Teaching

Since Winter 2008, teaching materials have moved online to the internal University of Michigan Ctools site.

Winter 2008

Astronomy 361: Astronomical Techniques (update for 2008 Mac Lab)
Instructors: Hugh Aller

IDL Tutorial 1

Fall 2007

Astronomy 429: Writing Seminar
Instructors: Joel Bregman, John Monnier, Oleg Gnedin

Prerequisites: AY 402 or 404
Credits: 2 units.

Open only to senior Astronomy and Astrophysics concentrators. 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.

Astronomy 101/111: Introduction to Astronomy: The Solar System and the Search for Life Beyond Earth
Instructors: Lee Hartmann, John Monnier

Prerequisites: None
Credits: 4 units.

This course presents an introduction to astronomy and astrophysics with an emphasis on the discoveries from space exploration. The first third of the course deals with understanding the history of astronomy, orbits, gravitation, optics and the properties of light and matter. The second third of the course investigates the properties, origin, and evolution of the major planets, asteroids, comets, the Sun and other components of the Solar System with particular emphasis on comparative aspects with respect to the Earth.  Recent discoveries of extrasolar planets and the intensifying search for life on Mars will be highlighted in the last third of the course when we explore the developing field of Astrobiology, the study of the origins, evolution, distribution, and future of life in the universe.  This course is intended for non-science concentrators with a basic high school math and science background.  Astronomy 111 has a two-hour laboratory section every week. Astronomy 101 has a one-hour discussion section. Course requirements include assigned reading, section meetings, homework, observations, quizzes, midterm and a final examination. Laboratory sections include observations with telescopes, weather permitting.

[Course Materials on ctools.umich.edu]

Winter 2007

Astronomy 101/111: Introduction to Astronomy: The Solar System and the Search for Life Beyond Earth
Instructors: Lee Hartmann, John Monnier

Prerequisites: None
Credits: 4 units.

This course presents an introduction to astronomy and astrophysics with an emphasis on the discoveries from space exploration. The first third of the course deals with understanding the history of astronomy, orbits, gravitation, optics and the properties of light and matter. The second third of the course investigates the properties, origin, and evolution of the major planets, asteroids, comets, the Sun and other components of the Solar System with particular emphasis on comparative aspects with respect to the Earth.  Recent discoveries of extrasolar planets and the intensifying search for life on Mars will be highlighted in the last third of the course when we explore the developing field of Astrobiology, the study of the origins, evolution, distribution, and future of life in the universe.  This course is intended for non-science concentrators with a basic high school math and science background.  Astronomy 111 has a two-hour laboratory section every week. Astronomy 101 has a one-hour discussion section. Course requirements include assigned reading, section meetings, homework, observations, quizzes, midterm and a final examination. Laboratory sections include observations with telescopes, weather permitting.

[Course Materials on ctools.umich.edu]

Astronomy 361: Astronomical Techniques
Instructors: John Monnier, Hugh Aller

Prerequisites: Astronomy 160 or permission of instructor.
Credits: 4 units.

This course is intended primarily for students concentrating in Astronomy, but other science and engineering students may elect it as well. It is an introduction to various techniques for obtaining and analyzing observational data. The areas covered are stellar trigonometric distance (parallax), imaging and photometry with electronic detectors, radiometric techniques, and interferometry.

In addition, to provide expertise needed in the analysis of observational data, there will be a series of lectures on error theory and least squares. Students will use optical telescopes and instrumentation at the Radio Observatory near Dexter to make observations. Two 1.5 hour lectures and one three-hour laboratory period each week. Course work will also include homework exercises and reading in original sources, but there are no examinations.

Astronomy 429: Writing Seminar
Instructors: Joel Bregman, John Monnier, Doug Richstone

Prerequisites: AY 402 or 404
Credits: 2 units.

Open only to senior Astronomy and Astrophysics concentrators. 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.

Fall 2005

Astronomy 403: Astrophysics of the Interstellar Medium (CTOOLS)
Instructor: John Monnier

Prerequisites: MATH 216, and prior or concurrent enrollment in PHYSICS 240 (or 260).
Credits: 3 units. May not be repeated for credit.

