26 courses with the subject ASTR UN, each shown exactly as we captured it from the college's catalog, with every element we hold. Where the wording looks broken, that is our reading of the catalog, not the college's text.
ASTR UN1234UNIVERSAL TIMEKEEPER3.00
Prerequisites: high school algebra and latent curiosity are assumed. The goal of the course is to illustrate — and perhaps even inculcate — quantitative and scientific reasoning skills. The subject material employed in this task is the study of atoms and their nuclei which, through a wide variety of physical and chemical techniques, can be used to reconstruct quantitatively the past. Following an introduction to atoms, light, and energy, we will explore topics including the detection of art forgeries, the precise dating of archeological sites, a reconstruction of the development of agriculture and the history of the human diet, the history of past climate (and its implications for the future), the history and age of the Earth, and the history of the Universe
CC/GS: Partial Fulfillment of Science Requirement The overall architecture of the solar system. Motions of the celestial sphere. Time and the calendar. Major planets, the earth-moon system, minor planets, comets. Life in the solar system and beyond. This course is similar to ASTR BC 1753. You cannot enroll in both courses and receive credit for both. Fall 2026: ASTR UN1403 Course Number Section/Call Number Times/Location Instructor Points Enrollment ASTR 1403 001/12857 M W 10:10am - 11:25am 209 Havemeyer Hall Mary Putman 3 106/120 ASTR 1403 AU1/20781 M W 10:10am - 11:25am Othr Other Mary Putman 3 3/3
ASTR UN1404: In this course, we will explore how stars, galaxies, and the Universe formed and changed over time. We will have a combination of lectures, class discussions, and hands-ons activities to examine concepts including: distances to, and fundamental properties of, nearby stars; nucleosynthesis and stellar evolution; novae and supernovae; galaxies; the structure of the universe and theories concerning its origin, evolution, and ultimate fate. This course will use algebra, but ample math support will be provided. You can only receive credit for ASTR UN1404 if you have not taken ASTR BC1754, ASTR UN1420 or ASTR UN1836
CC/GS: Partial Fulfillment of Science Requirement Galaxies contain stars, gas dust, and (usually) super-massive black holes. They are found throughout the Universe, traveling through space and occasionally crashing into each other. This course will look at how these magnificent systems form and evolve, and what they can tell us about the formation and evolution of the Universe itself. You cannot enroll in ASTR UN1420 in addition to ASTR BC1754 or ASTR UN1404 and receive credit for both. Spring 2026: ASTR UN1420 Course Number Section/Call Number Times/Location Instructor Points Enrollment ASTR 1420 001/15978 M W 10:10am - 11:25am 717 Hamilton Hall Mary Putman 3 61/75
This course will explore the unique properties of Earth, compared to other planets in the Solar System, and the possibility of Earth-like planets around other stars. The basics of the Solar System, gravity, and light will be covered, as well as the geology and atmospheres of the terrestrial planets. The properties of Earth that allowed life to develop and whether life can develop on other planets will be discussed. Finally, the discovery of planets beyond our Solar System and the likelihood of another Earth will be a key component of the course
Milestones in the science of cosmology over the past 6000 years. Skylore and observation in ancient cultures. The twin revolutions of the Greeks: Pythagoras and Ptolemy; and Aristotle, Aquinas, and the Great Chain of Being. The scientific revolution: the impersonal and deterministic world-order of Newton, Laplace, and Kelvin. The erosion of that world-order by mathematics and experiment in the 20th century (relativity, quantum physics, dark matter, and the expanding universe). Todays searches for a new grand order in the Universe, which can cope - or maybe not - with these blows to yesterdays comfortable wisdom
