1998 Berkeley Astronomy Department Courses *==>NEW descriptions **==>typo UNDERGRADUATE - LOWER DIVISION Astronomy 3 Descriptive Cosmology (2 units) Astronomy 4 The Solar System and Beyond (2 units) *Astronomy 7A Introduction to Astrophysics (4 units) *Astronomy 7B Introduction to Astrophysics (4 units) Astronomy 9 Selected Topics in Astronomy (2,3 units) Astronomy 10 Introduction to General Astronomy (4 units) Astronomy C12 The Planets (3 units) Astronomy 24 Freshman Seminars (1 unit) Astronomy 39 Seminar (1.5 units) Astronomy 99 Directed Study in Astronomy (1-3 units) UNDERGRADUATE - UPPER DIVISION *Astronomy 120 Astronomy Laboratory - Optical (3 units) *Astronomy 121 Astronomy Laboratory - Radio (3 units) *Astronomy 122 Astronomy Laboratory - IR (3 units) *Astronomy 149 The Origin and Evolution of the Solar System (3 units) Astronomy C160A Stellar Physics (4 units) **Astronomy C160B Relativistic Astrophyics and Cosmology (4 units) *Astronomy 169 The Origin of Galaxies and the Universe (3 units) Astronomy 190 Undergraduate Seminar (2 units) Astronomy H195 Special Study for Honors Candidates (2-4 units) Astronomy 199 Supervised Independent Study and Research (2-4 units) GRADUATE Astronomy 201 Radiation Processes in Astronomy (4 units) Astronomy 202 Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics (4 units) Astronomy 203 Astrophysical Techniques (3 units) Astronomy 216 Interstellar Matter (3 units) Astronomy 217 Stellar Atmospheres (3 units) Astronomy 218 Stellar Dynamics and Galactic Structure (3 units) Astronomy 228 Extragalactic Astronomy and Cosmology (3 units) Astronomy 236 Radio Astronomy (3 units) Astronomy 249 Solar System Astrophysics (3 units) Astronomy 250 Special Topics in Astrophysics (3 units) Astronomy C252 Stellar Structure and Evolution (3 units) Astronomy C254 High Energy Astrophysics (3 units) Astronomy 255 Computational Methods in Theoretical Astrophysics (3 units) Astronomy 267 Plasma Astrophysics (3 units) Astronomy C285 Theoretical Astrophysics Seminar (2 units) Astronomy 290A Introduction to Current Research (1 unit) Astronomy 290B Introduction to Current Research (1 unit) Astronomy 292 Seminar (1-2 units) Astronomy 298 Directed Group Study (1-4 units) Astronomy 299 Advanced Study and Research (2-12 units) Astronomy 300 Instruction Techniques in General Astronomy (2-6 units) Astronomy 301 Undergraduate Astronomy Instruction (1-2 units) Astronomy 602 Individual Study for Doctoral Students (1-8 units) ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Astronomy (astron) 3 Descriptive Cosmology (2 units) ====== Course format: Two hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: 10 or consent of instructor. Non-mathematical description of research and results in modern extragalactic astronomy and cosmology. Staff. (From the '97-'99 General Catalog updated as of 02/20/98) Astronomy (astron) 4 The Solar System and Beyond (2 units) ====== Course format: Two hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: 10 or consent of instructor. A discussion of the history and evolution of the solar system, including results from recent space-probe exploration. Some facility in high school mathematics expected. Staff. (From the '97-'99 General Catalog updated as of 02/20/98) (NEW) Astronomy (astron) 7A Introduction to Astrophysics (4 units) ====== Credit option: Students may receive credit for 7A-7B after taking 10 with consent of instructor. Course format: Three hours of lecture and one hour of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: Physics 7A-7B, 7B can be concurrent, or consent of instructor. This is the first part of an overview of astrophysics, with an emphasis on the way in which physics is applied to astronomy. Astro 7A deals with the solar system and stars, while Astro 7B covers galaxies and cosmology. Solar system topics include orbital mechanics, geology of terrestrial planets, planetary atmospheres, and the formation of the solar system. The study of stars will treat determination of observations properties and stellar structure and evolution. The physics in Astro 7A includes mechanics and gravitation, kinetic theory of gases, properties of radiation and radiative energy transport, quantum mechanics of photons, atoms, and electrons, and magnetic fields. (F) Graham. (NEW) Astronomy (astron) 7B Introduction to Astrophysics (4 