Catalog Data: (Special Topics) An advanced study in one of the following fields: Inorganic, Organic, Analytical, Polymer, Physical, or Biochemistry.  This is an interdisciplinary capstone course for Science and Engineering majors.  Astronomy is used as the framework upon which to hang many other topics; the student's previous knowledge of chemistry, physics, mathematics, and biology will be reviewed and expanded upon, along with history, philosophy, music and religion.  Topics include an overview of the Universe, the sky and the Earth, the history of astronomy, light and telescopes, origin and evolution of the Solar System, the nature and evolution of stars, including supernovae, neutron stars, pulsars, and black holes, the Milky Way and other galaxies, interstellar molecules, life in the Universe, quasars, and cosmology, including the Big Bang and the expanding Universe.  Optional observing sessions included.

Prerequisite:  PHYS 150 or 201; CHEM 114.

Textbooks:   ASTRONOMY: From the Earth to the Universe; 5th edition by Jay M. Pasachoff. Recommended: A Short Course in Astronomy by William J. Busler (MAS).

Prerequisite by topics: algebra, logarithms

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Goals: Astronomy has often been thought of as the best subject in which to teach the scientific method, even to non-science majors. This will be much more than an Astronomy course! Astronomy will be used as the framework upon which to hang many other topics; every opportunity will be taken to incorporate, review, and expand upon the student's previous knowledge from the fields of chemistry, physics, biology, mathematics, history, and even philosophy, music and religion. In other words, this should be an excellent "capstone" course for science and engineering students, a true interdisciplinary adventure. It is hoped that Astrophysical Chemistry will not only provide perspective and depth to knowledge acquired before and during the course, but might also lead to a lifelong interest in the area of Astronomy.

Topics:  
An overview of the universe
The sky and the earth
The early history of astronomy
Light and telescopes
The origin and evolution of the solar system
Life in the universe
The nature and evolution of stars, supernovae, neutron stars, pulsars, black holes
The Milky Way and other galaxies
Interstellar molecules
Quasars
Cosmology
Exams

Final Exam:

Resources:

Attendance:

Coordinator:   Dr. William J. Busler

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