Prerequisites: ,recommended preparation: a working knowledge of high school algebra. Prerequisites: recommended preparation: a working knowledge of high school algebra. What is the origin of the chemical elements? This course addresses this question, starting from understanding atoms, and then going on to look at how how atoms make stars and how stars make atoms. The grand finale is a history of the evolution of the chemical elements throughout time, starting from the Big Bang and ending with YOU. You cannot enroll in ASTR UN1836 in addition to ASTR BC1754 or ASTR UN1404 and receive credit for both.,
Laboratory for ASTR UN1403. Projects include observations with the departments telescopes, computer simulation, laboratory experiments in spectroscopy, and the analysis of astronomical data. Lab 1 ASTR UN1903 - goes with ASTR BC1753, ASTR UN1403 or ASTR UN1453
Laboratory for ASTR UN1404. Projects include use of telescopes, laboratory experiments in the nature of light, spectroscopy, and the analysis of astronomical data. Lab 2 ASTR UN1904 - goes with ASTR BC1754 or ASTR UN1404 (or ASTR UN1836 or ASTR UN1420)
Prerequisites: a working knowledge of calculus. Corequisites: a course in calculus-based general physics. First term of a two-term calculus-based introduction to astronomy and astrophysics. Topics include the physics of stellar interiors, stellar atmospheres and spectral classifications, stellar energy generation and nucleosynthesis, supernovae, neutron stars, white dwarfs, and interacting binary stars
Prerequisites: a working knowledge of calculus. Corequisites: the second term of a course in calculus-based general physics. Continuation of ASTR UN2001; these two courses constitute a full year of calculus-based introduction to astrophysics. Topics include the structure of our galaxy, the interstellar medium, star clusters, properties of external galaxies, clusters of galaxies, active galactic nuclei, and cosmology. Spring 2026: ASTR UN2002 Course Number Section/Call Number Times/Location Instructor Points Enrollment ASTR 2002 001/15984 M W 2:40pm - 3:55pm 307 Uris Hall David Schiminovich 3.00 11/30 ASTR 2002 AU1/19603 M W 2:40pm - 3:55pm Othr Other David Schiminovich 3.00 5/5
Several members of the faculty each offer a brief series of talks providing context for a current research topic in the field and then present results of their ongoing research. Opportunities for future student research collaboration are offered. Grading is Pass/Fail
ASTR UN3102Planetary Dynamics and Physics of the Solar System3
CC/GS: Partial Fulfillment of Science Requirement The physics and astrophysics of planets, comets, asteroids, natural and artificial satellites, and pretty much anything in the Solar System - including the Sun. Detailed study of the Earth's atmosphere and oceans: circulations, climate, and weather. Orbital dynamics. The emerging science of extrasolar planets. The origin, evolution, and eventual fate of planets. Fall 2026: ASTR UN3102 Course Number Section/Call Number Times/Location Instructor Points Enrollment ASTR 3102 001/12866 T Th 2:40pm - 3:55pm 330 Uris Hall James Applegate 3 13/75
Prerequisites: one year of calculus-based general physics. Galaxies fill the universe with structure. They are bound objects that harbor stars, gas, dust and dark matter. This course will discuss the content and structure of galaxies. It will start with the Milky Way, a rotating spiral galaxy, with a particular emphasis on the properties of the interstellar medium. Dwarf galaxies, the building blocks of larger galaxies, will subsequently be discussed, followed by spiral, elliptical and irregular galaxies. The formation and evolution of these different galaxy types will be an important focus of the course, as well as the environment in which the galaxies reside. We will intersperse reviews of current papers on galaxies throughout the semester.
Prerequisites: one semester course in introductory astronomy or astrophysics (e.g., ASTR W1403, ASTR W1404, ASTR W1420, ASTR W1836, ASTR W2001, ASTR W2002, ASTR BC1753, and ASTR BC1754). Ability in mathematics up to and including calculus is strongly urged.
CC/GS: Partial Fulfillment of Science Requirement Prerequisites: one year of calculus-based general physics. The standard hot big bang cosmological model and modern observational results that test it. Topics include the Friedmann equations and the expansion of the universe, dark matter, dark energy, inflation, primordial nucleosynthesis, the cosmic microwave background, the formation of large-scale cosmic structures, and modern cosmological observations.