units) ====== Credit option: Students may receive credit for 7A-7B after taking 10 with consent of instructor. Instructor's consent is required to take 7B before 7A. Course format: Three hours of lecture and one hour of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: Physics 7A-7B, 7B can be concurrent, or consent of instructor. This is the second part of an overview of astrophysics which begins with Astro 7A. Astro 7B covers the Milky Way galaxy, star formation and the interstellar medium, galaxies, black holes and quasars, dark matter, the expansion of the universe and its large scale structure, and cosmology and the Big Bang. The physics in Astro 7B includes that used in Astro 7A: (mechanics and gravitation, kinetic theory of gases, properties of radiation and radiative energy transport, quantum mechanics of photons, atoms, and electrons, and magnetic fields) and adds the special and general theories of relativity. (SP) Graham. Astronomy (astron) 9 Selected Topics in Astronomy (2,3 units) ====== Credit option: Course may be repeated for credit. Course format: Two to three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: 7A-B, 10, or consent of instructor. [Formerly 9A to 9I.] This seminar taught, by graduate students, will explore one of a variety of subjects in greater depth than in introductory courses. Possible topics include stars, galaxies, the solar system, the interstellar medium, relativity and cosmology, history of astronomy, observational astronomy, and life in the universe. (F,SP) Staff. (From the '97-'99 General Catalog updated as of 02/20/98) Astronomy (astron) 10 Introduction to General Astronomy (4 units) ====== Credit option: Students will receive no credit for 10 after taking 7. Course format: Three hours of lecture and one hour of discussion per week. A description of modern astronomy with emphasis on the structure and evolution of stars, galaxies, and the Universe. Additional topics optionally discussed include quasars, pulsars, black holes, and extraterrestrial communication, etc. Individual instructor's synopses available from the department. (F,SP) Filippenko, Shu (F), Basri (SP) (From the '97-'99 General Catalog updated as of 02/20/98) Astronomy (astron) C12 The Planets (3 units) ====== Course format: Three hours of lecture per week. A tour of the planets and moons of the solar system, and an introduction to their internal structures, their atmosphere and surface features. Processes that form planets and act to continually change them are discussed, as are comets, asteroids, and rings. Information gained from recent spacecraft missions is highlighted. Also listed as Geology 12 and Interdepartmental Studies 12. Also listed as Geology C12. (SP) DePaolo, de Pater. (From the '97-'99 General Catalog updated as of 02/20/98) Astronomy (astron) 24 Freshman Seminars (1 unit) ====== Credit option: Course may be repeated for credit as topic varies. Course format: One hour of seminar per week. The Berkeley Seminar Program has been designed to provide new students with the opportunity to explore an intellectual topic with a faculty member in a small-seminar setting. Berkeley Seminars are offered in all campus departments, and topics vary from department to department and semester to semester. (From the '97-'99 General Catalog updated as of 02/20/98) Astronomy (astron) 39 Seminar (1.5 units) ====== Course format: Two hours of seminar per week. Grading option: Sections 1-2 to be graded on a letter-grade basis. Sections 3-4 to be graded on a passed/not passed basis. A small-size undergraduate seminar exploring one astronomical topic in depth. Students are responsible for much of the presentation. (SP) Basri. (From the '97-'99 General Catalog updated as of 02/20/98) Astronomy (astron) 99 Directed Study in Astronomy (1-3 units) ====== Credit option: Course may be repeated for credit. Grading option: Must be taken on a passed/not passed basis. Prerequisites: 7A-B, 10 and consent of instructor. Supervised observational studies or directed reading for lower division students. (F,SP) Staff. (From the '97-'99 General Catalog updated as of 02/20/98) (NEW) Astronomy (astron) 120 Optical Astronomy Laboratory (3 units) ====== Course format: Four hours of discussion and one hour of lecture per week. Prerequisites: Astronomy 7B, Physics 7C concurrent, Mathematics 53 and