Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astronomy Department Office
211 Interdisciplinary Sciences Building
(831) 459-2844
http://www.astro.ucsc.edu
Lower-Division Courses
1. Introduction to the Cosmos. F,W
Overview of the main ideas in our current view of the universe and how these ideas originated. Galaxies, quasars, stars, black holes, and planets. Students cannot receive credit for this course and course 2. (General Education Code(s): SI.) P. Guha Thakurta
2. Overview of the Universe. F,W,S
An overview of the main ideas in our current view of the universe, and how they originated. Galaxies, quasars, stars, pulsars, and planets. Intended primarily for nonscience majors interested in a one-quarter survey of classical and modern astronomy. (General Education Code(s): MF.) P. Guha Thakurta, C. Rockosi, J. Brodie, M. Bolte
3. Introductory Astronomy: Planetary Systems. S
Properties of the solar system and other planetary systems. Topics include the Sun, solar system exploration, the physical nature of the Earth and the other planets, comets and asteroids, the origin of the solar system, the possibility of life on other worlds, planet formation, and the discovery and characterization of planets beyond the solar system. Intended for nonscience majors. Courses 3, 4, and 5 are independent and may be taken separately or sequentially. (Formerly Introductory Astronomy: The Solar System.) (General Education Code(s): MF.) J. Fortney, D. Lin
4. Introductory Astronomy: The Stars. *
Stellar evolution: observed properties of stars, internal structure of stars, stages of a star's life including stellar births, white dwarfs, supernovae, pulsars, neutron stars, and black holes. Planet and constellation identification. Intended for nonscience majors. Courses 3, 4, and 5 are independent and may be taken separately or sequentially. (General Education Code(s): MF.) C. Rockosi
5. Introductory Astronomy: The Formation and Evolution of the Universe. F,W
The universe explained. Fundamental concepts of modern cosmology (Big Bang, dark matter, curved space, black holes, star and galaxy formation), the basic physics underlying them, and their scientific development. Intended for non-science majors. Courses 3, 4, and 5 are independent and may be taken separately. (General Education Code(s): MF.) M. Bolte, B. Robertson, J. Brodie
6. The Space-Age Solar System. W
Scientific study of the Moon, Earth, Mercury, Venus, and Mars by the space program; history of rocket development; the Apollo program and exploration of the Moon; unmanned spacecraft studies of the terrestrial planets; scientific theories of planetary surfaces and atmospheres. Intended for nonscience majors. (Formerly course 80A.) (General Education Code(s): SI.) G. Smith
7. Black Holes. S
Examines the nature of black holes, including their creation and evolution; evidence for their existence from astronomical observations; and the role of black holes in the evolution of the universe. Also examines current ideas about the nature of space, time, and gravity. (General Education Code(s): MF.) The Staff
8. Exploring the Universe with Astronomical Data. F
Introduces how we use observational data to learn about stars, galaxies, planets, and cosmology. Covers astronomical data and experimental design and basic physics and statistical techniques, such as model fitting, regression, significance tests, and error estimation. (General Education Code(s): SR.) C. Rockosi
9A. Introduction to Research in Physics and Astrophysics (2 credits). W
Introduction to research for first-year students interested in physics and astrophysics. Students complete projects in small groups with scientists. Introduces techniques for collaboration; science writing; physics careers. Continuing course spanning two quarters. Enrollment is restricted to first-year proposed astrophysics and physics majors and by permission of the instructor. (Also offered as Physics 9A. Students cannot receive credit for both courses.) R. Murray-Clay
9B. Introduction to Research in Physics and Astrophysics (3 credits). S
Introduction to research for first-year students interested in physics and astrophysics. Students complete projects in small groups with scientists. Introduces techniques for collaboration; science writing; physics careers. Continuing course spanning two quarters. Prerequisite(s): course 9A. Enrollment is restricted to first-year proposed applied physics, physics, and physics (astrophysics) majors and by permission of the instructor. (Also offered as Physics 9B. Students cannot receive credit for both courses.) (General Education Code(s): PR-E.) R. Murray-Clay
12. Stars and Stellar Evolution. S
An introduction to the observational facts and physical theory pertaining to stars. Topics include the observed properties of stars and the physics underlying those properties; stellar atmospheres; stellar structure and evolution. Intended for science majors and qualified non-science majors. Knowledge of high school physics and an understanding of mathematics at the Mathematics 2 level required. (General Education Code(s): MF.) R. Foley
