COURSE CURRICULUM

The Physics and Astronomy program offers a diverse range of courses that cover fundamental concepts and advanced topics in both fields. Students begin with introductory courses like ASTR 1810: Introduction to Astronomy: The Magnificent Universe, which provides a broad overview of astronomical phenomena, and ASTR 1830: Life in the Universe, exploring the potential for life beyond Earth. ASTR 2000: Foundations of Astrophysics builds on these basics by examining the physical principles governing celestial bodies. More specialized courses include ASTR 3180: Stars, which delves into stellar structure and evolution, and ASTR 4020: Cosmology and Black Holes, focusing on the origins of the universe and extreme cosmic phenomena. In physics, PHYS 1018: The Mechanics of Nature introduces classical mechanics, essential for understanding the motion of objects. PHYS 2010: Computational Modeling of Natural and Human-Created Systems teaches students to use computer simulations for solving complex problems. PHYS 2350: Energy Sources: Physical Aspects explores various energy forms and their physical properties. Advanced courses such as PHYS 3670: Classical Thermodynamics cover heat and energy transfer, while PHYS 4386: Quantum Mechanics introduces the principles governing the behavior of particles at atomic and subatomic levels. Together, these courses provide a strong foundation in both theoretical and applied physics and astronomy, preparing students for careers in research, technology, and education.