Astronomy Courses
BA in Astronomy
Overview
The BA in Astronomy is broader and less specialized than the BS, with the aim of developing and sharpening analytical and quantitative reasoning while at the same time cultivating broader knowledge that can be applied to a variety of careers, including business, law, the health professions, science writing, and teaching.
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MAJOR
The BA in astronomy requires a total of 41 credits, 20 credits of foundation coursework and 21 credits of major coursework. Students pursuing the BA have greater flexibility for taking courses in other disciplines.
All courses must be completed with minimum grade of C. A minimum of 15 credits of required AST-prefix courses must be UF credit.
Required Foundation Coursework
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MAC 2311 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus 1 | 4 |
| MAC 2312 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus 2 | 4 |
| MAC 2313 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus 3 | 4 |
| Select one: | 4 | |
PHY 2060 & PHY 2048L | Enriched Physics with Calculus 1 and Laboratory for PHY 2048 | |
PHY 2048 & 2048L | Physics with Calculus 1 and Laboratory for PHY 2048 | |
| Select one: | 4 | |
PHY 2049 & 2049L | Physics with Calculus 2 and Laboratory for PHY 2049 | |
PHY 2061 & PHY 2049L | Enriched Physics with Calculus 2 and Laboratory for PHY 2049 | |
| Total Credits | 20 | |
Required Major Coursework
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | ||
| AST 3018 | Astronomy and Astrophysics 1 | 3 |
| AST 3019 | Astronomy and Astrophysics 2 | 3 |
| AST 3722C | Techniques of Observational Astronomy 1 | 3 |
| Astronomy BA Major Electives | ||
| Two 2000/3000/4000-level astronomy courses | 6 | |
| Select two courses: | 6 | |
PHY 3000/4000-level courses | ||
PHZ 3000/4000-level courses | ||
GLY 2010C | Physical Geology | |
GLY 3045 | Planetary Geology | |
GLY 3105C | Evolution of Earth and Life | |
MCB 3703 | Astrobiology | |
SWS 2007 | The World of Water | |
| Total Credits | 21 | |
Recommended Coursework for Graduate Study
Students should talk with the undergraduate coordinator and plan to take:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select additional courses: | ||
COP 2271 | Computer Programming for Engineers | |
or AST 2730 | Introduction to Python for Physical Sciences | |
MAA 4402 | Functions of a Complex Variable | |
MAS 3114 | Computational Linear Algebra | |
PHY 3513 | Thermal Physics 1 | |
PHY 4424 | Optics 1 | |
PHY 4523 | Statistical Physics | |
STA 3032 | Engineering Statistics | |
Students of exceptional ability who have some background in physics are encouraged to take the enriched physics with calculus sequence PHY 2060/PHY 2061 instead of PHY 2048/PHY 2049; PHY 3063 may then be taken in place of PHY 3101; and PHZ 3113 may be substituted for PHY 3221.
BS in Astrophysics
Overview
The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Astrophysics is for students who intend to pursue careers in a scientific or technical field by continuing to study astronomy, astrophysics, or physics at the graduate level or to commence study in some related field such as planetary science.
Requirements for the Major
The BS in Astrophysics requires 20 credits of foundation coursework in mathematics and physics and 42 credits of major coursework in for a total of 62 credits.
All courses must be completed with minimum grades of C. A minimum of 15 credits of required AST-prefix courses must be UF credit.
