Faculty of Arts & Science 2012-2013 Calendar

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Astronomy and Astrophysics

Faculty

Astronomy studies the exploration of the universe beyond the earth and attempts to understand the physical processes that describe its contents. Essentially all civilizations have developed astronomy to some degree, with records extending back to the Babylonians.  The modern development of astronomy began with Galileo turning a telescope to the sky and the heliocentric model of the solar system. Astronomy and astrophysics have undergone a revolution in the past fifty years as telescopes ranging from the radio to the gamma ray have discovered the relict radiation from the Big Bang, stars and galaxies that were forming not long after, ultradense neutron stars and black holes, as well as planets around other stars. Astronomy as a discipline is a distinctive integration of many of the sciences. At the introductory level it is used to provide a non-technical overview of the scientific approach to questions and our current understanding. At the more advanced level a quantitative physical understanding of astrophysical systems is developed. A graduate in astronomy has a wide grounding in modern physical science which is important for a wide range of roles in society.

Several courses are offered to suit persons of diverse backgrounds and depths of interest. Two beginning courses (AST101H1, AST201H1) require no special knowledge of mathematics or other sciences and are best suited to students taking non-science programs. These courses develop an understanding of the universe in a qualitative way and in terms of natural laws familiar to us on Earth. AST121H1 is an introductory astronomy course for all science students, while AST210H1 is intended for science students who do not intend to pursue an astronomy program. AST251H1 is best suited to life science students.

The remaining courses are designed for physical sciences and astronomy program students. For all Astronomy & Astrophysics programs, the first astronomy courses normally start in the second year, as they require the mathematical and physical grounding provided in the first year.  In third year, after further physics and mathematics, follow more advanced theoretical study as well as a lab course that includes the use of the campus telescopes.  For the major program, this is complemented by electives in more advanced mathematics, physics or numerical methods, as well as an introduction to astrophysical research.  For the Astronomy & Physics specialist program, intensive training in all aspects of physics is added, allowing supervised, forefront research in fourth year, and preparing for a career in (astro)physical research via graduate studies or otherwise.

The Department works closely with two related academic units, the Canadian Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics (CITA) and the Dunlap Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics (DI). With a national mandate, CITA fosters research in theoretical aspects of the discipline, including the exploitation of high performance computers in house and in SciNet. Complementary to this, a focus of DI is on the design and development of astronomical instrumentation. Undergraduate students will find diverse research opportunities through the Department and these two cognate units.

Undergraduate Enquiries: ungrad.sec@astro.utoronto.ca (416-946-5243)

Web site: http://www.astro.utoronto.ca

Astronomy and Astrophysics Programs

Enrolment in this program requires the completion of 4 full courses or their equivalent.

The Astronomy & Physics Specialist program combines rigorous training in the full spectrum of core physics subfields with their application in astronomy.  Lecture courses are complemented by practical courses, and the program culminates in a supervised research project, where all the skills learned are used, and which is intended to be published.

(14 full courses or their equivalent, including at least 4 at the 300+ level, and at least 1 at the 400 level)

First Year:
MAT137Y1/MAT157Y1, MAT223H1/MAT240H1; PHY151H1, PHY152H1

Second Year:
AST221H1, AST222H1; MAT237Y1, MAT244H1; PHY250H1, PHY252H1, PHY256H1

Third Year:
1. APM346H1; AST320H1, AST325H1/AST326Y1; PHY224H1, PHY254H1, PHY354H1, PHY356H1
2. One of MAT224H1, MAT327H1, MAT334H1, MAT363H1, STA257H1

Fourth Year:
1. AST425Y1; PHY350H1, PHY450H1
2. One half course from PHY324H1, PHY357H1, PHY358H1, PHY385H1, PHY395H1, PHY407H1, PHY408H1, PHY483H1
3. One half course from AST430H1, PHY454H1, PHY456H1, PHY460H1, PHY483H1, PHY484H1, PHY495H1
4. HPS200H1/JPH441H1, or another course with a significant emphasis on Social and Ethical Responsibility approved by the Undergraduate Chair.

Notes:
1. Second-year students who wish to keep open the option of pursuing a physics specialist degree should consider taking PHY254H1 in 2nd year.
2. Third-year students are invited and fourth-year students are expected to attend the weekly departmental colloquia and G2000 talks.

Enrolment in this program requires the completion of 4 full courses or their equivalent.

This program is appropriate for students interested in a more flexible and diverse undergraduate program. It may be tailored to be a natural counterpart to a second major in Mathematics, Physics or Computer Science; students should consult the undergraduate chairs of Astronomy & Astrophysics and the respective departments for advice on course selection.

