Astronomy Courses
Undergraduate and Graduate Astronomy Programs at SFA


Astronomy Minor

The astronomy minor has been developed at SFA for those students who have interests in astronomy beyond the introductory level. The course of study includes introductory physics, introductory astronomy, observational astronomy, and astrophysics. A student majoring in physics may minor in astronomy, but those courses that are applied to the minor cannot be applied to the major at the same time. The requirements for the minor in astronomy are PHY 131 (or 241), 132 (or 242), AST 105, 305, and 335. All minor programs must be approved on the degree plan by the Chair of the Department.

AST 105 - Classical and Modern Astronomy

(PHYS 1311) An introductory study of planetary astronomy, astrophysics, and cosmology. Lecture and laboratory grades are computed into one grade, and the same grade is recorded for both lecture and laboratory. Co-requisite: AST 105L.
AST 105L - Classical and Modern Astronomy Laboratory
(PHYS 1111) 1 semester hour, 2 hours lab per week including night viewing sessions by arrangement. Co-requisite: AST 105. Lab fee $10.
AST 305 - Observational Astronomy
2 hours lecture and 3 hours lab per week. Fundamentals of practical sky observing including visual, photographic, and photometric techniques using the research telescopes at the SFA Observatory. Prerequisites: AST 105 and MTH 133, 138. Lab fee $10.
AST 335 - Astrophysics
Properties of light, stellar evolution, and galactic dynamics are treated in quantitative manner. Prerequisites: PHY 132 (or PHY242) and MTH 233.
PHY 475 Special Problems - Astronomy Research
1-4 hours. For undergraduate credit only. Experimental or theoretical independent study in research. Prerequisite: 12 semester hours of physics.
PHY 476 Special Problems - Astronomy Research
1-4 hours. For undergraduate credit only. A continuation of PHY 475. Prerequisite: PHY 475.
Other Undergraudate Courses

Graduate Studies in Astronomy

Students interested in astronomy at the graduate level may pursue a degree in physics while getting involved in research at the SFA Observatory.

PHY 575 Advanced Graduate Studies - Astronomy Research

1-4 semester hours. Individual instruction, and special problems not a part of thesis. May be repeated under different topics.
PHY 576 Advanced Graduate Studies - Astronomy Research
1-4 semester hours depending upon the topic. Same as Physics 575 but in a different topic.
PHY 589 Thesis Research - Astronomy Research
Grade withheld until completion of thesis.
PHY 590 Thesis Writing - Astronomy Research
Prerequisite: PHY 589.

Thesis Titles - directed by Dr. Norman Markworth

  1. Michael F. Hibbs, "The Design and Construction of an Astronomical Photometer/ A Photoeletric Study of U Cephei," 1980, M.S.
  2. Edward J. Michaels, "A Photometric Study of UV Lyncis," 1981, M.S.
  3. Randy L. Gann, "A Photometric Study of CK Boötis and V839 Ophiuchi," May, 1986, M.S.
  4. Thomas Young, "The Design and Construction of an Automated Spectrophotometer," 1986, M.S.
  5. John D. Mullikin, "Algorithm Development for Star Image Pattern Recognition," 1987, M.S.
  6. Paul D. Driskell, "Star Image Digitization and Recognition," 1989, M.S.
  7. Bruce A. Bacher, "A Photometric Study of AM Leonis," 1990, M.S.
  8. Rolando Branly, "A Photometric Study of AK Herculis and CN Andromedae," 1992, M.S.
  9. David Rosprim, "The Observation and Analysis of Lunar Occultations at the SFASU Observatory," 1993, M.S.
  10. Larry Luther, "A Photometric Study of the Eclipsing Binary System CK Boötis," 1997, M.S.
  11. Wm. Lee Powell, "CCD Photometry of Open Clusters," 1997, M.S.
  12. James E. Teel, "Lunar Occultation Studies Using the 1.04 m Telescope at the SFASU Observatory," 1998, M.S.

Thesis Titles - directed by Dr. Dan Bruton

  1. Carleton F. Stewart, "The Photometry and Astrometry of Minor Planets," 1999, M.S.
  2. Michael Johnson, "A Survey of the Radio Sky at the SFA Observatory,", 2003, M.S.
Other Graduate Courses

Applying for Graduate School

SFA Observatory