Undergraduate Program

A review of the evidence for habitats and the building blocks of life in extraterrestrial space, the possibilities for the development of life elsewhere, and the light that these ideas cast on the origins of life on Earth. We also discuss the future of civilizations like ours, the possibilities of travel to other habitable planets, and communication between advanced cultures spread widely through space. The material we discuss will be drawn very widely from astronomy, physics, geology, chemistry, biology, paleontology and history, presented with a minimum of mathematical complexity.

Location

(TR 2:00PM - 3:15PM)

A review of the evidence for habitats and the building blocks of life in extraterrestrial space, the possibilities for the development of life elsewhere, and the light that these ideas cast on the origins of life on Earth. We also discuss the future of civilizations like ours, the possibilities of travel to other habitable planets, and communication between advanced cultures spread widely through space. The material we discuss will be drawn very widely from astronomy, physics, geology, chemistry, biology, paleontology and history, presented with a minimum of mathematical complexity.

Location

(T 3:25PM - 4:40PM)

A review of the evidence for habitats and the building blocks of life in extraterrestrial space, the possibilities for the development of life elsewhere, and the light that these ideas cast on the origins of life on Earth. We also discuss the future of civilizations like ours, the possibilities of travel to other habitable planets, and communication between advanced cultures spread widely through space. The material we discuss will be drawn very widely from astronomy, physics, geology, chemistry, biology, paleontology and history, presented with a minimum of mathematical complexity.

Location

(R 4:50PM - 6:05PM)

Application of the physics and math techniques learned in the introductory course sequences, to the study of celestial objects outside the Solar system. We discuss stars and their formation from interstellar matter, the structure of galaxies and their distribution in the Universe, and the origins and large-scale structure of the Universe: all topics that are developed much further in the AST 200-level courses. The course also includes a night-time observing project, based upon student use of professional-style telescopes and CCD cameras. Registration of recitation is required at the time of course registration. Typical textbook: Marck Kutner, 'Astronomy' A Physical Perspective,' second edition.

Location

(TR 11:05AM - 12:20PM)

Application of the physics and math techniques learned in the introductory course sequences, to the study of celestial objects outside the Solar system. We discuss stars and their formation from interstellar matter, the structure of galaxies and their distribution in the Universe, and the origins and large-scale structure of the Universe: all topics that are developed much further in the AST 200-level courses. The course also includes a night-time observing project, based upon student use of professional-style telescopes and CCD cameras. Registration of recitation is required at the time of course registration. Typical textbook: Marck Kutner, 'Astronomy' A Physical Perspective,' second edition.

Location

(F 2:00PM - 4:40PM)

Application of the physics and math techniques learned in the introductory course sequences, to the study of celestial objects outside the Solar system. We discuss stars and their formation from interstellar matter, the structure of galaxies and their distribution in the Universe, and the origins and large-scale structure of the Universe: all topics that are developed much further in the AST 200-level courses. The course also includes a night-time observing project, based upon student use of professional-style telescopes and CCD cameras. Registration of recitation is required at the time of course registration. Typical textbook: Marck Kutner, 'Astronomy' A Physical Perspective,' second edition.

Location

(F 3:25PM - 6:05PM)

This introduction to the physics of stars is taken primarily by juniors and seniors majoring in physics and astronomy, physics, optics, or mathematics. The elements of radiative transfer and gas dynamics are presented and applied to the study of the atmospheres of stars. The interior structure and evolution of stars of various types are also discussed.

Location

(TR 11:05AM - 12:20PM)

This introduction to the physics of stars is taken primarily by juniors and seniors majoring in physics and astronomy, physics, optics, or mathematics. The elements of radiative transfer and gas dynamics are presented and applied to the study of the atmospheres of stars. The interior structure and evolution of stars of various types are also discussed.

Location

(F 10:00AM - 10:50AM)

ASTR 244W/444 is the astronomy-only version of our Advanced Laboratory (PHYS 243W), in which challenging observing projects and analyses are carried out using the 24-inch Cassegrain telescope, and its research-grade instrument suite, at the Mees Observatory. The semester is front-loaded with ten introductory lessons on instruments, observations, and image processing. Afterwards, most of the effort will go into planning and executing observations, analyzing the data, and writing papers about the results.

Location

(TR 3:25PM - 4:40PM)

This course provides undergraduate students the opportunity to pursue in-depth, independent exploration of a topic not regularly offered in the curriculum, under the supervision of a faculty member in the form of independent study, practicum, internship or research. The objectives and content are determined in consultation between students and full-time members of the teaching faculty. Responsibilities and expectations vary by course and department.  Registration for Independent Study courses needs to be completed through the Independent Study Registration form (https://secure1.rochester.edu/registrar/forms/independent-study-form.php)

Location

( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)

Under the guidance of a faculty advisor, Seniors identify a topic, develop a project plan, conduct substantive work, and present their findings or creations in a final written report, portfolio, performance, or presentation. Responsibilities and expectations vary by course and department.

Location

( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)

Under the guidance of a faculty advisor, Seniors identify a topic, develop a project plan, conduct substantive work, and present their findings or creations in a final written report, portfolio, performance, or presentation. Responsibilities and expectations vary by course and department.

Location

( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)

Under the guidance of a faculty advisor, Seniors identify a topic, develop a project plan, conduct substantive work, and present their findings or creations in a final written report, portfolio, performance, or presentation. Responsibilities and expectations vary by course and department.

Location

( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)

Under the guidance of a faculty advisor, Seniors identify a topic, develop a project plan, conduct substantive work, and present their findings or creations in a final written report, portfolio, performance, or presentation. Responsibilities and expectations vary by course and department.

Location

( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)

Under the guidance of a faculty advisor, Seniors identify a topic, develop a project plan, conduct substantive work, and present their findings or creations in a final written report, portfolio, performance, or presentation. Responsibilities and expectations vary by course and department.

Location

( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)

Under the guidance of a faculty advisor, Seniors identify a topic, develop a project plan, conduct substantive work, and present their findings or creations in a final written report, portfolio, performance, or presentation. Responsibilities and expectations vary by course and department.

Location

( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)

Under the guidance of a faculty advisor, Seniors identify a topic, develop a project plan, conduct substantive work, and present their findings or creations in a final written report, portfolio, performance, or presentation. Responsibilities and expectations vary by course and department.

Location

( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)

Under the guidance of a faculty advisor, Seniors identify a topic, develop a project plan, conduct substantive work, and present their findings or creations in a final written report, portfolio, performance, or presentation. Responsibilities and expectations vary by course and department.

Location

( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)

This course provides undergraduate students the opportunity to pursue in-depth, independent exploration of a topic not regularly offered in the curriculum, under the supervision of a faculty member in the form of independent study, practicum, internship or research. The objectives and content are determined in consultation between students and full-time members of the teaching faculty. Responsibilities and expectations vary by course and department.  Registration for Independent Study courses needs to be completed through the Independent Study Registration form (https://secure1.rochester.edu/registrar/forms/independent-study-form.php)​

Location

( 7:00PM - 7:00PM)