About Astronomy
The contents, structure, and history of the universe. Courses carry the ASTR subject code and are offered through the College of Science & Mathematics. Numbers below 300 are introductory, 300–499 advanced undergraduate, and 500 and above graduate. Prerequisites are enforced at registration.
How the sequence works
Of the 8 ASTR courses listed, 2 are introductory (numbers under 300), 1 is advanced undergraduate (300–499). 0 courses have no prerequisite and are a reasonable first step. Later courses assume the earlier ones, so read prerequisites before you plan a term — they are enforced at registration and an override from the Astronomy department is the only way around them.
ASTR 1010 — Introduction to Astronomy 4 cr
The sky, the solar system, stars, galaxies, and cosmology, with evening observing sessions.
Prerequisite: MATH 1200.
ASTR 2010 — Planetary Science 3 cr
Formation and evolution of the solar system, comparative planetology, moons, and exoplanets.
Prerequisite: ASTR 1010.
ASTR 2100 — Stellar Astrophysics 3 cr
Stellar structure, energy generation, evolution, and endpoints, and the tools used to measure stars.
Prerequisite: ASTR 1010, PHYS 2010.
ASTR 3100 — Galactic and Extragalactic Astronomy 3 cr
The Milky Way, galaxy types and dynamics, active galaxies, and large-scale structure.
Prerequisite: ASTR 2100.
ASTR 3300 — Cosmology 3 cr
The expanding universe, the cosmic microwave background, dark matter and dark energy, and the early universe.
Prerequisite: ASTR 2100.
ASTR 3500 — Observational Techniques 4 cr
Telescopes and detectors, photometry and spectroscopy, image reduction, and a small observing project.
Prerequisite: ASTR 1010.
ASTR 3700 — Astrobiology 3 cr
The origin of life, habitability, biosignatures, and the search for life beyond Earth.
Prerequisite: ASTR 1010, BIOL 1010.
ASTR 4900 — Astronomy Research Project 2 cr
A supervised project using archival data or the campus observatory, with a written and oral report.
Prerequisite: senior standing.
Planning and advising
Your degree audit shows exactly how ASTR courses apply to your requirements; this list only shows what is offered. If you are choosing between two courses, deciding when to take a heavy one, or wondering whether a course will run next term, your academic adviser can tell you. Course availability by term is set close to registration and is not guaranteed by anything on this page.
Fictional information
UW–Porter Falls is a work of parody. Every course, prerequisite, credit value, and department on this page is invented; nothing here describes a real curriculum or a course you can enroll in.