Catalog of Courses for Astronomy
A study of the night sky primarily for non-science majors. Provides a brief history of astronomy through Newton. Topics include the properties of the sun, earth, moon, planets, asteroids, meteors and comets; origin and evolution of the solar system; life in the universe; and recent results from space missions and ground-based telescopes.
A study of stars, star formation, and evolution primarily for non-science majors. Topics include light, atoms, and modern observing technologies; origin of the chemical elements; supernovae, pulsars, neutron stars, and black holes; structure and evolution of our galaxy; nature of other galaxies; active galaxies and quasars; expanding universe, cosmology, the big bang, and the early universe.
An independent laboratory class for non-science majors, meeting at night, in which students learn how to observe the night sky, use a telescope, and take digital images of the sky. Students work individually or in small groups on observational projects that focus on the study of constellations, planets, stars, nebulae, and galaxies using binoculars, 8-inch telescopes, and imaging equipment at the department's student observatory.
Alien worlds orbiting other stars were the subject of speculation going back to ancient times, and were first detected in the 1990s. Today, thousands of extrasolar planets are known and show a remarkable diversity compared to our own solar system. This introductory astronomy course for non-science majors discusses the known exoplanets: how they are discovered, their orbits, physical properties, formation, evolution and fate.
An exploration of the unsolved mysteries in the universe and the limits of our knowledge for non-science majors. The class emphasizes the nature of scientific endeavor, and explores the boundaries between science, philosophy, and metaphysics. A number of thought provoking topics are discussed including the beginning and end of the universe, black holes, extraterrestrial life, the nature of time, dark matter and dark energy.
From ancient Babylon to modern cosmology, nearly every culture on Earth has stories and myths of creation. It is a universal human desire to understand from where we came. In this introductory astronomy class for non-science majors, students will explore the origins of the Universe, structure and galaxies, stars, planets and life. The course will use the content to illustrate the nature of science and scientific inquiry.
Black holes are stellar remnants that are so dense that nothing, not even light, can escape their gravitational pull. Nevertheless, systems that contain these "dark stars" are among the brightest sources in the universe. In this introductory course, aimed primarily at non-science majors, students will explore the seemingly paradoxical nature of black holes and evaluate the astronomical evidence for their existence.
New course in the subject of astronomy.
For first- and second-year students considering Astronomy/Astronomy-Physics as a major, or current A/A-P majors. Faculty will present ongoing research to introduce students to both the subject matter and the required physical, mathematical, and computational background of contemporary astronomy research. Potential long-term undergraduate research projects will be emphasized.
For first- and second-year students considering Astronomy/Astronomy-Physics as a major, or current A/A-P majors. Faculty will present ongoing research to introduce students to both the subject matter and the required physical, mathematical, and computational background of contemporary astronomy research. Potential long-term undergraduate research projects will be emphasized.
Primarily for science majors. A thorough discussion of the basic concepts and methods of solar system, stellar, galactic, and extragalactic astronomy and astrophysics with an emphasis on physical principles. Recommended prerequisite/corequisite: MATH 1210 or 1310, PHYS 1420 or 1425, or instructor permission.
Primarily for science majors. A thorough discussion of the basic concepts and methods of solar system, stellar, galactic, and extragalactic astronomy and astrophysics with an emphasis on physical principles. Recommended prerequisite/corequisite: MATH 1210 or 1310, PHYS 1420 or 1425, or instructor permission.
Primarily for science majors. A lecture and laboratory course that deals with basic observational techniques in astronomy. The laboratory section generally meets at night. Students use observational facilities at the McCormick and Fan Mountain Observatories. Additional work outside posted laboratory hours will be required to take advantage of clear skies.
This course provides an overview of the origins of the elements through cosmic history. The course is taught chronologically, starting from the Big Bang and leading up to life as we know it. The course will cover a wide variety of topics, such as the formation of the first stars, galaxies, and the lifecycle of the interstellar medium. We will also study how material is re-incorporated into modern day stars, planets, and eventually life.
