candidates and other qualified juniors and seniors. Fall and spring. Carney, Christiansen, Clemens, Rose.

117 Cosmic Evolution (3). Prerequisites, Mathematics 32 and Astronomy 31, or permission of instructor. A course in stellar and planetary astrophysics with emphasis on astronomical conditions for the development and sustenance of life. Fall and spring. Christiansen, staff.

122 Physics of the Earth's Interior (Geology 122) (3). Prerequisites, Prerequisites, Math 83, Phys 52 and Phys 58, or Phys 103 and 107. Origin of the solar system: the nebular hypothesis. Evolution of the earth and its acretionary history. Earthquakes: plate tectonics and the interior of the earth. The earth's magnetic field. Mantle convection. Spring. Rial.

137 Observational Astronomy (4). Prerequisite, Astronomy 31, or permission of instructor. A course designed to familiarize the student with observational techniques in optical and radio astronomy, including applications of digital imaging, photometry, and spectroscopy, using the 24" telescope of the on-campus Morehead Observatory. Three lecture and three laboratory hours a week. Fall and spring. Clemens, staff.

142 Astrophysics I (Stellar Astrophysics) (3). Prerequisite, Physics 28, Mathematics 83 or permission of instructor. An introduction to the study of stellar structure and evolution. Topics covered include observational techniques, stellar structure and energy transport, nuclear energy sources, evolution off the main-sequence, and supernovae. Fall. Carney, Cecil, Christiansen, Rose.

143 Astrophysics II (Interstellar Matter and Galaxies) (3). Prerequisite, Physics 28, Mathematics 83, or permission of instructor. An introduction to the study of the structure and contents of galaxies. Topics covered include the interstellar medium, interstellar hydrodynamics, supersonic flow and shock formation, star formation, galactic evolution, the expanding universe and cosmology. Spring. Carney, Cecil, Christiansen, Rose.

237 Astronomical Observations and Data Analysis (4). A course on techniques of astronomical source detection and analysis. Telescopes and detectors, both optical and at other wavelengths, including photometry, imaging, and spectroscopy. Techniques of extraction and analysis of signals from both direct images and spectroscopic data. Optical observations are carried out at the Morehead Observatory.

242 High Energy Astrophysics (3). Prerequisite, Physics 260, Physics 204. White dwarfs and neutron stars: physical properties and observational manifestations. Extragalactic radio sources, relativistic jets, and supermassive black holes. Particle acceleration and radiative processes in hot plasmas. Accretion phenomena. X-ray and gamma-ray astrophysics. Fall. Evans.

243 Galactic Dynamics and Physics Processes in the Interstellar Medium (3). Prerequisite, Physics 203, 260. Collisionless and collisional stellar dynamics; disk dynamics and spiral structure; encounters between stellar systems. Physical processes in diffuse gases, HII regions, and supernova remnants; ionization and energy balance of the interstellar medium; star formation. Fall. Rose.

244 Physical Processes in Stellar Atmospheres and Interiors (3). Prerequisite, Physics 204, 260. Equation of transfer; continuous and line opacities; model atmospheres; spectral line formation. Equations of stellar strucuture; energy transport; nuclear reaction rates; modeling stellar evolution. Spring. Carney.

245 Extragalactic Astrophysics (3). Corequisite, Physics 203. Big Bang cosmology; Robertson-Walker metric; Einstein equations; thermodynamics of expanding universe; nucleosynthesis; microwave background; formation of structure. Morphological, dynamical, and chemical evolution of galaxies. Evolution and dynamics of clusters of galaxies and large-scale structures. Fall and spring. Cecil.

350 Seminar In Astrophysics (1 or more). Recent observational and theoretical developments in stellar, galactic, and extragalactic astrophysics. Fall and spring. Staff.