13. Galaxies, Cosmology, and High Energy Astrophysics. *
Introduction to modern cosmology and extragalactic astronomy. Topics include the origin of the universe, Big Bang cosmology, expansion of the universe, dark matter and dark energy, properties of galaxies and active galactic nuclei, and very energetic phenomena in our own and other galaxies. Intended for science majors and qualified non-science majors. Knowledge of high school physics and an understanding of mathematics at the Math 2 level required. (General Education Code(s): MF.) The Staff
15. Dead Stars and Black Holes. *
Course is primarily concerned with the structure, formation, and astrophysical manifestations of compact objects, such as white dwarfs, neutron stars, and black holes, and the astronomical evidence for their existence. Intended for science majors and qualified non-science majors. Knowledge of high school physics and an understanding of mathematics at the Math 2 level required. (General Education Code(s): MF.) E. Ramirez-Ruiz
16. Astrobiology: Life in the Universe. *
Topics include the detection of extrasolar planets, planet formation, stellar evolution and properties of Mars, the exploration of our solar system and the search for life within it, and the evolution of life on Earth. Intended for science majors and qualified non-science majors. Knowledge of high school physics and an understanding of mathematics at the Math 2 level required. Enrollment limited to 50. (General Education Code(s): MF.) The Staff
18. Planets and Planetary Systems. W
Our solar system and newly discovered planetary systems. Formation and structure of planets, moons, rings, asteroids, comets. Intended for science majors and qualified non-science majors. Knowledge of high school physics and an understanding of mathematics at the Mathematics 2 level required. D. Lin
Upper-Division Courses
111. Order-of-Magnitude Astrophysics. F
Examines the most basic and direct connection between physics and astrophysics in order to derive a better understanding of astrophysical phenomena from first principles to the extent possible. Prerequisite(s): Mathematics 22 or 23A; Physics 5B or 6B; and Physics 101A or previous or concurrent enrollment in Physics 102. Enrollment limited to 25. E. Ramirez-Ruiz
112. Physics of Stars. S
The leading observational facts about stars as interpreted by current theories of stellar structure and evolution. Spectroscopy, abundances of the elements, nucleosynthesis, stellar atmospheres, stellar populations. Final stages of evolution, including white dwarfs, neutron stars, supernovae. Prerequisite(s): Mathematics 22 or 23A, Physics 5B or 6B, and Physics 101A or Physics 102 J. Fortney, R. Foley
113. Introduction to Cosmology. W
Physical examination of our evolving universe: the Big Bang model; simple aspects of general relativity; particle physics in the early universe; production of various background radiations; production of elements; tests of geometry of the universe; dark energy and dark matter; and formation and evolution of galaxies and large-scale structure. (Formerly "Physical Cosmology.") Prerequisite(s): Mathematics 22 or 23A, Physics 5B or 6B, and Physics 101A or 102. P. Madau
117. High Energy Astrophysics. *
Theory and practice of space and ground-based x-ray and gamma-ray astronomical detectors. High-energy emission processes, neutron stars, black holes. Observations of x-ray binaries, pulsars, magnetars, clusters, gamma-ray bursts, the x-ray background. High-energy cosmic rays. Neutrino and gravitational-wave astronomy. Prerequisite(s): Mathematics 22 or 23A, Physics 5B or 6B, and Physics 101A or Physics 102. E. Ramirez-Ruiz
118. Physics of Planetary Systems. W
Determination of the physical properties of the solar system, its individual planets, and extrasolar planetary systems through ground-based and space-based observations, laboratory measurements, and theory. Theories of the origin and evolution of planets and planetary systems. Prerequisite(s): Mathematics 22 or 23A, and Physics 5B or 6B. J. Fortney
119. Introduction to Scientific Computing. F,S
Introduction to solving scientific problems using computers. A series of simple problems from Earth sciences, physics, and astronomy are solved using a user-friendly scientific programming language (Python/SciPy). (Also offered as Earth Sciences 119. Students cannot receive credit for both courses.) Prerequisite(s): Mathematics 11A or 19A or 20A or Applied Mathematics or Statistics 15A. The Staff
135. Astrophysics Advanced Laboratory. *
Introduction to the techniques of modern observational astrophysics at optical and radio wavelengths through hands-on experiments. Offered in some academic years as a multiple-term course: 135A in fall and 135B in winter, depending on astronomical conditions. (Also offered as Physics 135. Students cannot receive credit for both courses.) Prerequisite(s): Physics 133 and at least one astronomy course. Enrollment is restricted to physics (astrophysics) majors. Intended primarily for juniors and seniors majoring or minoring in astrophysics. G. Brown
