ASTRO 101.6
Descriptive Introduction to Astronomy
1&2(3L-3P)
Prerequisite(s): Mathematics B30 (or, under the old mathematics curriculum, Algebra 30 or Mathematics 30).

A descriptive introduction to astronomy without advanced mathematics covering constellations, historical astronomy, telescopes, spectral analysis, planetary motion, including recent discoveries about planets, properties and evolution of stars, pulsars, black holes, galaxies and cosmology. The evening labs will allow students to use telescopes and to analyze data.

ASTRO 212.3
Astronomical Observation Techniques
1(2L-4P)
Prerequisite(s): ASTRO 101 or PHYS 111 or 121 or 128.

An introduction to the use of telescopes for imaging of celestial objects, stellar spectroscopy and photometric studies of variable stars and star clusters. Astronomical co-ordinate systems and techniques for measurement of stellar and galactic distances and masses will be discussed. Evening labs will acquaint students with the use of a CCD, camera, spectrometer, photometer and several telescopes.

ASTRO 310.3
Galactic Astronomy and Cosmography
2(3L)
Prerequisite(s): ASTRO 101 or 212; PHYS 128 or PHYS 251; MATH 224 or 226 or 238.

An examination of spiral, elliptical, peculiar and radio galaxies, dark matter, Hubble's law of universal expansion, galactic collisions and cannibalism, quasars and supermassive black holes. The course also investigates Big Bang nucleosynthesis, the age, expansion and future of the universe, space curvature, rival cosmographical theories and dark sky paradox.

Note: Offered in 2000-2001, then in alternate years.

ASTRO 312.3
Theoretical Models of Stars and Stellar Evolution
2(3L)
Prerequisite(s): ASTRO 101 or 212 (recommended); PHYS 128 or PHYS 251; MATH 224 or 226 or 238.

An examination of the successes and failures of stellar evolution theory in tracking the protostar, main-sequence, red giant, supernova, pulsar and black hole stages in the lives of stars. Students will study physical models of stellar structure and nuclear energy generation and investigate the solar neutrino mystery.

Note: Offered in 2001-2002, then in alternate years.

ASTRO 320.3
Astronomy of the Solar System
2(3L)
Prerequisite(s): ASTRO 101 or 212; PHYS 128 or PHYS 251; MATH 224 or 226 or 238.

An investigation of the formation, evolution and dynamics of the solar system. The physical properties of the sun, planets and other bodies are examined and used to constrain evolutionary models. The prospects and evidence for the existence of life elsewhere in the solar system and the detection of extrasolar planets are also considered.

Note: Offered in 2000-2001, then in alternate years.

ASTRO 411.3
Gravitation and Cosmology
2(3L)
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 251; MATH 338, and at least 3 credit units in astronomy, or permission of the department.

An introduction to general relativity as a theory of gravitation with applications to cosmology. Includes: principles of special and general relativity, tensor calculus in curved spacetime, Einstein's field equations, Schwarzschild solution, experimental tests of general relativity, black holes, standard cosmological models, unresolved cosmological issues, gravitational waves.

Note: Offered in 2001-2002, then in alternate years.