UNC Greensboro

http://www.uncg.edu/reg/Catalog/current/PHY/coursesAST.html

http://www.uncg.edu/reg/Catalog/current/PHY/coursesPHY.html

203 Conceptual Astronomy (3:3) (No student may receive credit for both this course and either 209 or 235.) Introductory study of astronomy including planets, the Sun, stars, galaxies, and cosmology. (Fall & Spring)

209 Astronomy: The Solar System (3:3) (No student may receive credit for both this course and 203.) Introductory study of the solar system. Sun and planets studied with special attention to results of recent planetary exploration. Telescopic and naked-eye observations of the constellations and planets. 209 intended to complement 235, although each course is independent of the other. No science or math background beyond the level of high school algebra required. (Fall)

235 Astronomy: The Universe (3:3) (No student may receive credit for both this course and 203.) Introduction to stars, galaxies, and cosmology. Emphasis on conceptual approach to such topics as the evolution of stars, the formation of galaxies, interstellar communication, and the Big Bang. Sky observations utilizing the UNCG telescopes included. 235 intended to complement 209, although each course is independent of the other. No science or math background beyond the level of high school algebra required. (Spring)

330 Astrophysics (3:3) Stellar evolution through study of white dwarves and black holes; galaxy structure and cosmology. Observational project will use Three College Observatory. Intended as follow-up to introductory astronomy and physics. (Alt Spring)

UNC Wilmington

http://www.uncw.edu/phy/course_descriptions.html

PHY 111. Naked-eye Astronomy and Archaeoastronomy (3) Detailed knowledge of the motions of the sun, moon, planets, and stars is used to understand ancient skywatching techniques, calendars, celestial lore, sky mythology, cosmological concepts and traditions; the impact of astronomy on the architecture, city planning and cultures of prehistoric societies: ancient European (Stonehenge), Babylonian, Egyptian, Mesoamerican, and Native North American. Occasional night viewings.

PHY 260. Introduction to Astronomy (3) Descriptive course in principles, theories, and techniques of astronomy. Occasional night viewing.

UNC Pembroke

PHS 156. Astronomy A study of all matter and energy in the universe, emphasizing the concentration of this matter and energy in evolving bodies such as planets, stars, and galaxies. Topics include the sun, solar systems, stars, black holes, pulsars, supernova and quasars. Fall, Spring. Credit, 3 semester hours.

PHS 157. Astronomy Laboratory Astronomical observations and principles of experimentation, includes knowledge of the sky and its motions, optics, star and galaxy properties both with real physical experiments and computer simulations. Hands-on laboratory, usually held in the evenings so the heavens can be observed on clear nights. This course is often taken simultaneously with Astronomy 156. Fall, Spring. Credit, 1 semester hour. PREREQ: enrollment in or completion of PHS 156.

Fayetteville State University

http://www.uncfsu.edu/plret/18coursedescriptions0812.pdf

ASTR 111 (4-3-2) Astronomy I An introductory course in the science of astronomy, with emphasis on the investigation of nearby space – the sun, moon, and planets - and with laboratory exercises illustrating the scientific methods and techniques used in gathering information about the planets, moons, and other objects in the Solar System.

ASTR 112 (4-3-2) Astronomy II An introductory course in the science of astronomy, with emphasis on the investigation of distant space – the physical nature of stars, galaxies, black holes, and quasars and on techniques used to gather information about these objects, with laboratory activities illustrating data gathering and interpretation techniques related to stars and galaxies. Students may enroll in ASTR 112 before completing ASTR 111.

North Carolina State University

http://www2.acs.ncsu.edu/reg_records/crs_cat/dir_PY.html

PY 123 Stellar and Galactic Astronomy 3(3-0-0) F,S Introductory, descriptive survey of stars, galaxies and cosmology, designed primarily for non-science majors. Exotic recent discoveries such as quasars, pulsars, and black holes will be included. Complements PY 124, Solar System Astronomy. Companion laboratory course PY 125. http://www2.acs.ncsu.edu/reg_records/crs_cat/PY.html#PY123

PY 124 Solar System Astronomy 3(3-0-0) F,S Introductory, descriptive survey of the solar system designed primarily for non-science majors, including current results from space probes, history of astronomy, and the motions of the moon, stars, and planets in the night sky. Complementary course covering stars, galaxies and cosmology (PY 123). Companion laboratory course (PY 125).

