Requirements for the Major
Honors in the Major
Courses
5534 Sterling Hall, 475 North Charter Street, Madison, WI 53706; 608/262-3071; fax 608/263-6386; www.astro.wisc.edu
Professors Cassinelli, Churchwell, Gallagher, Hoessel, Mathieu, Nordsieck, Reynolds, Savage, Sparke, Zweibel; Associate Professors Barger, Bershady, Lazarian, Wilcots
Undergraduate advisor in the major: Professor Eric Wilcots, or contact department office for an advisor.
Faculty diversity liaison: Professor Eric Wilcots, ewilcots@astro.wisc.edu
Astronomy, the oldest of the sciences, for the last several decades has been one of the most exciting fields of modern scientific research. New discoveries concerning the solar system, stars, galaxies, and the origin of the universe continue to be made by both ground and space telescopes. To understand and pursue modern astronomy, one must have a solid background in physics and mathematics as well as in astronomy.
The astronomy-physics major, administered by the Department of Astronomy, provides undergraduates the opportunity to appreciate our current understanding of the astronomical universe, while developing the necessary physics and math background. Students who intend to continue astronomy in a graduate program are strongly encouraged to do a Senior Thesis (Astro 681/682 (honors) or Astro 691/692). The experiences of actual research and of writing a major paper develop both technical and writing skills.
The major requires a minimum of 34 credits in the field of specialization, with at least 6 of these credits in astronomy and at least 28 credits in physics. Before declaring the major, students must complete Physics 247, 248, and 249 (recommended sequence), or 207, 208, and 241, or Physics 201, 202, 205. In addition, the specific course requirements for the major are (these also count toward the 15 credits of upper-level courses as required by the College of Letters and Science):
At least two of the following (but note that 310 is a prerequisite for 330, 335, and 500):
310 Stellar Astrophysics, 3 cr
320 The Interstellar Medium, 3 cr
330 Galaxies and Cosmology, 3 cr
335 Cosmology, 3 cr
340 Solar System Astronomy, 3 cr
500 Techniques of Modern Observational Astrophysics, 3 cr
Astronomy 100 and 200 are not required for majors. Students wishing to take a survey course should take Astronomy 200.
247-248-249 A Modern Introduction to Physics (or 201-202-205; or 207-208-241) 14 cr
311 Mechanics, 3 cr
322 Electromagnetic Fields, 3 cr
415 Thermal Physics, 3 cr
448 Atomic and Quantum Physics, 3 cr
449 Atomic and Quantum Physics, 3 cr
531 Introduction to Quantum Mechanics (3) may be substituted for the 448-449 sequence.
A 300-level or higher laboratory course must be taken; Astronomy 510 or Physics 308 (Intermediate Laboratory- Electromagnetic Fields and Optics) or 321 (Electric Circuits and Electronics) are recommended to satisfy this requirement.
Math: Mathematics courses other than those required as prerequisites for physics courses are not required for the major, but the following courses are recommended: Math 319 (Ordinary Differential Equations), Math 321 and 322 (Applied Analysis). If a student plans to work toward the Ph.D degree the student should also take Math 320 (Linear Mathematics) or Math 340 (Matrix and Linear Algebra). Additional mathematics (or statistics) courses should be chosen after consultation with the undergraduate advisor.
Computing: Computers are fundamental to astronomical research. An introduction through Comp Sci 302 or short courses run by the computing center should be considered.
Chemistry: A college course in physical or organic chemistry is useful for astronomy students. Physical chemistry is particularly valuable for those interested in the interstellar medium, comets, and planets.
Statistics: A background in statistics is valuable, particularly for students interested in observational astronomy. Statistics 301, or Statistics 309/310 for a more solid foundation, are suggested.
Languages: French, German, Russian, and especially Spanish are the most useful foreign languages for astronomy students, but are not required.
During the sophomore year, students considering the astronomy-physics major should visit the Department of Astronomy office to obtain a copy of the publication The Astronomy-Physics Major. Major declara- tions are to be done in the office as well. Please see Steve Anderson (608/262-8544, stevea@astro.wisc.edu) for more information.
Students wishing to receive Honors in the Major must satisfy the following requirements:
All classes listed in the course descriptions section will be offered regularly unless otherwise noted. Please check with the department office for information on specific courses, or consult www.astro.wisc.edu for supplemental course information. For graduate courses and programs, see the Graduate School Catalog.