135A. Astrophysics Advanced Laboratory (3 credits). F
Introduction to techniques of modern observational astrophysics at optical and radio wavelengths through hands-on experiments. Intended primarily for juniors and seniors majoring or minoring in astrophysics. Offered in some academic years as single-term course 135 in fall, depending on astronomical conditions. (Also offered as Physics 135A. Students cannot receive credit for both courses.) Prerequisite(s): Physics 133 and at least one astronomy course. Enrollment is restricted to physics (astrophysics) majors. G. Brown
135B. Astrophysics Advanced Laboratory (2 credits). W
Introduction to techniques of modern observational astrophysics at optical and radio wavelengths through hands-on experiments. Intended primarily for juniors and seniors majoring or minoring in astrophysics. Offered in some academic years as single-term course 135 in fall, depending on astronomical conditions. (Also offered as Physics 135B. Students cannot receive credit for both courses.) Prerequisite(s): course 135A. Enrollment is restricted to physics (astrophysics) majors. G. Brown
136. Advanced Astronomy Laboratory. S
Introduces the techniques of modern observational astrophysics at optical wavelengths through hands-on experiments and use of remote observatories. Students develop the skills and experience to pursue original research. Course is time-intensive and research-oriented. (Formerly Physics 136.) Prerequisite(s): Earth Sciences 119 and Physics 133. Enrollment is restricted to junior and senior astrophysics majors. Enrollment limited to 12. A. Skemer, J. Prochaska
171. General Relativity, Black Holes, and Cosmology. F
Special relativity is reviewed. Curved space-time, including the metric and geodesics, are illustrated with simple examples. The Einstein equations are solved for cases of high symmetry. Black-hole physics and cosmology are discussed, including recent developments. (Also offered as Physics 171. Students cannot receive credit for both courses.) Prerequisite(s): courses 105, 110A, 110B, and 116A-B. A. Aguirre, H. Haber
199. Tutorial. F,W,S
May be repeated for credit. The Staff
Graduate Courses
202. Radiative Processes. *
Survey of radiative processes of astrophysical importance from radio waves to gamma rays. The interaction of radiation with matter: radiative transfer, emission, and absorption. Thermal and non-thermal processes, including bremsstrahlung, synchrotron radiation, and Compton scattering. Radiation in plasmas. (Formerly Electromagnetism and Plasma Physics.) B. Robertson, E. Ramirez-Ruiz
204. Astrophysical Flows. *
Explores how physical conditions in astrophysical objects can be diagnosed from their spectra. Discussion topics include how energy flows determine the thermal state of radiating objects and how the physics of radiative transfer can explain the emergent spectral characteristics of stars, accretion disks, Lyman-alpha clouds, and microwave background. (Formerly 204A Physics of Astrophysics I and 204B Physics of Astrophysics II.) Enrollment is restricted to graduate students. The Staff
205. Introduction to Astronomical Research and Teaching. F
Lectures and seminar-style course intended to integrate new graduate students into the department; to introduce students to the research and interests of department faculty; and to expose graduate students to teaching skills and classroom techniques. (Formerly Introduction to Astronomical Research.) Enrollment is restricted to graduate students. G. Smith
207. Future Directions/Future Missions. *
Examines possible key science goals for the next decade, such as planet detection, galaxy formation, and "dark energy" cosmology; the means for addressing these goals, such as new space missions and/or ground-based facilities; and the political, technical, and scientific constraints on such research. Looks at the role of the Decadel Survey. Examines a few existing programs (DEEP, ALMA, SNAP, NGST) as examples. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students. G. Illingworth
212. Dynamical Astronomy. W
Surveys dynamical processes in astrophysical systems on scales ranging from the planetary to the cosmological, stability and evolution of planetary orbits, scattering processes and the few-body problem, processes in stellar clusters, spiral structure and galactic dynamics, galactic collisions, and evolution of large-scale structure. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students. R. Murray-Clay
214. Special Topics in Galactic and Extragalactic Astronomy. *
