Please visit the catalog archive for details about 2022-23 degrees and programs.

 
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Course Descriptions

 

View real-time listing of classes and sections offered.

NOTE: Individual course fees are subject to change. See your account summary in myUVU for accurate charges.

ASTR-Astronomy
ASTR 1040PP
Elementary Astronomy
3 Credit Hours

Introduces astronomy and cosmology. Provides a physics-based overview of the solar system, the lives and deaths of stars, galaxies, and the evolution of the Universe. Explores the basic principles of physics and light, the tools of astronomy, and interesting concepts such as the Big Bang and black holes. Canvas Course Mats $71/Pearson applies

ASTR 104H
Elementary Astronomy PP
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite(s): MATH 1050 or MATH 1055

As an honors section, this course requires a greater level of engagement and greater level of proficiency on the part of the student. Introduces astronomy and cosmology. Provides a physics-based overview of the solar system, the lives and deaths of stars, galaxies, and the evolution of the Universe. Explores the basic principles of physics and light, the tools of astronomy, and interesting concepts such as the Big Bang and black holes.

ASTR 1070PP
Cultural Astronomy in Our Lives
3 Credit Hours

Explores the visible sky as seen with the naked eye. Presents examples of cultural interpretations of the sun, moon, planets and stars, methods of keeping calendars, and changes that occur through the seasons. Studies the motions of the planets, including the earth, and changes in the sky from different latitudes. Investigates how astronomy has impacted the lives of people throughout the ages and around the world. Includes extensive use of the UVU planetarium, nighttime observation, illustrated lectures, and class demonstrations. Canvas Course Mats $71/Pearson applies

ASTR 107HPP
Cultural Astronomy in Our Lives
3 Credit Hours

Explores the visible sky as seen with the naked eye. Presents examples of cultural interpretations of the sun, moon, planets and stars, methods of keeping calendars, and changes that occur through the seasons. Studies the motions of the planets, including the earth, and changes in the sky from different latitudes. Investigates how astronomy has impacted the lives of people throughout the ages and around the world. Includes extensive use of the UVU planetarium, nighttime observation, illustrated lectures, and class discussion.

ASTR 1080PP
Life in the Universe
3 Credit Hours

Presents a general introduction to the scientific method of understanding life, its origins, and its place in the universe. Discusses the philosophy governing the scientific view of learning about life. Treats in detail what life is, the adaptability of life and how it evolves, why Earthlike conditions resulted in life as we know it, what other environmental conditions might sustain life, and where life may be found beyond Earth.

ASTR 2040
Intermediate Astronomy
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 2210

Introduces astronomy and cosmology with an emphasis on the physical principles underlying astronomical phenomena. Provides a physical and mathematical overview of the solar system, the nature and evolution of stars, galaxies, dark matter and dark energy, the large scale structure of the Universe, the Big Bang, and Inflation.

ASTR 290R
Independent Study
1 to 5 Credit Hours

For students interested in advanced topics in astronomy and cosmology. Students may choose their own course of study under the guidance of an assigned faculty member.

ASTR 3050
Astrophysics I
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 2220, MATH 1220, and University Advanced Standing

Covers the physics of stars, stellar structure and evolution, and the solar system. Treats in detail the current methods of astronomical data collection and analysis. Discusses the mathematics of the laws of stellar structure and their implications for the birth, life, and death of stars.

ASTR 3060
Astrophysics II
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 2220, MATH 1220, ASTR 3050, and University Advanced Standing

Covers the physics of galaxies and cosmology. Treats in detail the current methods of astronomical data collection and analysis as it relates to these topics. Discusses the mathematics of the Theories of Relativity and its implications for the origin and structure of the Universe.

ASTR 4100
Brown Dwarfs and Exoplanets
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite(s): PHYS 2220, MATH 1220, and University Advanced Standing
Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): PHYS 3100

Provides an advanced, calculus-based introduction to the rapidly evolving field of brown dwarfs and extrasolar planets (exoplanets). Includes topics related to the theory of substellar objects, planetary formation, planetary interiors, planetary atmospheres, planetary orbits, and observational methods for detecting and characterizing brown dwarfs and exoplanets.

ASTR 4350
Research Methods in Astronomy
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite(s): Instructor Approval and University Advanced Standing

Presents directed topics in research methods in astronomy. Prepares students to conduct astronomy research projects. Emphasizes practical methodologies in measurement, software, error analysis, and statistical analysis. Requires a class project. May require use of specialized astronomical image processing software (e.g., IRAF and PyRAF) and other programming languages. Includes practice producing oral presentations, posters and journal articles using contemporary software and LaTeX.