ASTR 339 - Stars and Galaxies

Units: 3 ; Breadth Area: GE-UDB
Structure and evolution of stars and galaxies. Topics include processes of star formation, stellar evolution, and stellar death as well as galactic formation, evolution, and distribution within the Universe. Formerly PHYS 339.

Strongly Recommended Preparation: Upper division status (greater than 60 earned semester units) and completion of lower division Areas B1-B3.
Prerequisites: Completion of GE Areas A1, A2, A3 and B4 with grade C- (CR) or better.
Equivalent Quarter Course: PHYS 3720.
Possible Instructional Methods: Entirely On-ground.
Grading: A-F or CR/NC (student choice).
Breadth Area(s) Satisfied: GE-UDB - Upper Division Science Inquiry and Quantitative Reasoning
Course Typically Offered: Spring ONLY

Student Learning Outcomes - Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

compare and contrast our Sun and Milky Way galaxy to other stars and galaxies;
understand the formation, fueling, evolution and death of stars;
summarize broad galaxy categorization, evolution, and age, and compare these to the Milky Way galaxy;
describe the strategies for observing and studying other stars and galaxies;
quantify the broad types of stars and galaxies.

UD-B. Upper-division Science Inquiry and Quantitative Reasoning Learning Outcomes

demonstrate advanced and/or focused science or quantitative content knowledge in a specific scientific field, using appropriate vocabulary and referencing appropriate concepts (such as models, uncertainties, hypotheses, theories, and technologies);
apply advanced quantitative skills (such as statistics, algebraic solutions, interpretation of graphical data) to scientific problems and evaluate scientific claims;
demonstrate understanding of the nature of science and scientific inquiry and the experimental and empirical methodologies used in science to investigate a scientific question or issue; and
apply science content knowledge to contemporary scientific issues (e.g., global warming) and technologies (e.g., cloning), where appropriate.