Required Foundation Coursework
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MAC 2311 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus 1 | 4 |
| MAC 2312 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus 2 | 4 |
| MAC 2313 | Analytic Geometry and Calculus 3 | 4 |
| Select one: | 4 | |
PHY 2048 & 2048L | Physics with Calculus 1 and Laboratory for PHY 2048 | |
PHY 2060 & PHY 2048L | Enriched Physics with Calculus 1 and Laboratory for PHY 2048 | |
| Select one: | 4 | |
PHY 2049 & 2049L | Physics with Calculus 2 and Laboratory for PHY 2049 | |
PHY 2061 & PHY 2049L | Enriched Physics with Calculus 2 and Laboratory for PHY 2049 | |
| Total Credits | 20 | |
Required Major Coursework
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Astrophysics BS Major Core Courses | ||
| AST 3018 | Astronomy and Astrophysics 1 | 3 |
| AST 3019 | Astronomy and Astrophysics 2 | 3 |
| AST 3722C | Techniques of Observational Astronomy 1 | 3 |
| MAP 2302 | Elementary Differential Equations | 3 |
| PHY 3101 | Introduction to Modern Physics | 3 |
| PHY 3221 | Mechanics 1 | 3 |
| PHY 3323 | Electromagnetism 1 | 3 |
| PHY 4324 | Electromagnetism 2 | 3 |
| PHY 4604 | Introductory Quantum Mechanics 1 | 3 |
| Select one: | 3 | |
PHY 3513 | Thermal Physics 1 | |
PHY 4424 | Optics 1 | |
PHY 4523 | Statistical Physics | |
PHY 4222 | Mechanics 2 | |
| Astrophysics Major Electives | ||
| Four 4000-level AST courses 1 | 12 | |
| Total Credits | 42 | |
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Prerequisites: AST 3018 and AST 3019.
Recommended Coursework for Graduate Study
Students should talk with the undergraduate coordinator and plan to take:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select additional courses: | ||
| COP 2271 | Computer Programming for Engineers | 2-4 |
| or AST 2730 | Introduction to Python for Physical Sciences | |
| MAA 4402 | Functions of a Complex Variable | 3 |
| MAS 3114 | Computational Linear Algebra | 3 |
| PHY 3513 | Thermal Physics 1 | 3 |
| PHY 4424 | Optics 1 | 3 |
| PHY 4523 | Statistical Physics | 3 |
| STA 3032 | Engineering Statistics | 3 |
Students of exceptional ability who have some background in physics are encouraged to take the enriched physics with calculus sequence.
PHY 2060/PHY 2061 instead of PHY 2048/PHY 2049; PHY 3063 may then be taken in place of PHY 3101; and PHZ 3113 may be substituted for PHY 3221.
Current Astronomy Courses
AST1002 - Discovering the Universe
This course provides a comprehensive look at modern astronomy, emphasizing the use of the scientific method and the application of physical laws to understand the universe including earth and its environment. Throughout this course, students will develop the ability to discern scientific knowledge from non-scientific information by using critical thinking.
Class #11062
This course provides a comprehensive look at modern astronomy, emphasizing the use of the scientific method and the application of physical laws to understand the universe including earth and its environment. Throughout this course, students will develop the ability to discern scientific knowledge from non-scientific information by using critical thinking.
AST2005 - Are We Alone? Searching for ET Life
Covers nature and limits of life, distribution of habitable environments in the
Universe, search and probability of finding extraterrestrial life. Explores societal and personal impact of astrobiology by examining international policies and science fiction
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Class #26757
Class #26758
Covers nature and limits of life, distribution of habitable environments in the
Universe, search and probability of finding extraterrestrial life. Explores societal and personal impact of astrobiology by examining international policies and science fiction
AST2023 - Astrophotography: Art & Science
Overview of Astrophotography. Basic telescope, camera and image processing techniques. Impact of light pollution and artificial satellites on the night sky. Technological, environmental, and societal impact of Astrophotography. This course affords students the ability to critically examine and evaluate the principles of the scientific method, model construction, and use the scientific method to explain natural experiences and phenomena.
Class #24252
Overview of Astrophotography. Basic telescope, camera and image processing techniques. Impact of light pollution and artificial satellites on the night sky. Technological, environmental, and societal impact of Astrophotography. This course affords students the ability to critically examine and evaluate the principles of the scientific method, model construction, and use the scientific method to explain natural experiences and phenomena.
AST2031 - Knowledge and the Universe
Describes and evaluates the Bayesian inference model in various astronomical contexts and with regard to pressing societal issues. This course affords students the ability to critically examine and evaluate the principles of the scientific method, model construction, and use the scientific method to explain natural experiences and phenomena.