Mathematics 54: one concurrent, or consent of instructor. Four to six experiments such as the following: Accurate position measurements of stars with subsequent derivation of the diameter of the Earth and the refraction of the atmosphere; laboratory exploration of the characteristics of charge-coupled devices; measurement of the distance, reddening, and age of a star cluster; measurement of Stokes parameters and linear polarization of diffuse synchrotron and reflection nebulae; measurement of the period and pulse shape of the Crab pulsar using Fourier techniques. There is heavy emphasis on error analysis, software development in the IDL language, and quality written reports. (F) Cudaback, Heiles. (NEW) Astronomy (astron) 121 Radio Astronomy Laboratory (3 units) ====== Course format: Four hours of discussion and one hour of lecture per week. Prerequisites: 7B; Physics 7C; Mathematics 53; Mathematics 54; Physics 110B: recommended. Several basic laboratory experiments that concentrate on microwave electronics and techniques; construction of receiving, observing, and data analysis systems for two radioastronomical telescopes, a single-dish 21-cm line system and a 12-GHz interferometer; use of these telescopes for for astronomical observing projects including structure of the Milky Way galaxy, precise position measurement of several radio sources, and measurement of the radio brightness distributions of the Sun and Moon with high angular resolution. There is heavy emphasis on digital data acquisition, software development in the IDL language, and quality written reports. (F) Cudaback, Heiles. (NEW) Astronomy (astron) 122 Infrared Astronomy Laboratory (3 units) ====== Course format: Four hours of discussion and one hour of lecture per week. Prerequisites: 7B; Physics 7C; Mathematics 53; Mathematics 54; Physics 110B: recommended. (TBD - jrg) Astronomy (astron) 149 The Origin and Evolution of the Solar System (3 units) ====== Course format: Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: 7A-7B; Physics 7A-7B-7C; Mathematics 53, 54. The story of the solar system. Topics include the solar nebula and modern observations of disks, the formation of the planets, planetary interiors and surfaces, planetary atmospheres and magnetospheres, and smaller bodies in the solar system. The physical processes at work are developed in some detail, and an evolutionary picture of each object is expounded. Some discussion of other (potential) planetary systems is also included. (F) Spinrad, de Pater. (From the '97-'99 General Catalog updated as of 02/20/98) Astronomy (astron) C160A Stellar Physics (4 units) ====== Course format: Four hours of lecture and one hour of discussion per week. Prerequisites: Physics 112 (may be taken concurrently) and either Physics 110A-110B or Physics 137A-137B. Observational constraints on the properties and evolution of stars. Theory of stellar structue. Stellar atmospheres and stellar spectroscopy. Evolution of high and low mass stars; supernovae. Degeneracy of amtter and structure of collapsed stars. Elements of gas dynamics, accretion onto compact objects, and x-ray sources. Dynamics and evolution of close binary systems, either stellar pulsation or formation. Also listed as Physics C160A. (F) (From the '97-'99 General Catalog updated as of 02/20/98) Astronomy (astron) C160B Relativistic Astrophyics and Cosmology (4 units) ====== Course format: Four hours of lecture and one hour of discussion per week. Prerequisites: Physics 112 ( may be taken concurrently) and either Physics 110A-110B or Physics 137A-137B. A prior knowledge of astrophysics comparable to that offered in Astronomy 7A-7B is useful but not required. Elements of general relativity. Physics of pulsars, cosmic rays, black holes. The cosmological distance scale, elementary cosmological models, properties of galaxies and quaars. The mass density and age of the universe. Evidence for dark matter and concepts of the early universe and of galaxy foration. Reflections on astrophysics as a probe of the extrema of physics. Also listed as Physics C160B. (SP) Staff. (From the '97-'99 General Catalog updated as of 02/20/98) (NEW) Astronomy (astron) 169 The Origin of Galaxies and the Universe (3 units) ====== Course format: Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: 7A-7B; Physics 7A-7B-7C; Math 53, 54. This