(8 full courses or their equivalent, including at least 2 at the 300+ level, and at least 0.5 at the 400 level)

First Year:
(MAT135H1, MAT136H1)/MAT137Y1/MAT157Y1; (PHY131H1, PHY132H1)/(PHY151H1, PHY152H1)

Second Year:
1. AST221H1, AST222H1; MAT235Y1/MAT237Y1; PHY252H1
2. One of PHY224H1, PHY250H1, PHY254H1, PHY256H1

Third Year:
AST320H1, AST325H1/AST326Y1

Third or fourth year:
1. HPS200H1/JPH441H1, or another course with a significant emphasis on Social and Ethical Responsibility approved by the Undergraduate Chair.
2. At least one of: CSC336H1, CSC350H1, CSC351H1, CSC456H1; ECE385H1; PHY350H1, PHY354H1, PHY356H1, PHY357H1, PHY358H1, PHY385H1, PHY395H1, PHY407H1/PHY408H1, PHY450H1
3. Any other APM/CSC/MAT/PHY/STA at the 300+ level to make up the total of 8 full-course equivalents.

Fourth Year:
AST424H1

Notes:
1. The Astronomy & Astrophysics Major program is not designed primarily for students intending to pursue graduate studies in Astronomy & Astrophysics. Such students should consider the Astronomy & Physics Specialist program, or consult the Undergraduate Chair about their course selections.
2. Students interested in pursuing a research project in fourth year (AST425Y1) should consult the undergraduate chair.
3. Third-year students are invited and fourth-year students are expected to attend the weekly departmental colloquia and G2000 talks.

Enrolment in this program requires the completion of 4 full courses or their equivalent.

A program designed for students looking to add breadth to a program in another, perhaps unrelated discipline.

(4 full courses or their equivalent)

1. AST221H1, AST222H1, AST320H1, AST325H1/AST326Y1
2. (PHY131H1, PHY132H1)//(PHY151H1, PHY152H1)
3. PHY252H1 and one of PHY224H1, PHY250H1, PHY254H1, PHY256H1

Note:
PHY131H1, PHY132H1 and PHY151H1, PHY152H1 require (MAT135H1,MAT136H1)/MAT137Y1/MAT157Y1 and PHY252H1 requires MAT235Y1/MAT237Y1/MAT257Y1.

Astronomy and Astrophysics Courses

The PMU199Y1 and PMU199H1 seminars are designed to provide the opportunity to work closely with an instructor in a class of no more than twenty-four students. These interactive seminars are intended to stimulate the students’ curiosity and provide an opportunity to get to know a member of the professorial staff in a seminar environment during the first year of study. Details here.

Our place in the Universe. Phenomena we see in the sky. What we know about the Sun, the planets and comets, and the formation of the solar system – and how we know it. What makes planets suitable for life. Finding out about the nearest stars and their planets. This course is intended for students with no science or engineering background.

The origin of the Universe and all that it contains, from the chemical elements, stars and galaxies, and life. The course is intended for students who are enrolling in science and engineering courses.

What we know about the properties and life cycles of stars, of galaxies, and of the Universe itself – and how we know it. How astronomers develop methods for understanding phenomena that span such vast ranges in distance and time. This course is intended for students with no science or engineering background.

From the Copernican Revolution to twentieth century astrophysics. Emphasis is placed on the process of discovery which has led to major advances in knowledge about the Universe. The course includes an outline of some of the most significant puzzles of our day and an examination of the potential for new revolutions in our knowledge. This course is best suited to science students.

Concepts of basic physics applied to a treatment of the solar system and stars. Telescopes and instrumentation are introduced.

Concepts of basic physics applied to a treatment of stellar systems and the structure of the Universe.

Scholarly discussion of the probability that there are planets with life elsewhere in the universe, from the perspective of current ideas concerning the origin and evolution of the universe, the solar system and life. Search techniques and possibilities for interstellar travel and space colonies are discussed. Intended for life sciences students.

Credit course for supervised participation in faculty research project. Details here.

The formation, equilibrium and evolution of structure on all astronomical scales from the largest to the smallest: universe, clusters of galaxies, galaxies, clusters of stars, gas clouds and stars.

Through experiment and observation, develop the core skills to collect, reduce, and interpret astronomical data.  Develop understanding and usage of telescopes, instruments, and detectors; reduction and analysis methods; simulations and model fitting; data and error analysis.

Through experiment and observation, develop the core skills to collect, reduce, and interpret astronomical data.  Develop understanding and usage of telescopes, instruments, and detectors; reduction and analysis methods; simulations and model fitting; data and error analysis. This course is an expanded version of AST325H1 that gives a wider exposure to practical astronomy.

Course credit for research, lab work, or field studies abroad under the supervision of a faculty member.

An instructor-supervised group project in an off-campus setting. Details here.

An instructor-supervised group project in an off-campus setting. Details here.

A literature study that develops methods and skills applicable to research in the physical sciences, with an emphasis on communication, including writing proposals and reports, and delivering presentations. This course is intended for students in the final year of the Astronomy & Astrophysics Major. Students are required to attend the weekly departmental colloquia and G2000 talks.

A research project done in consultation with an individual staff member in the Department leading to a detailed written report and oral presentation. This course is intended for students in the final year of the Astronomy and Physics specialist program. Students must enrol with the Undergraduate Secretary of the Department.

An individual study program chosen by the student with the advice of, and under the direction of, a staff member.