Class #24290
Describes and evaluates the Bayesian inference model in various astronomical contexts and with regard to pressing societal issues. This course affords students the ability to critically examine and evaluate the principles of the scientific method, model construction, and use the scientific method to explain natural experiences and phenomena.
AST2032 - Nature of Time
This course will thoroughly investigate some of the most interesting topics in contemporary physics— the arrow of time, irreversibility, quantum mechanics, cosmology—through the lens of big questions. This class is accessible to non-physics majors—indeed, to those with minimal technical background at all—and will focus on the concepts, exploring the key ideas with almost no math. At the same time, we will mix in ideas from philosophy, history, and art that also bear on these questions. This will make the course relevant and exciting both for those who feel a strong affinity with the arts and humanities as well as for those for whom science resonates more. This course affords students the ability to critically examine and evaluate the principles of the scientific method, model construction, and use the scientific method to explain natural experiences and phenomena.
This course will thoroughly investigate some of the most interesting topics in contemporary physics— the arrow of time, irreversibility, quantum mechanics, cosmology—through the lens of big questions. This class is accessible to non-physics majors—indeed, to those with minimal technical background at all—and will focus on the concepts, exploring the key ideas with almost no math. At the same time, we will mix in ideas from philosophy, history, and art that also bear on these questions. This will make the course relevant and exciting both for those who feel a strong affinity with the arts and humanities as well as for those for whom science resonates more. This course affords students the ability to critically examine and evaluate the principles of the scientific method, model construction, and use the scientific method to explain natural experiences and phenomena.
AST2034 - Stars and the Nuclear Arms Race
Introduces astronomical events identified as the sites of formation of the heaviest elements in the universe, especially uranium, and their connections to nuclear weapons that have shaped global politics and local environmental policy over the last few generations. This course affords students the ability to critically examine and evaluate the principles of the scientific method, model construction, and use the scientific method to explain natural experiences and phenomena.
Introduces astronomical events identified as the sites of formation of the heaviest elements in the universe, especially uranium, and their connections to nuclear weapons that have shaped global politics and local environmental policy over the last few generations. This course affords students the ability to critically examine and evaluate the principles of the scientific method, model construction, and use the scientific method to explain natural experiences and phenomena.
AST3018 - Astronomy and Astrophysics 1
First part of a two part sequence. Survey of astronomy and astrophysics for physical science, engineering, or mathematics majors. Covers gravitation, orbits and tides; the Moon's phases and eclipses; light and spectra; the solar system; and a few historical milestones.
Prereq: (PHY 2048 or PHY 2060) and (MAC 2311 or MAC 3472). Coreq: PHY 2049.
First part of a two part sequence. Survey of astronomy and astrophysics for physical science, engineering, or mathematics majors. Covers gravitation, orbits and tides; the Moon's phases and eclipses; light and spectra; the solar system; and a few historical milestones.
Prereq: (PHY 2048 or PHY 2060) and (MAC 2311 or MAC 3472). Coreq: PHY 2049.
AST3019 - Astronomy and Astrophysics 2
Second part of a two part sequence. Survey of astronomy and astrophysics for physical science, engineering or mathematics majors. Covers compact objects; the Solar System; exoplanets; the Milky Way and galaxies; cosmology and relativity.
Prereq: (PHY 2048 or PHY 2060) and (MAC 2311 or MAC 3472). Coreq: PHY 2049.
Second part of a two part sequence. Survey of astronomy and astrophysics for physical science, engineering or mathematics majors. Covers compact objects; the Solar System; exoplanets; the Milky Way and galaxies; cosmology and relativity.
Prereq: (PHY 2048 or PHY 2060) and (MAC 2311 or MAC 3472). Coreq: PHY 2049.
AST3043 - History of Astronomy through Newton
Astronomy from its beginnings through Newton. Emphasizes the works of Ptolemy, Copernicus, Kepler, Galileo, and Newton.