PY 125 Astronomy Laboratory 1(0-2-0) F,S Coreq: PY 123 or 124 Introduction to astronomical observing. Twelve exercises include astronomical instruments; the nature of light; Kepler's and Newton's laws of motion; the constellations, planets, binary stars, stellar clusters, and galaxies. Use of small telescopes to observe celestial objects.

PY 126 Computer-based Astronomy Laboratory 1(0-2-0) F,S Coreq: PY 123 or PY 124 Ten computer-based laboratory exercises in astronomy. Celestial coordinates, motions of celestial objects, and bright stars and constellations. Simulated observing of planets, stars, and galaxies, with data reduction and analysis.

PY 328 Stellar and Galactic Astrophysics 3(3-0-0) S Preq: PY 202 or PY 208 Introduction to the study of stars, galaxies, and the universe. Stars and stellar evolution; interstellar medium; galaxies and galaxy clusters; cosmology. Recent developments in the understanding of neutron stars, black holes, active galaxies, quasars and inflationary cosmologies.

PY (MA) 575 Mathematical Introduction To Celestial Mechanics 3(3-0-0) F Preq: MA 301 Central orbits, N-body problem, 3-body problem, Hamilton-Jacobi theory, perturbation theory, applications to motion of celestial bodies. PY (MA) 576 Orbital Mechanics 3(3-0-0) S Preq: MA 341, 405, knowledge of elementary mechanics and computer programming Keplerian motion, iterative solutions, numerical integration, differential corrections and space navigation, elements of probability, least squares, sequential estimation, Kalman filter.

Winston-Salem State University

http://www.wssu.edu/NR/rdonlyres/A37700BD-E82B-4158-B497-F55A2E278660/0/WSSU_under_g_catalogue2005.pdf

PHS 2337 Introduction to Planetary Science Credit: 3 hrs. In this course subject matter is drawn from the fields of astronomy, geology and meteorology. The work embodied in the course includes a study of celestial bodies, the solar system, the history and structure of the earth and the natural forces which act on the earth and in its atmosphere. Demonstrations, experiments, field trips and visual aids supplement the lectures. (One lecture period and two two-hour laboratory periods per week.)

PHS 4111 Astronomy Credit: 1 hr. Contemporary views of the origin of the universe will be studied in this course. Relativistic concepts in conjunction with observational data will be used to obtain working knowledge of current cosmology. Students will have access to the Hill Hall Observatory and telescopes. (Two periods per week.)

NC School of the Arts

http://www.ncarts.edu/bulletin/Bulletin_GeneralStudies_2002_04.pdf

SCI 024: Astronomy A study of the sun and solar system; the birth, life and death of stars; galaxies; and the origin and development of the universe. Prerequisite: One unit of High School Environmental or Physical Science, or permission of instructor.

UNC Charlotte

http://www.provost.uncc.edu/Catalogs/2005%2D2007/PHYS.htm

PHYS 1130. Introduction to Astronomy. (3) Historical beginnings of astronomy. Motions of celestial bodies. Introduction to space science. The solar system. Optical and radio astronomy. Structure and evolution of stars. Galaxies, cosmology. Three lecture hours each week. (Fall, Spring, Summer)

PHYS 1130L. Introduction to Astronomy Laboratory. (1) Prerequisite or corequisite: PHYS 1130. Experimental investigations relating to the acquisition of and interpretation of astronomical data. One three-hour laboratory each week. (Fall, Spring, Summer) (Evenings)

PHYS 3160. Astrophysics I (Stellar Astrophysics). (3) Prerequisites: PHYS 3141 and MATH 2171 or permission of instructor. An introduction to stellar structure and evolution. Topics covered include observational techniques, the interaction of light and matter, spectral classification, stellar structure and energy transport, nuclear energy sources, evolution off the main sequence, variable stars, and stellar remnants. (Spring) (Odd years)

PHYS 3161. Astrophysics II (Interstellar Matter and Galaxies). (3) Prerequisites: PHYS 3141 and MATH 2171 or permission of instructor. An introduction to the structure and contents of galaxies. Topics covered include the interstellar medium, star formation, galactic kinematics, galactic structure and evolution, active galaxies, and cosmology. (Fall) (Odd years)

Appalachian State University

http://www.appstate.edu/www_docs/catalogs/undergrad/AST_SUBJ.html

AST 1001. Introductory Astronomy I - The Solar System/(4).F. Topics to be covered include constellations, telescopes, the sun and moon, planets, asteroids, comets, the origin of the solar system and the search for extra-terrestrial life. The laboratory includes visual observations and electronic imaging of astronomical objects as well as a field trip to Appalachian's Dark Sky Observatory. Lecture three hours, laboratory two hours. (NUMERICAL DATA) (CORE: NATURAL SCIENCES) (ND Prerequisite: Passing the math placement test or successful completion of MAT 0010.)