Open to non-science students. Discussion of prescientific astronomy, including Mayan, Babylonian, and ancient Chinese astronomy, and the significance of relics such as Stonehenge. Discusses the usefulness of ancient records in the study of current astrophysical problems such as supernova outbursts. Uses current literature from several disciplines, including astronomy, archaeology, and anthropology. Prerequisite/corequisite: A 1000- or 2000-level ASTR course, or instructor permission.
Open to non-science students. Studies the possibility of intelligent extraterrestrial life; methods and desirability of interstellar communication; prospects for humanity's colonization of space; interaction of space colonies; and the search for other civilizations. Prerequisite/corequisite: A 1000- or 2000-level ASTR course or instructor permission.
This course introduces communication skills for scientists who need to engage with diverse audiences beyond their immediate research community by teaching practical tools for grant writing, peer review, policy briefings, media interviews, and public engagement, with emphasis on ethical communication practices and professional responsibility.
The next great adventure in space flight will be a human mission to Mars. In this course, we will explore how such a mission might take place. Topics will include the basics of spaceflight, spacecraft and rocket design, the history of human space exploration, its legacy and impact on the modern world, the current state of spaceflight, and new technologies that are being developed to make the mission possible.
Open to non-science students. Investigates controversial topics in science and pseudo-science from the astronomer's perspective. Analyzes methods of science and the nature of scientific evidence, and their implications for unresolved astrophysical problems. Topics include extraterrestrial life, UFO's, astrology, the Moon landing, and others.
Intended for STEM majors and non-STEM majors who are comfortable with some non-calculus math. Cosmology explores the origin and evolution of the Universe, including cosmic expansion, mapping the Universe, dark matter and dark energy, the birth and evolution of galaxies, the early universe, and the Big Bang. This course strikes a balance between richly illustrated description and a simplified quantitative exploration of the above topics.
The course explores the formation, evolution, and properties of galaxies. Topics include: the structure of galaxies; galaxy demographics; star motions and populations; nuclear black holes; galaxy interactions; dark matter halos; the distribution of the elements; and the formation and evolution of galaxies. The course is divided equally between lecture material and project-driven worksheets.
Studies the origin and evolution of the bodies in the solar system, emphasizing the geology of the planets and satellites of the inner solar system and the satellites of the gaseous planets. Topics will include the interpretation of remote sensing data, the chemistry and dynamics of planetary atmospheres and their interactions with the planetary surfaces, and the role of impacts. Prerequisite: Introductory course in geosciences or astronomy.
Optional one hour laboratory for students in ASTR 3880 that provides practical experience in accessing and analyzing data related to the origin and geology of solar system planetary bodies, including the Moon, Mars, and outer planet satellites.
Primarily for astronomy/astrophysics majors. Students will be exposed to a research methods-intensive set of mini projects, with emphasis on current active areas of astrophysics research. The goal is to prepare students for research in astrophysics. Topics will include databases and database manipulation, astronomical surveys, statistics, space observatories and observation planning, intro to numerical simulations, and proposal writing.Prerequisites: ASTR 2110/2120 and PHYS 2660, or instructor permission.
The compact stars - white dwarfs, neutron stars, and black holes - are the end state of stellar evolution. The conditions in and around these objects are extreme as compared to terrestrial standards, and they are responsible for some of the most powerful and dynamic phenomena in the universe. This course introduces the physics of strong gravity and dense matter required to understand compact stars and their observational manifestations.
Computational methods are widely applied in all areas of astrophysical research, including data analysis, instrumentation, and theory. This course covers advanced computing skills that optimize the scientific return from using increasingly complex code bases and sophisticated code development tools. Using Python, we introduce widely applicable numerical methods while training the students in the use of commonly used code development concepts.
New course in the subject of astronomy.
Basic concepts in mechanics, statistical physics, atomic and nuclear structure, and radiative transfer are developed and applied to selected fundamental problems in the areas of stellar structure, stellar atmospheres, the interstellar medium, and extragalactic astrophysics. Prerequisite: ASTR 2110, 2120 (recommended); MATH 4220; PHYS 3210, 3310 (concurrent), 3340, 3430 (concurrent), 3650; or instructor permission.
Independent study of a topic of special interest to the student under individual supervision by a faculty member. May be repeated once for credit. Prerequisite: Instructor permission.
May be repeated once for credit. Prerequisite: Instructor permission.
