14 courses with the subject ASTR, 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 001Introductory Astronomy1
The scientific investigation of the universe by observation and theory, including the basic notions of physics as needed in astronomical applications. Topics may include the appearance and motions of the sky; history of astronomy; astronomical instruments and radiation; the sun and planets; properties, structure, and evolution of stars; the galaxy and extragalactic systems; the origin and evolution of the universe; and prospects for life beyond Earth. Natural sciences and engineering practicum. Evening labs required. 1 credit. Fall 2026. Rivera. Fall 2027 Rivera.
A half-semester introductory course on cosmology, with an emphasis on the basics of standard Big Bang cosmology, its theoretical framework, and its observational underpinnings. Topics covered will include a qualitative treatment of general relativity, a Newtonian derivation of the Friedmann equation and associated solutions for model universes, the expansion of the Universe, the cosmic microwave background, and big-bang nucleosynthesis. We also will explore more recent observational measurements of the properties of dark matter and dark energy as well as the growth of structure in the Universe. This course is intended for first-year students who are considering physics, astrophysics, or astronomy majors but it is suitable for other students with similar backgrounds and interests as well.
(or Concurrently) MATH 025 or equivalent; some classical physics, at least at the high school level. No astronomy background is presumed. 0.5 credit. Catalog chapter: Physics and Astronomy Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/physics-astronomy Access the class schedule to search for sections.
ASTR 014Astrophysics: Solar System and Cosmology1
This course assumes no prior knowledge of astronomy, but knowledge of some basic physics as well as elementary calculus. It focuses on two major topics of current interest in astrophysics: (1) Solar System and planetary science and (2) cosmology, the large-scale study of the universe, its history and content.
This is a one-semester calculus and physics-based introductory course on the fundamentals of theoretical and observational radio astronomy. The course will emphasize the application of data reduction and data analysis techniques from scratch. Students will gain expertise in the field by applying these methods to a combination of simulated and real data. Topics covered may include, but are not limited to, pulsars, the 21-cm HI line, the cosmic microwave background, dusty galaxies, and molecular observations of planetary nebulae. Absolutely no prior experience with observational astronomy, radio astronomy, or data reduction and analysis is necessary.
ASTR 014 or ASTR 016 Natural sciences and engineering. 1 credit. Catalog chapter: Physics and Astronomy Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/physics-astronomy Access the class schedule to search for sections.
ASTR 061Current Problems in Astronomy and Astrophysics
Reading and discussion of selected research papers from the astronomical literature. Techniques of journal reading, use of abstract services, and other aids for the efficient maintenance of awareness in a technical field. The grading mode for this course is credit/no credit (CR/NC). May be repeated for credit.
ASTR 014 or ASTR 016 0.5 credit. (CR/NC). May be repeated for credit. Spring 2027. Cohen. Spring 2028 Rivera. Catalog chapter: Physics and Astronomy Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/physics-astronomy Access the class schedule to search for sections.
ASTR 065Introduction to Radio Astronomy1
This is a one-semester calculus and physics-based introductory course on the fundamentals of theoretical and observational radio astronomy. The course will emphasize the application of data reduction and data analysis techniques within radio astronomy. Topics may include (but are not limited to) pulsars, the 21-cm line, the cosmic microwave background, dusty galaxies, and molecular observations of planetary nebulae. No prior experience with observational astronomy, radio astronomy, or data reduction and analysis is necessary.
Any one of ASTR 016 , ASTR 014 , PHYS 064 , or PHYS 008 (or concurrently enrolled in PHYS 064 or PHYS 008) 1 credit. Catalog chapter: Physics and Astronomy Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/physics-astronomy Access the class schedule to search for sections.
ASTR 093Directed Reading
(Cross-listed as PHYS 093 ) Fall 2026. Staff. Spring 2027. Staff. Fall 2027 Staff. Spring 2028 Staff.
(Cross-listed as PHYS 094 ) The grading mode for this course can be either graded or credit/no credit (CR/NC). 0.5, 1, or 2 credits. Fall 2026. Staff. Spring 2027. Staff. Fall 2027 Staff. Spring 2028 Staff.
ASTR 121Research Techniques in Observational Astronomy1
This course covers many of the research tools used by astronomers. These include instruments used to observe at wavelengths across the electromagnetic spectrum; techniques for photometry, spectroscopy, and interferometry; various methods by which images are processed and data are analyzed; and use of online resources including data archives and bibliographic databases. Students will perform observational and data analysis projects during the semester.
PHYS 005 ; ASTR 016 or ASTR 014 Natural sciences and engineering. 1 credit. Catalog chapter: Physics and Astronomy Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/physics-astronomy Access the class schedule to search for sections.
ASTR 123Stellar Astrophysics1
An overview of physics of the stars, both atmospheres and interiors. Topics may include hydrostatic and thermal equilibrium, radiative and convective transfer nuclear energy generation, degenerate matter, calculation of stellar models, interpretation of spectra, stellar evolution, white dwarfs and neutron stars, nucleosynthesis, supernovae, and star formation.
PHYS 006 and ASTR 016 Recommended: PHYS 064 and PHYS 107 Natural sciences and engineering. 1 credit. Spring 2027. Cohen. Catalog chapter: Physics and Astronomy Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/physics-astronomy Access the class schedule to search for sections.
ASTR 126The Interstellar Medium1
Study of the material between the stars and radiative processes in space, including both observational and theoretical perspectives on heating and cooling mechanisms, physics of interstellar dust, chemistry of interstellar molecules, magnetic fields, emission nebulae, hydrodynamics and shock waves, supernova remnants, star-forming regions, the multiphase picture of the interstellar medium.
PHYS 006 and ASTR 016 Recommended: PHYS 064 and PHYS 107 Natural sciences and engineering. 1 credit. Fall 2026. Cohen. Catalog chapter: Physics and Astronomy Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/physics-astronomy Access the class schedule to search for sections.
ASTR 128Galaxies and Galactic Structure1
Study of our own galaxy and other galaxies, including galaxy morphology; observational properties of galaxies; kinematics: stellar motions, galaxy rotation, spiral density waves, and instabilities; galaxy and star formation; starburst galaxies; quasars and active galaxies; galaxy clusters and interactions; and large-scale structure of the universe.
ASTR 016 Natural sciences and engineering. 1 credit. Spring 2028 Zanger. Catalog chapter: Physics and Astronomy Department website: https://www.swarthmore.edu/physics-astronomy Access the class schedule to search for sections.
ASTR 180Honors Thesis2
(Cross-listed as PHYS 180 ) 1 or 2 credits. Fall 2026. Staff. Spring 2027. Staff. Fall 2027 Staff. Spring 2028 Staff.