Survey of some principal areas of research on the origin and growth of cosmic structures and galaxies: the "dark ages;" 21cm tomography; first galaxies; first stars and seed black holes; reionization and chemical enrichment of the intergalactic medium; the assembly of massive galaxies; quasi-stellar sources; interactions of massive black holes with their environment; extragalactic background radiation; numerical simulations and the nature of the dark matter; the dark halo of the Milky Way. (Formerly Special Topics in Cosmology) Enrollment is restricted to graduate students. A. Leauthaud, P. Madau
220A. Stellar Structure and Evolution. F
Survey of stellar structure and evolution. Physical properties of stellar material. Convective and radiative energy transport. Stellar models and evolutionary tracks through all phases. Brown dwarfs and giant planets. Comparison with observations. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students. J. Fortney, R. Foley
220B. Star Formation. *
Theory and observations of star formation. Observational techniques used to study star formation, particularly millimeter line and continuum observations, and infrared, visible, and UV star-formation tracers. Physics of giant molecular clouds and galaxy-scale star formation. Gravitational instability, collapse, and fragmentation. Pre-main sequence stellar evolution. Protostellar accretion disks and jets. Radiative feedback and HII regions. (Formerly Star and Planet Formation) Prerequisite(s): course 220A. The Staff
220C. Advanced Stages of Stellar Evolution and Nucleosynthesis. S
The evolution of massive stars beyond helium burning; properties of white dwarf stars; physics and observations of novae, supernovae, and other high energy stellar phenomena; nuclear systematics and reaction rates; the origin and production of all the chemical elements. Prerequisite(s): course 220A. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students. The Staff
222. Planetary Formation and Evolution. W
Theory and observations of protoplanetary disks. Origin and evolution of the solar nebula. Formation and evolution of the terrestrial planets and the giant planets. (Formerly Planetary Science) Enrollment is restricted to graduate students. D. Lin
223. Planetary Physics. *
Survey of interiors, atmospheres, thermal evolution, and magnetospheres of planets, with focus on the astronomical perspective. Course covers exoplanets and solar system planets, both giant and terrestrial, with attention to current and future observations. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students. J. Fortney
224. Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology. *
Particle physics and cosmology of the very early universe: thermodynamics and thermal history; out-of-equilibrium phenomena (e.g., WIMPs freeze-out, neutrino cosmology, Big Bang nucleosynthesis, recombination); baryogenesis; inflation; topological defects. High-energy astrophysical processes: overview of cosmic ray and gamma ray astrophysics; radiative and inelastic processes; astroparticle acceleration mechanisms; magnetic fields and cosmic ray transport; radiation-energy density of the universe; ultrahigh-energy cosmic rays; dark-matter models; and detection techniques. (Formerly Origin and Evolution of the Universe.) (Also offered as Physics 224. Students cannot receive credit for both courses.) Enrollment is restricted to graduate students. A. Aguirre
225. High-Energy Astrophysics. *
High-energy astrophysics and the final stages of stellar evolution: supernovae, binary stars, accretion disks, pulsars; extragalactic radio sources; active galactic nuclei; black holes. (Formerly Physics of Compact Objects) E. Ramirez-Ruiz
226. General Relativity. W
Develops the formalism of Einstein's general relativity, including solar system tests, gravitational waves, cosmology, and black holes. (Also offered as Physics 226. Students cannot receive credit for both courses.) Enrollment is restricted to graduate students. S. Profumo, A. Aguirre
230. Diffuse Matter in Space. *
Fundamental physical theory of gaseous nebulae and the interstellar medium. Ionization, thermal balance, theory and observation of emission spectra. Interstellar absorption lines, extinction by interstellar dust. Ultraviolet, optical, infrared, and radio spectra of gaseous nebulae. The Staff
231. Diffuse Gas In and In Between Galaxies. *
Examines the observational data and theoretical concepts related to the interstellar medium (gas inside galaxies); intracluster medium (gas in between galaxies in clusters); and intergalactic medium (gas in between field galaxies). Emphases on the inferred physical conditions of this gas and its implications for cosmology and processes of galaxy formation. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students. J. Prochaska
233. Physical Cosmology. S
Survey of modern physical cosmology, including Newtonian cosmology, curved space-times, observational tests of cosmology, the early universe, inflation, nucleosynthesis, dark matter, and the formation of structure in the universe. B. Robertson, P. Madau
234. Statistical Techniques in Astronomy. S