This course examines the various types of gaseous components and their interaction with stars through the processes of star formation, stellar mass loss, photoionization of gas by hot stars, and supernova explosions. The interstellar medium (the "stuff" between stars) comprises a wide variety of material that interacts closely, and often violently, with individual stars and the host galaxy. First, the underlying atomic and molecular physics is developed and then we examine how gas is ionized by hot stars and by supernova remnants. We analyze the content of the cold pervasive atomic and molecular gas in the galaxy, how it often lies in spiral arms, and why giant molecular clouds are the most active sites of star formation. Finally, recent discoveries are highlighted, such as the presence of galactic "cirrus" as seen from the dust distribution.

[Course Materials on ctools.umich.edu]

Winter 2005

Astronomy 101/111: Introduction to Astronomy: The Solar System and the Search for Life Beyond Earth
Instructors: Barbara Eckstein, John Monnier

Prerequisites: None
Credits: 4 units.

This course presents an introduction to astronomy and astrophysics with an emphasis on the discoveries from space exploration. The first third of the course deals with understanding the history of astronomy, orbits, gravitation, optics and the properties of light and matter. The second third of the course investigates the properties, origin, and evolution of the major planets, asteroids, comets, the Sun and other components of the Solar System with particular emphasis on comparative aspects with respect to the Earth.  Recent discoveries of extrasolar planets and the intensifying search for life on Mars will be highlighted in the last third of the course when we explore the developing field of Astrobiology, the study of the origins, evolution, distribution, and future of life in the universe.  This course is intended for non-science concentrators with a basic high school math and science background.  Astronomy 111 has a two-hour laboratory section every week. Astronomy 101 has a one-hour discussion section. Course requirements include assigned reading, section meetings, homework, observations, quizzes, midterm and a final examination. Laboratory sections include observations with telescopes, weather permitting.

[Course Materials on ctools.umich.edu]

Astronomy 361: Astronomical Techniques
Instructors: Patrick Seitzer, John Monnier, Hugh Aller

Prerequisites: Astronomy 160 or permission of instructor.
Credits: 4 units.

This course is intended primarily for students concentrating in Astronomy, but other science and engineering students may elect it as well. It is an introduction to various techniques for obtaining and analyzing observational data. The areas covered are stellar trigonometric distance (parallax), imaging and photometry with electronic detectors, radiometric techniques, and interferometry.

In addition, to provide expertise needed in the analysis of observational data, there will be a series of lectures on error theory and least squares. Students will use optical telescopes and instrumentation at the Radio Observatory near Dexter to make observations. Two 1.5 hour lectures and one two-hour laboratory period each week. Course work will also include homework exercises and reading in original sources, but there are no examinations.

Fall 2004

Astronomy 429: Writing Seminar
Instructors: Charles Cowley, John Monnier, Doug Richstone

Prerequisites: AY 402 or 404
Credits: 2 units.

Open only to senior Astronomy and Astrophysics concentrators. 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.

Astronomy 101/111: Introduction to Astronomy: The Solar System
Instructors: Edwin Bergin, John Monnier

Prerequisites: None
Credits: 4 units.

This course presents an introduction to the field of astronomy and astrophysics with an emphasis on the discoveries from space exploration. The first third of the course deals with understanding the history of astronomy, orbits, gravitation, optics and the properties of light and matter. The rest of the course explores the properties, origin, and evolution of the major planets, asteroids, comets, the Sun and other components of the Solar System with particular emphasis on comparative aspects with respect to the Earth. The origin and formation of the Solar System and the origin of life will also be discussed. This course is intended for non-science concentrators with a basic high school math and science background. Astronomy 111 has a two-hour laboratory section every week. Astronomy 101 has a one-hour discussion section. Course requirements include assigned reading, section meetings, homework, observations, quizzes, midterm and a final examination. Laboratory sections include observations with telescopes.

