Michigan Astronomy

Undergraduate AcademicsUndergraduate Academics

Course Descriptions

Our undergraduate astronomy courses are described on this page. The LSA course catalog is online at http://www.lsa.umich.edu/cg/ You can check for open sections using wolverineaccess at http://wolverineaccess.umich.edu/

U-M Astronomy Undergraduate Course Listing

INTRODUCTORY COURSES AND COURSES FOR NON-CONCENTRATORS:
Note: The content and emphasis of these courses may differ from term to term and from one instructor to another. Prospective students are urged to take the links found in the LSA Course Guide or contact the faculty listed there to specific sections in order to get the most accurate and up to date descriptions of the courses.

Times, location, and availability can be checked through Wolverine Access Monday through Friday 7:00 AM to midnight; Saturday 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM; and Sunday noon to midnight

101. Introductory Astronomy: The Solar System.

No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in 111, 130, 160, or 221. 4 credits; NS QR/2

Introductory Astronomy: The Solar System and the Search for Life Beyond Earth --- Intended for non-science concentrators with a basic high school math and science background, this course introduces astronomy and astrophysics with an emphasis on discoveries from space exploration. First, it deals with understanding the history of astronomy, orbits, gravitation, optics and the properties of light and matter. Second, it investigates the properties, origin, and evolution of the major planets, asteroids, comets, and Sun and other components of the Solar System with particular emphasis on comparative aspects with respect to the Earth. Third, it explores the developing field of Astrobiology (the origins, evolution, distribution, and future of life in the universe) highlighting recent discoveries of extra-solar planets and the intensifying search for life on mars. Some evening observing is required. View the activities on the online labs page.

102. Introductory Astronomy: Stars, Galaxies, and the Universe.

No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in 112, 130, 160, or 222. 4 credits; NS QR/2

This course provides an overview of astronomy outside the solar system. Lectures topics include

  • an inventory of the different types of stars
  • the relationships between red giants, white dwarfs, black holes, supernovae, and people
  • our Milky Way galaxy
  • less hospitable exploding galaxies
  • enigmatic quasars
  • The present state of knowledge or speculation regarding the origin and ultimate fate of our universe

It all came from somewhere, but where... and why?

This course is intended primarily for non-science concentrators, who wish to understand the phenomena and properties of the universe beyond our solar system. There are no astronomy prerequisites, and a basic high school math background (e.g. not calculus) will suffice.

Course grades will be derived from scheduled quizzes or exams, and in-class ctivities. Some evening observing is required. Discussion sections will include planetarium demonstrations activities. View the activities on the online labs page.

115. Planetary Astronomy.

4 credits

Course Information Available Here

This course covers the recent advances in our knowledge of the sun, Earth, and planets. It presents the Earth as a planet, and the planets and their satellites as bodies with similarities as well as differences with the Earth. The course also covers modern developments in molecular- and biochemistry and the ever-relevant question of life on other worlds.

120. Frontiers of Astronomy.

No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in 125. 3 credits; NS

Astronomy is one of the most visible sciences, and regularly captures the public's attention. This class will overview our current understanding of the Universe, stressing discoveries of the last few years made with the new generation of Earth-based telescopes, and orbiting observatories such as the Hubble Space Telescope and high- energy satellites. From this we will see how astronomers can probe the Universe, using only the stray light and particles from distant objects, and how the need to explain these data enriches our understanding of the physical world. The class will emphasize how scientific discoveries are made, the results circulated, and then popularized. By focusing on such recent discoveries as planetary systems, black hole candidates, 'dark matter' and the large scale structure of the Universe we will learn to examine critically astronomers' claims of exciting new results. The grade will be based on writing assignments, class participation, and quizzes.

122. The Origin of the Elements and the History of Matter.

3 credits; NS

Course Information Available Here

Our study of the history of matter in the Universe will take us from the beginnings of time to the present, and from the smallest elementary particles to massive stars and galaxies. This seminar will focus on the creation and evolution of the elements, which originated in the Big Bang and are still being made today in the centers of stars and in the explosive deaths of the most massive stars. The course will begin with a survey of the astronomical universe, from our planet Earth out to the farthest quasars and beyond. From there we will begin our study of the beginning of the matter in the Universe as we know it, following the evolution of the elements as we return to the present day, and investigating how we can determine the chemical composition of matter in space. Grading will be based on written assignments, quizzes, and class participation.

125. Observational Astronomy.

No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in 120. 4 credits; NS

This course will teach how astronomical discoveries are made, by addressing hypothetical 'what if' questions in astronomy. These case studies will provide insights into fundamental physical laws that rule the universe, as well as demonstrating how fine-tuned we are with the special environment we live in. Students will gain experience with the optical telescopes on campus as well as with computers, which are necessary for some of the labs. Through hands-on observing experience, students will understand how astronomical research is conducted and will discuss the merits and pitfalls of such observations. Some of the topics to be featured include measuring the distance to the Moon, measuring the size and expansion rate of the Universe, the moons of Jupiter, the evolution of stars, the creation of the elements, and the cosmic background radiation of the Big Bang. The course structure involves writing assignments, laboratory and observing exercises, introductory lectures by the instructor, and discussions led by individual students. One evening observing laboratory per week. Some knowledge of basic physics is helpful but not necessary.