course covers the largest topics in astronomy: the study of galaxies and the universe as a whole. It includes the modern story of creation, beginning with the expansion of our Universe, its early hot-dense phase when the light elements were formed. A discussion of normal and active galaxies including their formation and evolution. Quasars and their utility in illuminating the gas in the Universe at high redshift. The discovery of Dark Matter by its effect on the motion of galaxies and its gravitational lensing effect and its role in the formation of large-scale structure. Astronomy (astron) 190 Undergraduate Seminar (2 units) ====== Credit option: Course may be repeated for credit. Course format: Two hours of seminar per week. Prerequisites: Upper division standing. Seminar format discussion of selection of current problems in astronomy. This course meets for two hours per week in an informal setting where group discussions or student presentations will take place on astronomical issues of current interest. The focus will be not only on the formal subject matter, but also on the nature of scientific inquiry itself. Students should learn by experience how to recognize scientific problems and resolve them. Staff. (From the '97-'99 General Catalog updated as of 02/20/98) Astronomy (astron) H195 Special Study for Honors Candidates (2-4 units) ====== Individual project of research or study. (F,SP) Staff. (From the '97-'99 General Catalog updated as of 02/20/98) Astronomy (astron) 199 Supervised Independent Study and Research (2-4 units) ====== Credit option: Course may be repeated for credit. Course format: Independent study. Grading option: Must be taken on a passed/not passed basis. Prerequisites: 127A-127B. Enrollment is restricted by regulations in the General Catalog. (F,SP) Staff. (From the '97-'99 General Catalog updated as of 02/20/98) Astronomy (astron) 201 Radiation Processes in Astronomy (4 units) ====== Course format: Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: Physics 105, 110A; 110B concurrently; open to advanced undergraduates with GPA of 3.70. Formerly 201A. An introduction to the basic physics of astronomy and astrophysics at the graduate level. Principles of energy transfer by radiation. Elements of classical and quantum theory of photon emission; bremastrahlung, cyclotron and synchrotron radiation. Compton scattering, atomic, molecular and nuclear electromagnetic transitions. Collisional excitation of atoms, molecules and nuclei. (F) Backer. (From the '97-'99 General Catalog updated as of 02/20/98) Astronomy (astron) 202 Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics (4 units) ====== Course format: Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: 201. Formerly 201B. Principles of gas dynamics, magnetohydrodynamics and elementary kinetic theory with particular emphasis on ionized gases (plasmas). Aspects of convection, shock waves, high speed winds of astrophysical relevance and wave phenomena. Concepts of high energy particle acceleration and transport. Collective phenomena in stellar systems. (SP) Shu. (From the '97-'99 General Catalog updated as of 02/20/98) Astronomy (astron) 203 Astrophysical Techniques (3 units) ====== Course format: Three hours of lecture per week and frequent laboratory work plus observatory visits. Prerequisites: 201 and 290A; 290B must be taken concurrently. Introduction to the flow of astronomical signals through telescope optics and into detectors; subsequent calibration, deconvolution of instrumental artifacts, and analysis. A broad wavelength approach is maintained with focus on shared fundamental concepts. Students "adopt a wavelength band" for assignments and presentations. Analysis and simulation of astronomical signals, noise, and errors. (SP) Backer. (From the '97-'99 General Catalog updated as of 02/20/98) Astronomy (astron) 216 Interstellar Matter (3 units) ====== Course format: Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: 201. A survey of the observational data and theoretical ideas on the interstellar medium, with emphasis on the inferred physical conditions. (F) Graham, McKee. (From the '97-'99 General Catalog updated as of 02/20/98) Astronomy (astron) 217 Stellar Atmospheres (3 units) ====== Course format: Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: 201. Spectral characteristics of