An introduction to the basic physics of astronomy and astrophysics organized around learning physical principles and applying them to astrophysical objects. Physics covered will be chosen from fluid mechanics, radiative transfer, statistical mechanics, classical and quantum radiation processes, and quantum mechanics of atomic and molecular structure. This graduate course will involve more complex and difficult assignments than ASTR 4810. Prerequisite: Instructor Permission.
Surveys modern techniques of radiation measurement, data analysis, and image processing, and their application to astrophysical problems, especially the physical properties of stars and galaxies. Relevant laboratory experiments and observations with the department's telescopes are included. Students are expected to develop a familiarity with programming and other basic computer skills if they do not already possess them. Prerequisite: ASTR 2110-2120; PHYS 3420, 3430 or instructor permission.
Graduate students will be exposed to a research methods-intensive set of projects, with emphasis on current active areas of astrophysics research. The goal is to prepare students for research in astrophysics. Topics will include databases and database manipulation, astronomical surveys, statistics, space observatories and observation planning, intro to numerical simulations, and proposal writing.
This interdisciplinary course will introduce advanced undergraduates and graduates to molecules and their chemistry in different sources throughout the universe. Topics include gas-phase and grain-surface reactions, astronomical spectroscopy, laboratory experiments, and astrochemical modeling. Prerequisite: There are no formal prerequisites, but some knowledge of chemical kinetics, spectroscopy, and/or the interstellar medium will be helpful.
Studies the fundamentals of measuring power and power spectra, antennas, interferometers, and radiometers. Topics include thermal radiation, synchrotron radiation, and line frequency radiation; and radio emission from the planets, sun, flare stars, pulsars, supernovae, interstellar gas, galaxies, and quasi-stellar sources.
Studies the physics of the interstellar gas and grains, the distribution and dynamics of gas, and cosmic radiation and interstellar magnetic fields. Prerequisite: Instructor permission.
Studies observed properties and physics of stars including radiative transfer; stellar thermodynamics; convection; formation of spectra in atmospheres; equations of stellar structure; nuclear reactions; stellar evolution; and nucleosynthesis. Includes applicable numerical techniques. Prerequisite: Instructor permission.
Introduces the physics of basic radiation mechanisms and particle acceleration processes that are important in high energy phenomena and space science. Discusses applications to pulsars, active galactic nuclei, radio galaxies, quasars, and supernovae. Prerequisite: Instructor permission.
The compact stars - white dwarfs, neutron stars, and black holes - are the end state of stellar evolution. The conditions in and around these objects are extreme as compared to terrestrial standards, and they are responsible for some of the most powerful and dynamic phenomena in the universe. This course introduces the physics of strong gravity and dense matter required to understand compact stars and their observational manifestations.
Computational methods are widely applied in all areas of astrophysical research, including data analysis, instrumentation, and theory. This course covers advanced computing skills that optimize the scientific return from using increasingly complex code bases and sophisticated code development tools. Using Python, we introduce widely applicable numerical methods while training the students in the use of commonly used code development concepts.
This course covers topics associated with cosmology, the branch of astrophysics dealing with the origin and evolution of the Universe. The course begins with a historical overview and then focuses on three main areas: expansion of the universe, the early universe, and large-scale structure.
This course provides an overview of extragalactic astronomy. Topics include both qualitative and quantitative discussion of various types of galaxy (ellipticals, spirals, dwarf, starburst); results from theory of stellar dynamics; groups and clusters of galaxies; active galaxies; high-redshift galaxies; galaxy evolution; the intergalactic medium; and dark matter. The course is intended for advanced undergraduate astrophysics majors and first and second year graduate students. Prerequisite: Physics and Math through PHYS 2610, MATH 3250 (or equivalent); ASTR 2110, 2120 (or equivalent).
This seminar surveys the latest scientific literature to understand the physical processes that shape planetary landscapes. Topics will rotate each semester. Lectures and discussions of scientific literature will introduce geologic context, physics, and chemistry relevant to geomorphic processes.
UVa staff and guest speakers discuss current research problems.
Under supervision, the student undertakes or assists with a current research problem. This course may be repeated for credit.
For doctoral dissertation, taken under the supervision of a dissertation director.