Astronomy Courses at UNCG

Introductory Courses

The following introductory courses are intended for any student; the vast majority of students enter these courses with NO previous knowledge of astronomy. The courses are not intended for math or science majors.

Physics 203 -- Conceptual Astronomy: Introduction to astronomy. Knowledge gained of day and night sky by use of binoculars, telescopes, and other simple instruments and how to observ and measure properties of astronomical objects. Basic concepts of solar system, stellar evolution and cosmology.
Physics 209 -- Astronomy: The Solar System: Introduction to the study of the solar system. Sun and planets are studied with special attention given to the results of recent planetary exploration. The course includes telescopic and naked eye observations of the planets and constellations, and will use math occasionally (the math to be used will be at the level of simple high school algebra).
Physics 235 -- Astronomy: The Universe: Introduction to the study of stars and galaxies, and the formation of the univserse. Topics such as black holes, pulsars, the evolution of stars, and how stars are born will be discussed. The course includes telescopic and naked eye observations of the night sky, and will use math occasionally (the math to be used will be at the level of simple high school algebra).

Each of the above introductory courses is one semester long. Astronomy 203 covers approximately the same range of subjects covered in Astronomy 209 and 235 together; for that reason credit cannot be earned for 203 AND 209 or for 203 AND 235. All three courses are introductory, and none is intended to be more "difficult" or "advanced" than any other.

Advanced Courses

Physics 530 -- Astrophysics: The course will cover current understanding of the structure and evolution of stars and stellar systems. Topics to be covered will include equations of state, thermonuclear energy generation, energy transport, degenerate matter, and basic astronomical observing techniques. The course is intended for physics majors; prerequisite courses include physics 291, 292, 321, 323, 325 (or consent of the instructor).