Astronomy (ASTR)

ASTR 101  - Introduction to Astronomy  (4 Credits)  
An introduction to the solar system and universe accomplished with interactive lectures, demonstrations, and laboratory experience. Designed primarily for the non-science major.
Carolina Core: SCI
ASTR 103  - Astrobiology: Quest For Alien Life  (3 Credits)  
Life beyond earth, search for habitable planets, search for extraterrestrial intelligence.
ASTR 201  - Introduction to Astronomy II: The Dark Universe  (3 Credits)  
Astronomical topics including stellar death, black holes, dark matter, dark energy and cosmology. Astronomical techniques and application of the scientific method in astronomy.
Prerequisites: ASTR 101 or SCHC 115.
Carolina Core: SCI
ASTR 301  - Galactic Astrophysics  (3 Credits)  
Galactic Astrophysics presents the physical processes for the formation, structure, and evolution of the Milky Way and the structure and properties of the interstellar medium.
Prerequisites: C or better in ASTR 201 and PHYS 212.
ASTR 302  - Extragalactic Astronomy  (3 Credits)  
Properties of normal and active galaxies, galaxy structures, galaxies at high redshifts, galaxy evolution.
Prerequisites: C or better in ASTR 101 or SCHC 115; C or better in ASTR 201.
ASTR 320  - Introduction to Radio Astronomy  (3 Credits)  
Nature of the sun, planets; galactic and extragalactic sources at radio wavelengths; quasars; techniques, detectors, and telescopes.
Prerequisites: C or better in ASTR 201; C or better in MATH 115 or equivalent; C or better in PHYS 202 or PHYS 212.
ASTR 340  - Introduction to Relativistic Astrophysics  (3 Credits)  
Final states of stellar evolution; white dwarfs, neutron stars, black holes. Cosmology.
Prerequisites: C or better in ASTR 201; C or better in MATH 115; C or better in PHYS 202 or PHYS 212.
Cross-listed course: PHYS 340
ASTR 499  - Undergraduate Research  (3 Credits)  
Introduction to and application of the methods of research. A written report on work accomplished is required at the end of each semester.
Graduation with Leadership Distinction: GLD: Research
ASTR 510  - Observational Astronomy  (3 Credits)  
Observational techniques, scientific method application, and astronomical data analysis taken from international telescopes.
Prerequisites: A minimum grade of C in CSCE 106 (Python) and ASTR 101 or ASTR 201; or graduate student standing.
ASTR 533  - Advanced Observational Astronomy  (1-3 Credits)  
Development of a combination of observational techniques and facility at reduction of data. A maximum of eight hours per week of observation, data reduction, and consultation. Offered each semester by arrangement with the department.
ASTR 534  - Advanced Observational Astronomy  (1-3 Credits)  
A continuation of ASTR 533. Up to eight hours per week of observation, data reduction, and consultation.
ASTR 546  - Introduction to Astrophysics  (3 Credits)  
The basics of observational techniques, structure and evolution of stars, interstellar medium and star formation, structure and properties of the Milky Way and nearby galaxies, and generation and transfer of radiation in astrophysical environments.
Prerequisites: C or better in PHYS 307 or graduate student standing.
Cross-listed course: PHYS 546
ASTR 599  - Topics in Astronomy  (1-3 Credits)  
Readings and research on selected topics in astronomy. Course content varies and will be announced in the schedule of classes by title.