Prereq: (MAC 1105 or MAC 1114) or higher.
Astronomy from its beginnings through Newton. Emphasizes the works of Ptolemy, Copernicus, Kepler, Galileo, and Newton.
Prereq: (MAC 1105 or MAC 1114) or higher.
AST3722C - Techniques of Observational Astronomy 1
First part of the AST 3722C-4723C sequence. The fundamental principles and techniques used in planning, making, reducing and analyzing modern astronomical observations. Includes classroom lectures and discussion, indoor laboratory work, data analysis and outdoor night observations. Introduces numerical treatment of observations, CCD imaging, digital imaging processing and astronomical spectroscopy.
Coreq: AST 3018.
First part of the AST 3722C-4723C sequence. The fundamental principles and techniques used in planning, making, reducing and analyzing modern astronomical observations. Includes classroom lectures and discussion, indoor laboratory work, data analysis and outdoor night observations. Introduces numerical treatment of observations, CCD imaging, digital imaging processing and astronomical spectroscopy.
Coreq: AST 3018.
AST4402 - Galaxies and Cosmology
An investigation into the properties of galaxies and their distribution in space. Some cosmological implications of this distribution are discussed. Intended for astronomy majors and advanced students of other mathematical sciences.
Credits: 3; Prereq: AST 3018, AST 3019 and a working knowledge of calculus.
An investigation into the properties of galaxies and their distribution in space. Some cosmological implications of this distribution are discussed. Intended for astronomy majors and advanced students of other mathematical sciences.
Credits: 3; Prereq: AST 3018, AST 3019 and a working knowledge of calculus.
AST4911 - Undergraduate Research in Astronomy: UG RES ASTRONOMY
Provides firsthand, supervised research in Astronomy. Projects may involve inquiry, design, investigation, scholarship, discovery or application in Astronomy.
Provides firsthand, supervised research in Astronomy. Projects may involve inquiry, design, investigation, scholarship, discovery or application in Astronomy.
AST4911 - Undergraduate Research in Astronomy
Provides firsthand, supervised research in Astronomy. Projects may involve inquiry, design, investigation, scholarship, discovery or application in Astronomy.
Class #18164
Class #19041
Provides firsthand, supervised research in Astronomy. Projects may involve inquiry, design, investigation, scholarship, discovery or application in Astronomy.
AST4930 - Special Topics
Lecture, seminar or laboratory sessions covering selected topics of current interest in astronomy.
Prereq: instructor permission.
AST6215 - Stars and the Galaxy
Stars as constituents of galaxies, with discussion of both the theoretical and observational aspects of the topic.
AST6725C - Fundamentals of Observational Astronomy
Overview of techniques associated with observational astronomy.
AST6905 - Individual Work
Supervised study or research in areas not covered by other courses.
AST7939 - Special Topics: Classic Papers
Assigned reading, programs, seminar, or lecture series in a new field of advanced astronomy.
AST7979 - Advanced Research
Research for doctoral students before admission to candidacy. Designed for students with a master's degree in the field of study or for students who have been accepted for a doctoral program. Not appropriate for students who have been admitted to candidacy.
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Research for doctoral students before admission to candidacy. Designed for students with a master's degree in the field of study or for students who have been accepted for a doctoral program. Not appropriate for students who have been admitted to candidacy.
PHZ3152 - Advanced Computational Techniques
Advanced Computational Techniques in Astronomy and Physics. Advanced techniques in computational methods in the natural sciences and numerical analysis. Includes version controlling and programming in distributed environments; grid construction and convergence techniques; numerical differentiation; linear algebra; root finding; differential equations; Monte Carlo simulations; open source project development.
Prereq: MAC 2312 or equivalent.
Advanced Computational Techniques in Astronomy and Physics. Advanced techniques in computational methods in the natural sciences and numerical analysis. Includes version controlling and programming in distributed environments; grid construction and convergence techniques; numerical differentiation; linear algebra; root finding; differential equations; Monte Carlo simulations; open source project development.
Prereq: MAC 2312 or equivalent.