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Astronomy Home
The Astronomy Emphasis
Astronomy Emphasis Curriculum
Course Descriptions
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Course Catalog
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Curriculum: The Astronomy Emphasis
While Macalester does not offer an Astronomy Major, a
Physics Major with an Astronomy emphasis is available for students
whose interests lay in astronomy or astrophysics. An emphasis in
astronomy not only provides the necessary foundations for graduate
school, but also equips students with the physics that is vital to
advanced study in the field.
Additionally,
several courses are available for students who prefer a more
qualitative approach to the study of astronomy: PHYS 112: Cosmos: Perspectives
and Reflections, PHYS 113: Modern Astronomy, and PHYS 120: Astronomical
Techniques. These courses may also be beneficial to Physics
Majors with an Astronomy Emphasis as they provide a firm foundation for
advanced courses. The necessity of a strong foundation in physics
parallels, if not surpasses, the importance of qualitative proficiency
in astronomy.
Introductory Courses
PHYS 112: Cosmos: perspectives and Reflections
PHYS 113: Modern Astronomy
PHYS 120: Astronomical Techniques
Courses Required by Physics Major with Astronomy Emphasis
PHYS 226: Principles of Physics I
PHYS 227: Principles of Physics II
PHYS 331: Modern Physics
PHYS 440: Observational Astronomy
PHYS 443: Electromagnetic Theory I: Vacuum
PHYS 444: Electromagnetic Theory II: Material Media
PHYS 460: Astrophysics
PHYS 461: Mechanics
PHYS 489: Physics Seminar
Course Descriptions
112 COSMOS: PERSPECTIVES AND REFLECTIONS
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This course seeks to acquaint students with recent advances in
cosmology, particle physics, nuclear fusion, semiconductors, and
genomics. Most of these topics will be presented by experts from major
universities and national laboratories. No prerequisites. S/D/NC
grading only. Alternate years. (2 credits)
113 MODERN ASTRONOMY
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This course discusses topics of current interest in astronomy and
the physical concepts that lead to our understanding of the Universe.
There are three main sections: the Solar System, Celestial Light and
Stars, and Galaxies and the Universe. Lectures include the formation of
the sun and planets, properties of stars and stellar remnants (like
black holes and supernovae), characteristics of our Milky Way and other
galaxies, and the formation and fate of the Universe. Basic algebra and
trigonometry are recommended. No prerequisites. Every year. (4 credits)
120 ASTRONOMICAL TECHNIQUES
This laboratory
course provides active exercises in astronomical
measurement techniques, including
telescope and other observations
of the night sky (as weather permits). The course is
ideal for students who desire hands-on observing
experience to complement Physics
113, Modern Astronomy or as a background for advanced
observing projects. Perquisites:
concurrent of previous registration in
Physics 113 or Physics 226. Every year. (2 credits)
226 PRINCIPLES OF PHYSICS I
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A study of motion, including Newton's Law of Motion, conservation
of energy and momentum, rotational kinematics and dynamics,
oscillations, waves in elastic media and thermal properties of matter.
Minimum prerequisite: concurrent or previous registration in Math 135.
Three lectures and one two-hour laboratory per week. Students cannot
receive credit for both Physics 221 and Physics 226. Every semester. (4
credits)
- 227 PRINCIPLES OF PHYSICS II
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A study of electric charge and currents, electric and magnetic
fields, electromagnetic waves, and geometrical and physical optics.
Minimum prerequisites: Physics 226 and concurrent or previous
registration in Math 137. Three lectures and one two-hour laboratory
per week. Students cannot receive credit for both Physics 222 and
Physics 227. Every semester. (4 credits)
- 331 MODERN PHYSICS
This course provides an introductory treatment of the exciting
foundations of modern microscopic physics, including special
relativity, quantum theory, atomic structure, nuclear structure and
elementary particles. The primary goal of the course is to build the
solid theoretical foundation in microscopic physics necessary for
advanced studies in nearly all science disciplines. In addition to the
theoretical treatment of the topics there will be laboratory exercises,
which recreate the spirit and excitement of the pioneering experiments.
Minimum prerequisites: Physics 227. Three lectures, one three-hour
laboratory per week. Fall semester. (4 credits)
440 OBSERVATIONAL ASTRONOMY
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This is an advanced course in astronomical instrumentation, focused
on optical observational astronomy. We will discuss the various and
developing instrumentation used at the large observatories worldwide,
and discuss the important contributions and techniques of space-based
research. Computational image-processing techniques are used for
exercises in CCD imaging and spectroscopy using the Macalester
Observatory facilities, as well as for independent research projects.
Prerequisites: Physics 113 and Physics 120; or Physics 113 and a
lab-based upper-division natural science course (e.g., Physics 331,
Chemistry 311). Spring semester. (4 credits)
443 ELECTROMAGNETIC THEORY I: VACUUM
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This course treats the interactions between electrical charges in
free space by developing the concepts of potential, electric and
magnetic fields, and electromagnetic induction. Maxwell's equations are
developed and used to derive the properties of plane electromagnetic
waves in free space. Special emphasis is placed on boundary value
problems and other useful mathematical techniques. Prerequisites:
Physics 227 and multi-variable calculus. Three lectures per week. Fall
semester. (4 credits)
444 ELECTROMAGNETIC THEORY II: MATERIAL MEDIA
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This course extends the treatment of Physics 443 to the
electromagnetic properties of matter, especially the solid state, and
the properties of electromagnetic waves and radiation. The treatment of
electromagnetism within the special theory of relativity is also
covered. Prerequisite: Physics 443. Three lectures per week. Spring
semester. (4 credits)
460 ASTROPHYSICS
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This course covers advanced topics in astrophysics. It includes
spectroscopy of stars, the interaction of light and matter in stellar
atmospheres and interstellar medium, nucleosynthesis and the interior
of stars, the structure of the Milky Way galaxy and the evidence for
dark matter, properties and the formation of different types of
galaxies, large-scale structure of the Universe, and observational
tests of cosmology. Prerequisites: Physics 113 and Physics 331, or
consent of the instructor. Three hours per week. Every year.(4 credits)
461 MECHANICS
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The fundamental principles of classical mechanics are discussed and
applied to problems of contemporary interest. Topics include: charged
particle motion in electromagnetic fields, oscillations and resonance,
central force motion including the Kepler problem and Rutherford
scattering, Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations of classical
dynamics, symmetry and conservation laws, non-inertial reference
frames, rigid body dynamics and applications, and an introduction to
non-linear dynamics. Prerequisites: Physics 227 and mathematics through
differential equations. Three lectures and problem discussions per
week. Spring semester. (4 credits)
489 PHYSICS SEMINAR
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This seminar discusses current topics in physics, astronomy and
related fields. It satisfies part of the senior capstone requirement
for the physics major. Readings will be assigned as preparation for
each seminar meeting. Each student will make a presentation and lead
the discussion for at least one seminar session. Faculty and visitors
may also make presentations and lead discussions. S/D/NC grading. One
hour/week. Spring semester. (1 credit)
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