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Course Criteria
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3.00 Credits
A comprehensive introduction to the study of modern astronomy that explores the celestial bodies that inhabit the universe- planets, stars and galaxies- and examines the universe itself- its origin, structure, and ultimate destiny. Meets Science and Math II-B requirement The department Prereq. Math 100 or 101 or the equivalent; The lecture for this course meets at the same time as the lecture for Astronomy 100 and 101. Students in Astronomy 110 attend lab and also must attend the 4th hour section. Problem sets and exams are different from those in Astronomy 100 and 101 because they are calculusbased.; 4 credits
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3.00 Credits
Intermediate level classes designed to introduce special topics in astronomy such as comets and asteroids, meteorites, and science and public policy, generally without prerequisites. Special offerings vary from year to year. Spring 2009 220s(01) Bringing Astronomy Down to Earth: The Art of Communicating Science?rough Electronic Media A scientifically well-informed public is not only crucial for thecontinued support of sciences but is a necessity in a democraticsociety dependent on science and technology. The course willintroduce students to state of the art examples of sciencecommunication methods for the public. The students will learn how to use electronic tools, such as podcasts/vodcasts, animated gifs,digital films, to communicate the science behind some recentastronomical discoveries. Students will work in small teams onprojects that integrate science writing with electronic tools tocommunicate key astronomical concepts. The department Prereq. one course in a physical science or permission of instructor; 4 credits 220s(02) Astronomy and Public Policy Astronomical issues that impact our society will be explored in a seminar format. The approach for each issue will be to pose a question based on a body of scientific evidence with potential consequences for human society. The answers to these questions will be investigated both on scientific and societal grounds. Scientific issues include the potential threat of collisions between the earth and other solar system bodies and the potential existence of extraterrestrial life. The department Prereq. one course in a physical science or permission of instructor; 4 credits
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3.00 Credits
(Same as Geology 223f) This intermediatelevel course covers fundamentals of spectroscopy, remote sensing, and planetary surfaces. Discussions will include interiors, atmospheres, compositions, origins, and evolution of terrestrial planets; satellites, asteroids, comets, and planetary rings. Meets Science and Math II-C requirement M. Dyar Prereq. Math 100/101 and one semester of a physical science course; 4 credits
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3.00 Credits
The basic observational properties of stars will be explored in an experimental format relying on both telescopic observations and computer programming exercises. No previous computer programming experience is required. Does not meet a distribution requirement S. Edwards Prereq. Physics 115, Mathematics 202 and one astronomy course; spring classes to be held at Smith College. alternates with Astronomy 225.; 4 credits
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3.00 Credits
The role of gravity in determining the mass of the universe will be explored in an interactive format making extensive use of computer simulations and independent projects. Does not meet a distribution requirement The department Prereq. Physics 115, Mathematics 202 and one astronomy course; will normally be taught at Smith College. alternates with Astronomy 224.; 4 credits
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3.00 Credits
The course introduces cosmological models and the relationship between models and observable parameters. Topics in current astronomy that bear upon cosmological problems will be covered, including background electromagnetic radiation, nucleosynthesis, dating methods, determinations of the mean density of the universe and the Hubble constant, and tests of gravitational theories.We will discuss questions concerning the foundations of cosmology and its future as a science. Does not meet a distribution requirement G. Greenstein Prereq. Mathematics 101 and a physical science course; fall 2008 classes to be held at Amherst; 4 credits
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3.00 Credits
A calculus-based introduction to the properties, structure, formation and evolution of stars and galaxies. The laws of gravity, thermal physics, and atomic physics provide a basis for understanding observed properties of stars, interstellar gas, and dust.We apply these concepts to develop an understanding of stellar atmospheres, interiors, and evolu- tion, the interstellar medium, and the Milky Way and other galaxies. Does not meet a distribution requirement The department Prereq. Physics 115, Physics 216 or concurrent enrollment, and Math 202; 4 credits
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4.00 Credits
Does not meet a distribution requirement The department Prereq. soph; 1 to 4 credits
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3.00 Credits
In-class discussions will be used to formulate a set of problems, each designed to illuminate a significant aspect of the topic at hand. The problems will be difficult and broad in scope: their solutions, worked out individually and in class discussions, will constitute the real work of the course. Student will gain experience in both oral and written presentation. Topics vary from year to year. Fall 2008 330f(01) Mars Exploration of several unresolved questions about the Red Planet, such as 1)Where was the water on Mars and where did it go How well will future missions answer this question 2) How has the martian atmosphere evolved over time 3)What rock types are present on the martian surface based on meteorite studies vs. direct observation 4) How can geomorphic features of Mars best be interpreted, and what do they tell us about the evolution of the planet and 5)Was there life on Mars at any time Is there life on Mars at present, and if so, where An interactive seminar with students and faculty reading current papers from the literature as well as daily reports from current missionWeb sites. M. Dyar Prereq. any intermediate-level astronomy or geology course; AST/GEO 223 recommended; 4 credits 330f(03) Asteroids This course will cover the relationship of asteroids and meteorites. Topics that will be discussed include how asteroids and meteorites are classified, spectroscopic measurements of asteroids, and how meteorites are transferred from asteroids to the Earth. No prior knowledge of asteroids or meteorites will be assumed. Prereq. any 200 level astronomy or geology course; 4 credits Spring 2009 330s(01) Cosmology A survey of topics relevant to cosmology: orbits and masses; stellar spectra and the chemical composition of the "ordinary matter" inthe universe; and the astronomical distance scale. The course will cover the two fundamental observations of cosmology: Hubble's "law?nd the CosmicMicrowave Background Radiation. We will also explore cosmologicalmodels: big bang and steady state; Newtonian cosmology and relativisticmodification; dark matter; dark "energy"; and the early universe.We will discuss unsolved problems and prospects for the future. Readings, discussion, and problemassignments, including projects and problems to be completed withMathematica or similar so?ware. T. Dennis Prereq. Physics 115-216 or 103-204; Math 202 or Math 100B; some experience in computer programming.; 4 credits 330s(03) Spectroscopy of the Planets Hands-on experience with spectroscopic data acquired from planetary atmospheres and surfaces. Four course modules include: 1) theory of spectroscopy and its application to the planets and stars; 2) broadband imaging of planetary surfaces; 3) in situ spectroscopy of planetary surfaces; 4) spectroscopic techniques used to search for exo-solar planets, and 5) analysis of an unidentified spectrum. The goal will be to identify important absorption/ emission features based on knowledge acquired throughout the semester. The department Prereq. 2 semesters of astronomy, geology, or physics; 4 credits
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3.00 Credits
How do astronomers determine the nature and extent of the universe Centering around the theme of the "Cosmic Distance Ladder," we explore how astrophysics has expanded our comprehension to encompass the entire universe. Topics include: the size of the solar system; parallactic and spectroscopic distances of stars; star counts and the structure of our galaxy; Cepheid variables and the distances of galaxies; the Hubble Law and large-scale structure in the universe; quasars and the Lyman-Alpha Forest. Does not meet a distribution requirement G.Wilson Prereq. Astronomy 229 or instructor approval; fall 2008 classes to be held at UMass; 4 credits
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