127. Naked Eye Astronomy

Minicourse: meets for half the semester. 1 credit; NS, BS

Students learn about the nature of the most common astronomical objects that can be observed by eye, such as the Sun, Moon, planets, stars, comets, and meteors. The motion of these objects in the sky is studied along with their influence on the Earth. WL cap: 25

130. Explorations in Astronomy.

No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in 101, 102, 111, 112, 160, 221, or 222. 4 credits; NS

This course is a one-term exploration of a few selected topics representing all of astronomy. Here are a few examples of possible topics. (1) The stars: how we are able to learn about them, how they evolve and die, how they produce chemical elements and generate energy. (2) The formation of stars and solar systems. What are we learning about star formation. How our solar system tells us about star formation. Recent developments in our understanding of the planets during our age of planetary exploration. (3) Cosmology: the expansion of the universe, and its eventual fate. The formation of structure and of galaxies, the cosmic radiation fields. This course will include assigned reading, some homework, quizzes, a midterm and a final.

160. Introduction to Astrophysics.

Math. 115, prior or current enrollment in Phys. 140; or permission of instructor. No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in 102, 112, 130, 221, or 222. 4 credits; NS

Some of the most exciting phenomena and concepts in astronomy and astrophysics are explored in this survey course. One major theme is the structure and evolution of stars from their birth in giant molecular clouds through their death as white dwarfs, neutron stars, and black holes. Another important theme is galaxies, with discussions about the missing or dark matter in galaxies, galaxy-galaxy interactions, and the large-scale distribution of galaxies in the Universe. We conclude with an examination of the Big Bang, the Inflationary Universe, and the Cosmic Background radiation. This course is directed toward students with an interest in science and mathematics. There are problem sets and a weekly two-hour laboratory using telescopes.

204 / AOSS 204 / Geology 204. The Planets: Their Geology and Climates.

High school mathematics through plane geometry and trigonometry. Those with credit for GS 113 may only elect Astro. 204 for 2 credits. 3 credits; NS

This course is a basic introduction to physical geography which emphasizes many topics including maps, seasons, the atmosphere, greenhouse gases, radiation and heat balance, the dangers of global warming, circulation, moisture and precipitation, air masses, and water supply. Students also study climate classification, and geologic and historical climate changes, and landforms and their formation. Students in this lecture-lab course are evaluated by hourly and final examinations with satisfactory completion of the lab work a prerequisite to the final course evaluation.

261 / NOEP 301. Navigation.

2 Credits; Excl.

The purpose of this course is to educate students in all aspects of marine navigation, from getting a vessel underway from port through open ocean navigation using both celestial and electronic means. The content of the course is divided into three major areas. The first section focuses on piloting, emphasizing the safe navigation of vessels in coastal waters. This section provides and introduction to navigational instruments and aids to navigation. The second section concerns celestial navigation, the ability to determine position through ovservation of celestial bodies. Students learn how to determine p[osition based on teh use of the sextant and various almanacs and mathematical tables. The third section of the course considers electronic navigation. The course consists of two ninety minute lectures a week. Grading is done on the basis of homework, quizzes, a project, and examinations. The primary textbooks for the course are "Marine Navigation I" and "Marine Navigation II" by Richard R. Hobbs.

361. Astronomical Techniques

Ast 160 or Permission of Instructor. 4 credits. BS

Topics include astronomical instrumentation, techniques for obtaining observational data, and the reduction and analysis of observations. Emphasis is placed upon obtaining and analyzing data in such fields as astrometry, radio astronomy, and spectroscopy. Two lectures and two hours of laboratory or observing weekly.

389. Independent Studies in Astronomy.

Permission of instructor. 1-3 credits.

399. Introduction to Astronomical Research.

Permission of instructor. 1-3 credits.

401. Solar System Astrophysics.

Prerequisites: Math. 116, Phys. 140, Phys. 240; or permission of instructor. 3 credits.

402. Stellar Astrophysics.

Math. 216, prior or concurrent enrollment in Phys. 242; or permission of instructor. No credit granted to those who have completed Astro. 422. 3 credits; Excl.

Course Information Available Here

The lectures begin with a survey of the observational data of stellar astronomy: distances, masses, colors, spectra, binary stars, open and globular clusters, and the HR Diagram. The following topics will then be highlighted: Atomic and Molecular Structure, Radiative and Convective Energy Transfer, The Structure and Composition of Stellar Atmospheres, The Equations of Stellar Structure, Stellar Models, Stellar Evolution, and Nucleosynthesis. The lectures will not follow the text, which will be used to fill in areas not specifically covered in class. Planned text: "Fundamental Astronomy" (Karttunen et al.).

403. Astrophysics of the Interstellar Medium.

Prerequisites: Math. 116, prior or concurrent enrollment in Phys. 240; or permission of instructor. 3 credits.

404. Galaxies and the Universe.

Prerequisites: Math. 116, prior or concurrent enrollment in Phys. 240; or permission of instructor. 3 credits.

405. High Energy Astrophysics

Prerequisites: Math. 216, prior or concurrent enrollment in Phys. 242; or permission of instructor. 3 credits; Excl.

Astronomical phenomena are often violent, naturally producing energetic particles under exotic circumstances. This course examines the underlying astrophysics of such objects. We begin with high energy radiation processes and basic fluid mechanics. This physics is applied to accretion onto black holes and other compact objects and the astronomical phenomena that result. We will also study supernovae, the origin of X-ray and Gamma-ray background radiation fields, Gamma-ray bursts, and cosmic rays.

406. Computational Astrophysics.

Prerequisites: Math. 116, prior or concurrent enrollment in Phys. 240; or permission of instructor. 3 credits.

409. Modern Astronomy for Science Teachers.

2 credits.

429. Senior Seminar

Open only to senior concentrators. Prerequisites: 401, 402, and 404, or permission of department. 2 credits.

Student-faculty discussion of selected problems in two or three currently active areas. This is also the Astronomy Department's senior writing course. Attendance at weekly department colloquia is required. For other course and student business information, go to Wolverine Access