normal and peculiar stars. Interpretation via model atmosphere, line profiles, curve of growth, etc. Line and continuous opacity, line-blanketing, convection, non-LTE, extended atmospheres. Current problem areas. Basri. (From the '97-'99 General Catalog updated as of 02/20/98) Astronomy (astron) 218 Stellar Dynamics and Galactic Structure (3 units) ====== Course format: Three hours of lecture per week. A basic course. Structure and kinematics of the galaxy; stellar population concepts; dynamics of stellar systems with and without encounters. (F) Davis. (From the '97-'99 General Catalog updated as of 02/20/98) Astronomy (astron) 228 Extragalactic Astronomy and Cosmology (3 units) ====== Credit option: Course may be repeated for credit. Course format: Three hours of lecture per week. A survey of the field of extragalactic astronomy. Classification and morphology of galaxies, the distance scale, galaxy dynamics and masses, the stellar population of galaxies, clusters of galaxies, galaxy evolution, and active galactic nuclei (including QSOs). Cosmological models and the early universe. (SP) Spinrad. (From the '97-'99 General Catalog updated as of 02/20/98) Astronomy (astron) 236 Radio Astronomy (3 units) ====== Course format: Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: 216 recommended. Comparison of radio and optical instrumentation and techniques. Detailed application of radiation and physics to objects observed in the radio range, including emission nebulae, gas clouds, and relativistic plasmas, with application to current observations. (From the '97-'99 General Catalog updated as of 02/20/98) Astronomy (astron) 249 Solar System Astrophysics (3 units) ====== Course format: Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: 127 series or consent of instructor. The physical foundations of solar system astronomy. The study of planetary atmospheres and surfaces. Meteors, comets, and the interplanetary medium. Observational techniques and problems. (F) de Pater. (From the '97-'99 General Catalog updated as of 02/20/98) Astronomy (astron) 250 Special Topics in Astrophysics (3 units) ====== Credit option: Course may be repeated for credit. Course format: Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: Consent of instructor. Topics will vary from semester to semester. See department for announcements. (SP) Staff. (From the '97-'99 General Catalog updated as of 02/20/98) Astronomy (astron) C252 Stellar Structure and Evolution (3 units) ====== Course format: Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: Physics 110A-110B, 112, 137A-137B. Equations of stellar structure, radiative transfer and convection, thermonuclear reactions and stellar energy generations; stellar models, degenerate configurations, evolutionary sequences, supernovae, neutron stars, black holes, nucleosynthesis. (SP) Bildsten. (From the '97-'99 General Catalog updated as of 02/20/98) Astronomy (astron) C254 High Energy Astrophysics (3 units) ====== Course format: Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: 201 or consent of instructor. Basic physics of high energy radiation processes in an astrophysics environment. Cosmic ray production and propagation. Appllcations selected from pulsars, x-ray sources, supernovae, interstellar medium, extragalactic radio sources, quassars, and big-bang cosmologies. Also listed as Physics C254. (F) (From the '97-'99 General Catalog updated as of 02/20/98) Astronomy (astron) 255 Computational Methods in Theoretical Astrophysics (3 units) ====== Course format: Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: 201, 217 or consent of instructor. The formulation and numerical solution on large-scale computers of problems involving coupled non-linear astrophysical flows with radiation transport; fundamental concepts underlying finite-difference approaches for Lagrangian and Eulerian dynamics; applications in normal and x-ray irradiated stellar atmospheres, pulsating variables and stellar mass loss, supernova explosions, x-ray pulsars, sequential star formation and 2-D evolution of HII regions. (SP) Klein. (From the '97-'99 General Catalog updated as of 02/20/98) Astronomy (astron) 267 Plasma Astrophysics (3 units) ====== Course format: Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: 201 recommended. Application of magnetohydrodynamics and plasma