USF 1996-97 Undergraduate Catalog - Page 152

ASTRONOMY COURSES

AST 2005 ASTRONOMY OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM (4)

Introduction to the Astronomy of the Solar System. No Physics background assumed. Topics covered include properties of light, stellar coordinates, timekeeping, eclipses, formation and dynamics of the solar system, properties of the sun and planets, space exploration of planets and the moon, life on other worlds. This course is complementary to but independent of AST 2006. Either may be taken before the other or taken by itself.

AST 2006 STELLAR ASTRONOMY AND COSMOLOGY (4)

An introduction to Astrophysics and the structure of the universe. No Physics background assumed. Topics covered include properties of light, stellar coordinates, measurement of the physical properties of stars, formation, structure and evolution of stars, normal and peculiar galaxies, cosmology. This course is complementary to but independent of AST 2005. Either may be taken before the other or taken by itself.

AST 2032C ILLUSTRATIVE ASTRONOMY (3)

Constellations, use of small telescopes, etc., apparent motions of celestial objects, comets and meteors, seasons, weather. Current events in the space program. Planetarium and open sky demonstrations. Lec.-lab.

AST 3033 CONTEMPORARY THINKING IN ASTRONOMY (3)

PR: Junior or Senior Standing or CI. Seminar designed to assist the layman, with no scientific background, in comprehending contemporary developments in Astronomy. Necessary background material is provided by the instructor and a text. Topics covered in recent years include the space program, pulsars, x-ray astronomy, black holes, extra-terrestrial life, interacting galaxies, cosmology.

AST 3044 ARCHAEOASTRONOMY (3)

PR: Jr. or Sr. Standing or CI. Astronomical concepts and observational techniques used by prehistoric/ancient peoples for detecting change of seasons, constructing calendars, predicting eclipses, etc. Particular attention is given to Stonehenge, and to works of N.A. Indians, the Maya and Aztecs, and the Egyptians. Lec.-lab.

AST 3652 NAVIGATION (3)

PR: Some knowledge of geometry, algebra, and trigonometry. Timekeeping, use of sextant, constellations, celestial navigation with minimum equipment, spherical astronomy.

AST 3930 SELECTED TOPICS IN ASTRONOMY (1-4)

PR: CI. Course content will depend upon the interest of the faculty member and student demand. May be repeated up to 8 credit hours.

AST 5506 INTRODUCTION TO CELESTIAL MECHANICS (3)

PR: MAC 3313 or MAC 3283 and some knowledge of differential equations, or CI. The two-body problem, introduction to Hamiltonian systems and canonical variables, equilibrium solutions and stability, elements of perturbation theory.

AST 5932 SELECTED TOPICS IN ASTRONOMY (1-5)

PR: Senior or advanced junior standing or CI. Intensive coverage of special topics to suit needs of advanced students.

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Karen M. Hall - webCat@ugs.usf.edu
Effective Date: Semester I, 1996