AST 1002. Introductory Astronomy II - Stars and Galaxies/(4).S. A study of astronomical objects located beyond our solar system. Topics to be covered include the structure and evolution of the stars, pulsars, black holes, gaseous nebulae, star clusters, galaxies, quasars and the structure of evolution of the Universe. Night observations of these types of objects will be made. Lecture three hours, laboratory two hours. Prerequisite: AST 1001. (NUMERICAL DATA) (CORE: NATURAL SCIENCES) (ND Prerequisite: Passing the math placement test or successful completion of MAT 0010.)

AST 2001. Observational Astronomy I/(3).F. This course introduces the student to the operation of astronomical instruments and to the acquisition and analysis of astronomical data. Lecture topics include coordinate systems and time, star catalogs and atlases, planning observational programs, basic telescope optics, photometry, and photography. Lab work, conducted at the campus observatory, will consist of individual small projects carried out to familiarize the student with many types of instruments and techniques. Lecture two hours, laboratory two hours. Prerequisite: AST 1002.

AST 2002. Observational Astronomy II/(3).S. A study of advanced techniques of modern observational astronomy. Lecture topics include solid state (video) imaging hardware, image processing techniques, and astronomical spectroscopy. Observations will be conducted at the campus observatory, emphasizing the use of the techniques studied in the lecture. Lecture two hours, laboratory two hours. Prerequisite: AST 2001.

AST 3100.* Astrophysics/(3).S. A study of the astrophysical processes which occur in stars, nebulae and the interstellar medium. Topics to be covered include energy generation and transfer in stars, spectral line formation and stellar structure and evolution. Prerequisites: AST 1002, PHY 1151, MAT 1120. *Offered in even-numbered years.

AST 3200.** Astromechanics/(3).S. An introduction to classical and modern techniques in the study of orbiting celestial bodies. Lecture topics will include the solution of the 2-body problem with applications to comet orbits, the restricted 3-body problem, and solutions to the n-body problem. Laboratory sessions will deal primarily with computer simulations of orbits and solutions of orbits from limited data. Prerequisites: PHY 1103 or 1150; MAT 1120; experience in programming in either BASIC or FORTRAN. Lecture two hours, laboratory two hours. (COMPUTER) **Offered in odd-numbered years.

AST 3560. Undergraduate Research/(1-3).On Demand. The student will participate in on-going faculty-directed research projects. This will include involvement in the solution of a theoretical problem, or in the design of an experiment, acquisition of the data, reduction and analysis. The work may also include presentation of the results in scholarly publications or at professional meetings. May be repeated for a total credit of up to four semester hours.

Western Carolina University

http://itapp.wcu.edu/course/course.aspx?Prefix=AST

AST 101 - Descriptive Astronomy (3-4, R4) Characteristics of solar stellar systems examined in terms of the technologies and attitudes of man. 3 Lecture, 2 Lab (lab is optional).

AST 102 - Introductory Observational Astronomy (3) An observationally based introduction to astronomy. To include naked eye and telescopic observations, and laboratory activities. Topics include planets, stars, nebulae, galaxies, and hypothermia prevention.

AST 103 - The Solar System (3) A descriptive introduction to our solar system from a historical and evolutionary perspective.

AST 104 - Cosmic Evolution (3) A descriptive introduction to stars, galaxies, and the universe, from an evolutionary perspective.

AST 301 - Modern Astronomy (3) Techniques of measurement and research. PREQ: 230. 2 Lecture, 1 Lab

UNC Asheville

http://www.unca.edu/catalog/a.pdf#page=12