Introduces probability and statistics in data analysis with emphasis on astronomical applications. Topics include probability, Bayes' theorem, statistics, error analysis, correlation, hypothesis testing, parameter estimation, surveys, time-series analysis, surface distributions, and image processing. Students learn to identify the appropriate statistical technique to apply to an astronomical problem and develop a portfolio of analytic and computational techniques that they can apply to their own research. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students. A. Skemer
235. Numerical Techniques. *
Gives students a theoretical and practical grounding in the use of numerical methods and simulations for solving astrophysical problems. Topics include N-body, SPH and grid-based hydro methods as well as stellar evolution and radiation transport techniques. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students. The Staff
237. Accretion Processes. *
Theories of spherical accretion, structure and stability of steady-state accretion disks, and the evolution of time-dependent accretion disks. Applications of these theories to the formation of the solar system as well as the structure and evolution of dwarf novae and X-ray sources are emphasized. D. Lin
240A. Galactic and Extragalactic Stellar Systems. F
Structure and evolutionary histories of nearby galaxies. Stellar populations, galactic dynamics, dark matter, galactic structure and mass distributions. Peculiar galaxies and starbursting galaxies. Structure and content of the Milky Way. Evolution of density perturbations in the early universe. Hierarchical clustering model for galaxy formation and evolution. The Staff
240B. High Redshift Galaxies. *
Galaxy formation and evolution from observations of intermediate-to-high redshift galaxies (z 0.5-5). Complements and builds on 240A. Cluster galaxies and field galaxies. Foundation from classic papers on distant galaxies. Recent discoveries from IR and sub-mm measurements. Impact of AGNs and QSOs. Overview of modeling approaches. Identify theoretical and observational issues. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students. G. Illingworth
257. Modern Astronomical Techniques. *
Covers physical, mathematical, and practical methods of modern astronomical observations at all wavelengths at a level that prepares students to comprehend published data and to plan their own observations. Topics include: noise sources and astrophysical backgrounds; coordinate systems; filter systems; the physical basis of coherent and incoherent photon detectors; astronomical optics and aberrations; design and use of imaging and spectroscopic instruments; antenna theory; aperture synthesis and image reconstruction techniques; and further topics at the discretion of the instructor. Familiarity with UNIX, computer programming, and completion of Physics 116C is strongly recommended as well as at least one upper-division course in astronomy. Designed for graduate students; available to qualified undergraduate astrophysics majors by instructor permission. M. Bolte
260. Instrumentation for Astronomy. *
An introduction to astronomical instrumentation for infrared and visible wavelengths. Topics include instrument requirements imposed by dust, atmosphere, and telescope; optical, mechanical, and structural design principles and components; electronic and software instrument control. Imaging cameras and spectrographs are described. Offered in alternate academic years. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students. C. Rockosi
289. Adaptive Optics and Its Application. S^
Introduction to adaptive optics and its astronomical applications. Topics include effects of atmospheric turbulence on astronomical images, basic principles of feedback control, wavefront sensors and correctors, laser guide stars, how to analyze and optimize performance of adaptive optics systems, and techniques for utilizing current and future systems for astronomical observations. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students. C. Max
^Revised 12/03/18
292. Seminar (no credit). F,W,S
Seminar attended by faculty, graduate students, and upper-division undergraduate students. The Staff
293. Current Literature in Astrophysics (2 credits). F,W,S
Training for following daily progress in astrophysical research to keep pace with the rapidly evolving scientific field. Students learn how to select and read interesting papers (that span a wide range of topics) efficiently and how to summarize their key results. Students have an opportunity to practice presentation skills in an informal group discussion setting. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students. May be repeated for credit. The Staff
297. Independent Study. F,W,S
Independent study or research for graduate students who have not yet begun work on their theses. Students submit petition to sponsoring agency. Enrollment restricted to graduate students. The Staff
299. Thesis Research. F,W,S
Students submit petition to sponsoring agency. The Staff
Revised: 07/15/18