ASTR UN3610Our Magnetic Universe: An Introduction to Astrophysical Magnetism3.00
This course explores how magnetic fields shape the cosmos — from the Earth’s magnetosphere and the Sun’s corona to galaxies, clusters, and the cosmic web itself. The course introduces the fundamental physics of plasmas and magnetohydrodynamics (MHD), providing a quantitative framework for understanding how magnetic fields interact with charged matter across vastly different environments. Through lectures, problem sets, and student-led presentations, students learn analytical, numerical, and observational approaches used in modern astrophysics to study magnetic phenomena. By the end of the semester, participants gain the tools to critically read and communicate research on astrophysical magnetism, bridging core physical principles with their diverse cosmic applications
Prerequisites: one year of general astronomy Introduction to the basic techniques used in obtaining and analyzing astronomical data. Focus on ground-based methods at optical, infrared, and radio wavelengths. Regular use of the telescope facilities atop the roof of the Pupin Labs and at Harriman Observatory. The radio-astronomy portion consists mostly of computer labs, In research projects, students also work on the analysis of data obtained at National Observatories. Spring 2026: ASTR UN3646 Course Number Section/Call Number Times/Location Instructor Points Enrollment ASTR 3646 001/15987 Th 7:00pm - 9:30pm 1402 Pupin Laboratories David Schiminovich, Kishalay De 3.00 18/18
Essential statistical methods will be applied in a series of case studies and research projects taken from the latest advances in cosmology, astronomy and physics. Statistics of measurement and detection, fundamentals of hypothesis testing, classifications, data modeling, time-series analysis, correlation and clustering will be explored through hands-on investigation using data from recent experiments and surveys.
Astronomers live in era of “big data”. Whilst astronomers of a century ago collected a handful of photographic plates each night, modern astronomers collect thousands of images encoded by millions of pixels in the same time. Both the volume of data and the ever present desire to dig deeper into data sets has led to a growing interest in the use of statistical methods to interpret observations. This class will provide an introduction to the methods commonly used in understanding astronomical data sets, both in terms of theory and application. It is one six classes the department offers every fourth semester
Prerequisites: two semesters of astronomy classes and two semesters of physics classes. The goal of this course is to introduce astronomy and astrophysics majors to the methods and topics of current astronomical research. The course will also help with the development of critical thinking skills. Each week, the topic of the course will be centered on the subject of the Astronomy department colloquium; this may include research on planets, stars, galaxies or cosmology. There will be two required meetings per week: the first will be to discuss papers related to the colloquium (time TBD), and the second will be the colloquium itself (at 4:15 pm each Wednesday)
CC/GS: Partial Fulfillment of Science Requirement Prerequisites: the instructor's permission. For an independent research project or independent study, a brief description of the proposed project or reading, with the supervising faculty member's endorsement, is required for registration. A variety of research projects conducted under the supervision of members of the faculty. Observational, theoretical, and experimental work in galactic and extragalactic astronomy and cosmology. The topic and scope of the work must be arranged with a faculty member in advance; a written paper describing the results of the project is required at its completion (note that a two-term project can be designed such that the grade YC is given after the first term). Senior majors in astronomy or astrophysics wishing to do a senior thesis should make arrangements in May of their junior year and sign up for a total of 6 points over their final two terms. Both a substantial written document and an oral presentation of thesis results are required. Fall 2026: ASTR UN3997 Course Number Section/Call Number Times/Location Instructor Points Enrollment ASTR 3997 001/12870 Marcel Agueros 3.00 7/15 Spring 2026
Prerequisites: the instructors permission. For an independent research project or independent study, a brief description of the proposed project or reading, with the supervising faculty members endorsement, is required for registration. A variety of research projects conducted under the supervision of members of the faculty. Observational, theoretical, and experimental work in galactic and extragalactic astronomy and cosmology. The topic and scope of the work must be arranged with a faculty member in advance; a written paper describing the results of the project is required at its completion (note that a two-term project can be designed such that the grade YC is given after the first term). Senior majors in astronomy or astrophysics wishing to do a senior thesis should make arrangements in May of their junior year and sign up for a total of 6 points over their final two terms. Both a substantial written document and an oral presentation of thesis results are required. Spring 2026: ASTR UN3998 Course Number Section/Call Number Times/Location Instructor Points Enrollment ASTR 3998 001/16057 Marcel Agueros 3.00 6/15
