300.215 Stars and Stellar Systems (3-3-0)

This course is intended for students to explore astronomy prior to determining their majors. Basic properties of stars and stellar systems (binary stars, associations, and star clusters) are presented. Basic astrophysical concepts are introduced to understand the above systems. We also study the evolution of stars.

300.218 Galaxies and Universe (3-3-0)

This is an introductory course on galaxies and the universe for students who are considering a major in astronomy. It covers from the structure and evolution of our galaxy to various issues on normal galaxies, active galactic nuclei including quasars, the large scale structure of the universe, the expansion and age of the universe, cosmic microwave background radiation and cosmology. Gravitational lenses and dark matter are also covered in the course.

3345.319 Astronomical Observation and Lab. 1 (3-2-2)

In this course, students will study astronomical optics, instruments, detectors, and the data reduction method for optical observation as well as the basic equations of spherical astronomy. They will also optically observe sunspots, stars, clusters, nebulae, galaxies, and variables.

3345.320 Astronomical Observation and Lab. 2 (3-2-2)

Through multi-wavelength observation we can explore various aspects of the universe. Students will first learn the operational principle of detectors and telescopes used for various wavelengths. Then students will learn the observational methods of optical spectroscopy and those at radio and other wavelengths. They are also expected to carry out observations using an optical telescope equipped with spectrograph, a radio telescope, and a solar telescope in campus and to learn how to reduce and analyze data for deriving physical parameters of given objects.

3345.321 Solar System Astronomy and Lab. (3-2-2)

This course will examine the solar system as the only known planetary system. The observed properties of planets, satellites, asteroids, comets, Kuiper Belt objects, planetary rings, meteors, interplanetary dusts, and Oort＇s comet clouds will be surveyed first and interpreted in terms of their physics, chemistry, and dynamics. The observed properties of extra-solar system planets will be compared with those in our solar system. Finally, the history of the solar system will be traced back to its formative stage. In the laboratory, students will make numerical simulations for selected phenomena of solar system dynamics.

3345.322 Introduction to Astrophysics 1 (3-3-0)

This course will cover the basics of gas dynamics and radiation theory. In terms of gas dynamics, the basic equations, laminar flow, supersonic flow, hydrodynamic instability, and magnetohydrodynamics will be studied. In terms of the radiation theory, the basic concepts, interaction between radiation and matter, and the formation of spectral lines will be studied.

3345.419 Supervised Reading and Research on Astronomy (3-3-0)

This is a research practice course on astronomy for undergraduate students. Any topic may be selected for astronomical research. It is expected to conduct research together with the supervisor and to obtain new astronomical results.

3345.420 Introduction to Astrophysics 2 (3-3-0)

In this course, students will be introduced to the gravitational evolution of stars and galaxies in the clusters of stars and galaxies, the basics of modern cosmology, the basics of general relativity and cosmological principles, and the concepts of homogeneous space, expansion of space, and space time.

3345.421 Introduction to Stellar Atmosphere (3-3-0)

In this course, students will learn the basics of line and continuum processes in stellar atmospheres under local thermodynamic equilibrium and understand the physical concept of absorption and emission processes of the radiation field. They will also learn to derive basic stellar parameters such as temperature, pressure, and heavy element abundances by comparing the observed spectra with those from model atmospheres

3348.454 Modern Cosmology (3-3-0)

Core topics of modern cosmology will be introduced. Students will study first the basic concepts needed for understanding the cosmology, and will learn about recent results of cosmology obtained through theoretical and observational approaches. Major topics include the structure and dynamics of the universe, the components of the universe, formation of the large scale structures, formation and evolution of galaxies, and the properties of cosmic microwave background radiation.

3348.455 Computational Astronomy (3-2-2)

Numerical approach is popular in solving scientific problems. This course is offered to students who want to learn basic numerical methodology for the astronomical research. The course first introduces computer languages and programming technique in Unix/Linux environments. The techniques are used to treat differential equations, integrations, non-linear systems of equations, Monte Carlo methods, and Fourier analyses. They are applied to several astronomical problems like modelling of astronomical data, hydrodynamics, N-body simulations, and radiative transfer.

3348.456 Introduction to Astronomical Instrumentation (3-2-2)

Modern advance in astronomy has depended on the revolutionary astronomical instrumentation based on new concepts and new technology. The objective of this course is to provide undergraduate students with the basic knowledge of astronomical instrumentation and to give them a chance to have experience in it. The course briefly deals with basic concepts like astronomical seeing, adaptive optics, telescopes of different kinds, post-focus instruments, and detectors. Its main part is a project and related lectures that are specific to the expertise of the lecturer. By carrying out such a project students will acquire interest and knowledge.

3348.457 Space Environment (3-3-0)

Near-earth space environment is getting more an more important for life of mankind as the electronic, communication, and space technologies progress. The objective of this course is to introduce students to the solar magnetic activity and its influence on the space environment. Specifically, the course covers the basic theories of plasma and magnetohydrodynamics, the observation and interpretation of solar magnetic activity, the interaction between the solar wind and the Earth＇s magnetosphere, the danger of magnetic storms and the effect of solar magnetic activity on the Earth‘s climate.

M1420.000400 Thesis Research and Writing (3-3-0)

This course provides an introduction to undergraduate students on the thesis research and writing. Based on the selected topic, each student is expected to carry out astronomical research and submit a thesis.

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