Astronomical and Planetary Sciences (BS)

Develops critical physical and mathematical concepts for contemporary astrophysics. Assumes prior knowledge of algebra and calculus. Through the textbook, introduces students to a variety of physical forces in the context of astrophysical processes, including electromagnetic interactions and light, gravity and motion, interactions between light and matter in astrophysical systems, and the strong (nuclear) force responsible for the fusion processes fueling stars.

Properties, evolution and formation of stars, planets and stellar and planetary systems. Rigorous treatment of stellar and planetary physics including thermodynamics, nuclear physics, hydrodynamics and radiation transport.

Evolved stars, introduction to relativity, galaxies and interstellar matter, structure and dynamics of galaxies, cosmology.

Are we alone in the Universe? If so, why? If not, where are our cosmic cousins? Such questions, once the domain of science fiction, are on the verge of being answered with science facts. Astronomers are discovering planets around other stars. Planetary scientists are exploring the worlds in our solar system. Biologists are unlocking the secrets of metabolism and evolution. Geoscientists are determining how the Earth supports life. And as we struggle to build a sustainable future for ourselves, all of us are finding out how technologically advanced civilizations rise and how they might fall. This course surveys these topics. In the process, students master basic concepts from across the major areas of science and learn what makes the Earth a habitable world.

Introduces integration of scientific and engineering computational methods into scientific research and successful exploration. Provides an active, project-based environment for learning science and engineering by means of a common set of computational tools. Also provides a detailed overview of procedural and object-oriented programming with an emphasis on problem solving. Students solve problems by developing software in an interpreted language (Python). Problems may include visualizing data, interfacing with hardware, or solving numeric problems. Covers procedural programming concepts including data types, variables, control structures, arrays, and data I/O. Covers object-oriented programming concepts including object creation and use, object interaction, and the design of simple classes. Covers software engineering concepts including testing, incremental development, understanding requirements, and teamwork.

Develops science communication writing skills, specifically focusing on communicating scientific concepts and scientific results to a variety of audiences including astronomers and the general public. Through lectures, readings and discussions, introduces the characteristics of written science communication and public engagement within the context of astronomical and planetary sciences to include investigations into the ethics of science communication. Students gain proficiencies in science communication writing, visual data production and various digital technologies through relevant, project-based assignments, digital portfolio creation and contributions to a class blog.

Develops science communication oral skills, specifically focusing on communicating scientific concepts and scientific results to a variety of audiences including astronomers and the general public. Through lectures, readings and discussions, introduces a variety of techniques for producing and presenting effective oral science presentations within the context of astronomy and planetary sciences. Students gain proficiencies in public speaking, visual data production and various digital technologies through relevant, project-based assignments, including digital portfolio creation and contributions to a class blog.

Properties and origins of the solar system, exoplanets, astrobiology. History, properties of light, instruments, study of solar system and nearby stars.

Structure and evolution of stars, star clusters, galaxies, cosmology.

Differential and integral calculus of elementary functions with applications.

Noncalculus treatment of the principles of physics for nonphysics majors. Students whose curricula require a lab must also register for PHY 113. Both PHY 111 and PHY 113 must be taken to secure General Studies Gold SCIT credit or General Studies Maroon SQ credit.

Elementary experiments in physics. Requires outside preparation for experiments and report writing. May be taken concurrently with or subsequent to PHY 111. Both PHY 111 and PHY 113 must be taken to secure General Studies Gold SCIT credit or General Studies Maroon SQ credit.

Continuation of PHY 111. Students whose curricula require a lab must also register for PHY 114. Both PHY 112 and PHY 114 must be taken to secure General Studies Gold SCIT credit or General Studies Maroon SQ credit.

See PHY 113. May be taken concurrently with, or subsequent to, PHY 112. Both PHY 112 and PHY 114 must be taken to secure General Studies Gold SCIT credit or General Studies Maroon SQ credit.