Winter 2004

Astronomy 361: Astronomical Techniques
Instructors: Richard Sears, John Monnier, Hugh Aller

Prerequisites: Astronomy 160 or permission of instructor.
Credits: 4 units.

This course is intended primarily for students concentrating in Astronomy, but other science and engineering students may elect it as well. It is an introduction to various techniques for obtaining and analyzing observational data. The areas covered are stellar trigonometric distance (parallax), imaging and photometry with electronic detectors, radiometric techniques, and interferometry.

In addition, to provide expertise needed in the analysis of observational data, there will be a series of lectures on error theory and least squares. Students will use optical telescopes and instrumentation at the Radio Observatory near Dexter to make observations. Two 1.5 hour lectures and one two-hour laboratory period each week. Course work will also include homework exercises and reading in original sources, but there are no examinations.

Winter 2004

Astronomy 361: Astronomical Techniques
Instructors: Richard Sears, John Monnier, Hugh Aller

Prerequisties: Astronomy 160 or permission of instructor.
Credits: 4 units.

This course is intended primarily for students concentrating in Astronomy, but other science and engineering students may elect it as well. It is an introduction to various techniques for obtaining and analyzing observational data. The areas covered are stellar trigonometric distance (parallax), imaging and photometry with electronic detectors, radiometric techniques, and interferometry.

In addition, to provide expertise needed in the analysis of observational data, there will be a series of lectures on error theory and least squares. Students will use optical telescopes and instrumentation at the Radio Observatory near Dexter to make observations. Two 1.5 hour lectures and one two-hour laboratory period each week. Course work will also include homework exercises and reading in original sources, but there are no examinations.

Fall 2003

Astronomy 403: Astrophysics of the Interstellar Medium
Instructor: John Monnier

Prerequisites: MATH 216, and prior or concurrent enrollment in PHYSICS 240 (or 260).
Credits: 3 units. May not be repeated for credit.

This course examines the various types of gaseous components and their interaction with stars through the processes of star formation, stellar mass loss, photoionization of gas by hot stars, and supernova explosions. The interstellar medium (the "stuff" between stars) comprises a wide variety of material that interacts closely, and often violently, with individual stars and the host galaxy. First, the underlying atomic and molecular physics is developed and then we examine how gas is ionized by hot stars and by supernova remnants. We analyze the content of the cold pervasive atomic and molecular gas in the galaxy, how it often lies in spiral arms, and why giant molecular clouds are the most active sites of star formation. Finally, recent discoveries are highlighted, such as the presence of galactic "cirrus" as seen from the dust distribution.

Astronomy 501: Modern Astronomical Techniques
Instructors: Rebecca Bernstein, John Monnier

Prerequisites: Graduate standing and permission of instructor.
Credits: 3 units. May not be repeated for credit.

The physical, mathematical, and practical methods of modern astronomical observations at all wavelengths are covered at a level that will prepare students to comprehend published data and prepare for their own observations. Major topics include: noise sources and astrophysical backgrounds; astronomical optics and aberrations; the physical basis of coherent and incoherent photon detectors; design and use of imaging, spectroscopic, and polarimetric instruments; coordinate and filter systems; antenna theory; aperture synthesis and image reconstruction techniques; and further topics of interest at the discretion of the instructor.

Winter 2003

Astronomy 361: Astronomical Techniques
Instructors: Pat Seitzer, Richard Sears, John Monnier

Prerequisties: Astronomy 160 or permission of instructor.
Credits: 4 units.

This course is intended primarily for students concentrating in Astronomy, but other science and engineering students may elect it as well. It is an introduction to various techniques for obtaining and analyzing observational data. The areas covered are stellar trigonometric distance (parallax), imaging and photometry with electronic detectors, radiometric techniques, and interferometry.

In addition, to provide expertise needed in the analysis of observational data, there will be a series of lectures on error theory and least squares. Students will use optical telescopes and instrumentation at the Radio Observatory near Dexter to make observations. Two 1.5 hour lectures and one two-hour laboratory period each week. Course work will also include homework exercises and reading in original sources, but there are no examinations.