100 Survey of Astronomy. I, II; 4 cr (P-E). Modern exploration of the solar system; our galaxy of stars, gas and dust; how stars are born, age and die; unusual objects such as exploding stars, neutron stars, black holes, and exploding galaxies; other galaxies and groups of galaxies; current ideas about the large-scale structure and evolution of the universe; optional telescope viewing sessions. P: Open to all Undergrads. Stdts may not receive cr for both Astron 100 & either Astron 103 or 104. Not open to stdts who meet prereq for Astron 200.
103 The Evolving Universe: Stars, Galaxies, and Cosmology. I, II; 3 cr (P-E). The universe is vast and ever-changing. Includes lifecycles of stars; supernovae and creation of elements; white dwarfs, pulsars and black holes; the Milky Way and galaxies; distances of stars and galaxies; quasars; expansion of universe; open and closed universes; the big bang. P: Open to all Undergrads. Stdts may not receive cr for both Astron 100 & 103. Not open to stdts who meet prereq for Astron 200.
104 Our Exploration of the Solar System. I, II; 3 cr (P-E). Humanity is linked to the solar system in countless ways. Includes the sky and celestial motions; ancient astronomy; the Copernican revolution; gravity, orbits, and interplanetary travel; formation of solar system; survey of sun, planets and moons; asteroids, meteors and comets; origin of life. P: Open to all Undergrads. Stdts may not receive cr for both Astron 100 & 104.
113 Hands on the Universe. II; 1 cr (r-P-E). Exploration of the universe via computer simulation of astronomical observations. Examples of topics include telescopes, the distances to stars, the spectra of the stars, star clusters, the Hubble expansion, and the large scale structure of the universe. Discovery through observation, hypothesis, and quantitative analysis is emphasized. P: Open to all Undergrads. Intended to be taken concurrently with Astron 103. Prev Astron 100 or 103 or cons inst acceptable. Not open to stdts who have taken Astron 110.
114 Hands on the Solar System. I; 1 cr (r-P-E). Exploration via computer simulation of astronomical observations. Examples of topics include the sky and celestial motions, Jupiter's moons, rocketry, colonization, and extra-solar planets. Naked-eye and telescope observations will also be made. Discovery through observation, hypothesis, and quantitative analysis is emphasized. P: Open to all Undergrads. Intended to be taken concurrently with Astron 104. Prev Astron 100 or 104 or cons inst acceptable. Not open to stdts who have taken Astron 110.
150 Topics in Astronomy. I or II; 2 cr (P-E). This course will intensively study selected topics of modern astronomy. Examples include missions to the planets, formation of stars and planets, end states of stellar evolution (supernovae, white dwarfs, pulsars, black holes), origin and evolution of the universe. P: Astron 100, 103, or 104, as appropriate for topic, or cons inst. Open to Fr.
160 Life in the Universe. Alt yrs.; I; 2 cr (P-E). An examination of the possibility of extraterrestrial life based on our knowledge of astronomy, physics, chemistry, and biology. Includes discussions of the search for extraterrestrial life and interstellar travel. P: Open to all Undergrads.
200 The Physical Universe. I or II; 3 cr (P-I). Modern astrophysics involves applying physical principles to understand astronomical phenomena. Includes the solar system, stars, nebulae, galaxies, and cosmology, with emphasis on origins and evolution. Some nighttime observation with telescopes required. P: Physics 202 or 208 or cons inst. Not open to stdts who have taken Astron 100 or 103. Simple calculus required.
206 History of Astronomy and Cosmology. (Crosslisted with Hist Sci) Irr.; 3 cr (H-I). The development of astronomical knowledge and cosmological views from the earliest times to the present, viewed in their social, philosophical, and technological contexts. P: So st.
236 The History of Matter in the Universe. Alt yrs.; II; 3 cr (b-P-E). Multidisciplinary study of how the distribution of elements in the Universe has changed over the last 10-15 billion years by tracing the history of matter from the Big Bang to the present composition of the Earth. The course will emphasize connections between astronomy, geology, and chemistry. Readings will draw both on scientific journals and the popular press to allow us to engage the material on multiple levels. This course meets the University's Com-B requirement. P: 1 yr college chem or physics, or cons inst. Open to Fr.