physics to astrophysical problems. Topics will be chosen from magnetospheric physics, solar and stellar flares and winds, mhd dynamos, pulsars, X-ray sources, supernovae and supernova remnants, and cosmic rays and active galactic nuclei. Arons. (From the '97-'99 General Catalog updated as of 02/20/98) Astronomy (astron) C285 Theoretical Astrophysics Seminar (2 units) ====== Course format: Two hours of lecture per week. Grading option: Must be taken on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. The study of theoretical astrophysics. Also listed as Physics C285. (F,SP) (From the '97-'99 General Catalog updated as of 02/20/98) Astronomy (astron) 290A Introduction to Current Research (1 unit) ====== Course format: One hour of lecture per week. Grading option: Must be taken on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Prerequisites: Consent of instructor. Survey of research currently being performed in the Department or the University. (F) Arons. (From the '97-'99 General Catalog updated as of 02/20/98) Astronomy (astron) 290B Introduction to Current Research (1 unit) ====== Course format: One hour of lecture per week. Grading option: Must be taken on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Prerequisites: Consent of instructor. Continuation of 290A. Study of a research topic with an individual staff member. (SP) Arons. (From the '97-'99 General Catalog updated as of 02/20/98) Astronomy (astron) 292 Seminar (1-2 units) ====== Credit option: Course may be repeated for credit. Course format: Two hours of seminar per week. Grading option: Must be taken on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. In addition to the weekly colloquium, the Department offers seminars in advanced topics, several of which are announced at the beginning of each semester. A maximum of 5 units may be taken per semester with a limitation of 2 in any one section. (F,SP) Staff. (From the '97-'99 General Catalog updated as of 02/20/98) Astronomy (astron) 298 Directed Group Study (1-4 units) ====== Credit option: Course may be repeated for credit. Course format: Tutorial. Grading option: Must be taken on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Tutorial for groups of two or three students. (F,SP) Staff. (From the '97-'99 General Catalog updated as of 02/20/98) Astronomy (astron) 299 Advanced Study and Research (2-12 units) ====== Credit option: Course may be repeated for credit. (F,SP) Staff. (From the '97-'99 General Catalog updated as of 02/20/98) Astronomy (astron) 300 Instruction Techniques in General Astronomy (2-6 units) ====== Course format: Two hours of lecture per week. Grading option: Must be taken on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Prerequisites: Consent of instructor. Discussion and practice of teaching techniques as applied to astronomy. Open to graduate students who are presently teaching assistants or associates. Two units for course plus one section; three units for two discussion sections. (F,SP) Staff. (From the '97-'99 General Catalog updated as of 02/20/98) Astronomy (astron) 301 Undergraduate Astronomy Instruction (1-2 units) ====== Credit option: Course may be repeated for a maximum of 4 units. Course format: One hour of lecture and three to six hours of laboratory per week. Grading option: Must be taken on a passed/not passed basis. Prerequisites: An elementary astronomy course and consent of instructor. Open to a limited number of highly qualified undergraduate students interested in astronomy teaching at the college level. Students will participate in a seminar on educational methods and engage in tutorial or laboratory teaching under supervision of a faculty member. Staff. (From the '97-'99 General Catalog updated as of 02/20/98) Astronomy (astron) 602 Individual Study for Doctoral Students (1-8 units) ====== Credit option: Course may be repeated for credit. Grading option: Must be taken on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Individual study in consultation with the major field adviser, intended to provide an opportunity for qualified students to prepare themselves for the various examinations required of candidates for the Ph.D. (and other doctoral degrees). May not be used for unit or residence requirement for the doctoral degree. (F,SP) Staff. (From the '97-'99 General Catalog updated as of 02/20/98)