Astronomy
(College of Letters and Science)
Robert Beeken, Chair of Physics and Astronomy
Room B-109, Science Building
Phone: 715-346-2139
E-mail: physics@uwsp.edu
Web: www.uwsp.eduphysastr

Faculty: R Beeken, B Hinaus, K Jore, R Olson, K Razdan, D Rislove, G Taft, D Tamres, M Veum.

Definition: Astronomy investigates the nature of celestial objects such as stars, planets and galaxies, including their magnitudes, motions, distances and periods of revolution.

Courses in astronomy are taught by members of the Department of Physics and Astronomy.

Test-out and Credit-by-Exam Policy
The Department of Physics and Astronomy will offer test-out examinations for all general degree requirement (GDR) courses offered by the department. The exams will cover both lecture and laboratory topics.

If you wish to take a test-out exam, confer with the department chair who will arrange for a faculty member to administer and grade a comprehensive written exam. A passing grade will be at least five percent above the most recent class average. You will be informed of the required passing score before taking the exam. Results will be evaluated and (if appropriate) credit granted by the departmental Educational Policies Committee. You may take a test-out exam only once.

Course credit can be granted for Astronomy 205, 206, 311; Physics 150, 201, 202, 203, 204, 250. Credit will NOT be granted for Astronomy 100 and Physics 100 and 101, but the GDR science credit will be waived.

NOTES:

1. You may not take both ASTR 100 and 311 for credit.
2. If you take ASTR 205 or 206, you may not subsequently take 100 for credit.
3. You may not apply both ASTR 311 and 205 for GDR credit. You may not apply both 311 and 206 for GDR credit.
4. You may take both ASTR 205 and 206 for GDR credit.

Courses in Astronomy

ASTR 100. Unveiling the Universe. 3 cr. An encounter with ideas concerning the physical universe, from earth to intergalactic space. 2 hrs lec, 2 hrs lab per wk. You may not take both 100 and 311 for credit. Also, you may not take 100 for credit if you have already taken 205 or 206. GDR:NS

ASTR 205. The Solar System. 4 cr. A contemporary perspective with emphasis on understanding basic principles of astronomy, coordinate systems, telescopes, planetary phenomena, and recent results of planetary exploration. 3 hrs lec, 3 hrs lab per wk. Prereq: Math 100 or equiv or cons chair. GDR:NS

ASTR 206. Stars and Stellar Systems. 4 cr. Examine content and evolution of the universe, including birth and death of stars, nature of galaxies, and mystery of quasars and blackholes, with emphasis on understanding physical concepts. 3 hrs lec, 3 hrs lab per wk, some night observations. Prereq: Math 100 or equiv or cons chair. GDR:NS

ASTR 311. Introduction to Astronomy. 3 cr. Descriptive approach to astronomy through study of the solar system, stars, star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies; evening meetings required for observation; use telescopes and planetarium. You may not take both 311 and 100 for credit. You may not apply both 311 and 205 for GDR credit. You may not apply both 311 and 206 for GDR credit. This course is not open to students who have had both 205 and 206. GDR:NS-BS

ASTR 796. Independent Study. 1-4 cr. Planned study designed to enrich and supplement the student's preparation in astronomy. Regular scheduled conferences with the staff supervisor.

Astronomy Latent Courses: Not offered recently. For a full course description, see the printed version of the catalog listed behind the course number (xx-xx).

• 370/570    Astronomy for Teachers, 4 cr. (91-93)
• 371/571    Laboratory in Planetarium Studies, 2 cr. (91-93)
• 380          Selected Topics, 1-3 cr. (01-03)