310 Stellar Astrophysics. I; 3 cr (P-I). Properties of normal and peculiar stars as found from an analysis of the radiation they emit; introduction to radiation transfer. Theory of stellar atmospheres, interiors, and evolution. P: Math 222 & Physics 205 or 241.
320 The Interstellar Medium. Alt yrs.; II; 3 cr (A). Properties of neutral and ionized interstellar gas, giant molecular clouds, the warm and hot intercloud medium, supernova remnants, and interstellar dust. Physical processes in low density gases including radiation transfer, excitation and ionization of interstellar atoms and molecules, and the interaction between gas and dust. P: Math 222 and Physics 205 or 241.
330 Galaxies. Alt yrs.; II; 3 cr (A). Distribution of stars, gas, and dust within our Milky Way, and their motions. Nearby galaxies: our Local Group. Optical, radio, and other techniques for observing galaxies. Composition and motions of other galaxies; galaxies with active nuclei; galaxy formation. P: Astron 310.
335 Cosmology. Alt yrs.; II; 3 cr (A). Introduction to the study of our Universe as a whole. Distribution of matter on the largest scales. Equations for cosmic expansion; making observations in an expanding curved spacetime. Nucleosynthesis and other tests of the Big Bang hypothesis. Gravitational collapse and the growth of structure. P: Astron 310.
340 Solar System Astrophysics. Alt yrs.; I; 3 cr (P-I). Properties of solar system objects, solar atmospheric phenomena, physics of planetary atmospheres, results of recent planetary missions, comets, origin of the solar system. P: Math 222 & Physics 205 or 241.
460 Experiences in Astronomical Observing. I or II; 1 cr (D). Students will be trained in observing and reduction techniques for ongoing research observing programs on the department's 16" or 36" telescopes. Trained students are eligible for student hourly wages for actual observing and reduction time on an as-available basis. P: Cons inst. One of Astron 310, 320, 330, or 500 advised. Stdt must provide own trans to Pine Bluff Observ (20 miles west of Madison).
500 Techniques of Modern Observational Astrophysics. I or II; 3 cr (A). An introduction to astrophysics data collection. Students will be familiarized with the concepts, techniques, skills and resources needed to plan, obtain, reduce and interpret observations of astronomical objects. P: Grad st or Astron 310 & cons inst.
510 Astronomical Observation Laboratory. Irr.; 1-2 cr (A). An opportunity for students to gain extensive experience in the use of a modern astronomical telescope and data collection system. Students will plan and execute an independent observing program using the Sterling Hall roof-top telescopes. P: Cons inst.
533 Resources From Space. (Crosslisted with NE, Geology) Irr.; 3 cr (D). This is a course on the location, extraction, and use of resources that exist in space. These resources include raw materials for life support, structure, and energy. P: Sr st, 1st-yr grads in engr or physical sci, or cons inst.
550 Astrodynamics. (Crosslisted with EMA) II; 3 cr (P-A). Coordinate system transformations, central force motion, two body problem, three and n-body problem, theory of orbital perturbations, artificial satellites, elementary transfer orbits, and elementary rocket dynamics. P: EMA 202 or 221; or Physics 311 or con reg; or cons inst.
570 Presenting Astronomy: Current Topics and Techniques. SS; 1 cr (I). Emphasis on practical knowledge and teaching skills including visual astronomy equipment, reference materials, and demonstrations. Activities and field trips build facility with tools and concepts. Current events and developments are blended in lecture, discussion, laboratory, and guest presentations. P: Grad st or cons inst.
620 Seminar in Astrophysical Topics. 1-3 cr (A). Current problems; topic changes. P: Astron 310 or cons inst.
681 Senior Honors Thesis. I, II, SS; 3 cr (A). P: Cons inst.
682 Senior Honors Thesis. I, II, SS; 3 cr (A). P: Cons inst.
691 Senior Thesis. I, II, SS; 2-3 cr (A). P: Sr st astronomy-physics major & cons inst.
692 Senior Thesis. I, II, SS; 2-3 cr (A). P: Astron 691 & cons inst.
699 Directed Study. I, II, SS; 1-6 cr (A). P: L&S Undergrads need 2.5, Jr or Sr st & cons inst.