Astronomy

Faculty List

P. Artymowicz, M.Sc. (Warsaw University), Ph.D. (N. Copernicus Astron. Center, Polish Academy of Sciences), Professor
C.C. Dyer, B.Sc. (Bishop's), M.Sc., Ph.D. (Toronto), Professor
J.P. Lowman, B.Sc. (Toronto), M.Sc., Ph.D. (York, Canada), Associate Professor
G. Lorincz, B.Sc., M.Sc. (Toronto), Senior Lecturer
S. Tawfiq, B.Sc., M.Sc. (Al-Mustansiriyah), Ph.D. (Trieste, Italy), Senior Lecturer
J. Bayer Carpintero, B.Sc. (Los Andes, Bogota), M.Sc., Ph.D. (Toronto), Lecturer

Astronomy is at the same time one of the oldest and one of the most dynamic areas of science. It is the attempt to understand the environment in which humanity developed, from the solar system in which we find our direct and recent origins, to the largest distance scales in the universe typified by quasars and the big bang, in which we must search for the very origins of structure ranging from the solar system to the largest structures, such as large clusters of galaxies and cosmic voids. The past four decades have seen startling discoveries, such as the cosmic microwave background radiation, that have given us both new understanding of the universe and made us more aware of the problems still facing us in attaining a deeper understanding. The last decade has witnessed an explosion in the number of known planets, with more than five hundred already discovered in orbit around other stars in our Galaxy. In addition there has recently been a significant trend towards the integration of many of the ideas of modern high energy physics into astronomy, with particularly interesting developments concerning ideas about the very first seconds in the evolution of our universe. As more planets are discovered there promises to be an even stronger collaborative effort with disciplines such as chemistry and biology to discover the possible origins of life.

The full range of modern astronomical topics is covered in the introductory courses ASTA01H3 and ASTA02H3 at a level suitable for students without mathematical background. In addition, the course ASTB03H3 is intended for students who have taken no previous astronomy, and covers the history of modern astronomy. It is intended to provide a historical perspective on modern astronomy, and by example, an introduction to the evolution of a number of modern scientific areas. For students wishing to further their study in astronomy, there are a number of higher level courses, which are integral components of Major and Specialist programs in Physics and Astrophysics, and related areas. Refer to the Physics and Astrophysics section of this Calendar for details of these courses and these programs.

Science Engagement Course
For science experiential learning through community outreach, classroom in-reach and team research, please see the Science Engagement section of this Calendar.

MAJOR PROGRAM IN ASTROPHYSICS AND PHYSICS (SCIENCE)

See the Physics and Astrophysics section of this Calendar for program requirements.

SPECIALIST PROGRAM IN NATURAL SCIENCES (SCIENCE)

See the Physical Sciences section of this Calendar for program requirements.

SPECIALIST PROGRAM IN PHYSICAL AND MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES (SCIENCE)

See the Physical Sciences section of this Calendar for program requirements.

SPECIALIST PROGRAM IN PHYSICS AND ASTROPHYSICS (SCIENCE)

See the Physics and Astrophysics section of this Calendar for program requirements.

MINOR PROGRAM IN ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS (SCIENCE)

Supervisor: J. Bayer Carpintero (416-287-7327) Email: jbayer@utsc.utoronto.ca

Program Requirements:
Students must complete 5.0 full credits as follows:

ASTB23H3 Astrophysics of Stars, Galaxies and the Universe
PHYA10H3 Introduction to Physics IA
PHYA21H3 Introduction to Physics IIA
MATA30H3 Calculus I for Biological and Physical Sciences
MATA23H3 Linear Algebra I
[MATA36H3 Calculus II for Physical Sciences or MATA37H3 Calculus II for Mathematical Sciences]
ASTC25H3 Astrophysics of Planetary Systems
MATB41H3 Techniques of the Calculus of Several Variables I
MATB42H3 Techniques of the Calculus of Several Variables II
[ASTD01H3 Astrophysics Research Project or ASTD02H3 Supervised Reading in Astrophysics Or any other AST C- or D-level course]

ASTA01H3 Introduction to Astronomy and Astrophysics I: The Sun and Planets
The solar neighbourhood provides examples of astronomical bodies that can be studied by both ground-based and space vehicle based-observational instruments. The astronomical bodies studied range from cold and rocky planets and asteroids to extremely hot and massive bodies, as represented by the sun. This course considers astronomical bodies and their evolution, as well as basic parts of physics, chemistry, etc., required to observe them and understand their structure. The course is suitable for both science and non-science students.
Exclusion: AST101H
Breadth Requirement: Natural Sciences

ASTA02H3 Introduction to Astronomy and Astrophysics II: Beyond the Sun and Planets
This course uses the basis developed in ASTA01H3 to extend consideration to all stars, galaxies and the universe. The structure and evolution of stars and galaxies is considered, with our own galaxy, the Milky Way, providing the opportunity for detailed study of a well-observed system. Even this system challenges us with many unanswered questions, and the number of questions increases with further study of the universe and its large-scale character. Current models and methods of study of the universe will be considered. The course is suitable for both science and non-science students.
Prerequisite: ASTA01H3
Exclusion: AST121H, AST201H
Breadth Requirement: Natural Sciences

ASTB03H3 Great Moments in Astronomy
An examination of the people, the background and the events associated with some major advances in astronomy. Emphasis is given to the role of a few key individuals and to how their ideas have revolutionized our understanding of nature and the Universe. The perspective gained is used to assess current astronomical research and its impact on society.
Prerequisite: 4.0 full credits
Exclusion: AST210H
Breadth Requirement: Natural Sciences

ASTB23H3 Astrophysics of Stars, Galaxies and the Universe
Overview of astrophysics (except planetary astrophysics). Appropriate level for science students. Structure and evolution of stars, white dwarfs, neutron stars. Structure of Milky Way. Classification of galaxies. Potential theory, rotation curves, orbits, dark matter. Spiral patterns. Galaxy clusters. Mergers. Black holes in active galactic nuclei. Expansion of universe, dark energy.
Prerequisite: MATA30H3 & [MATA363H or MATA37H3] & PHYA21H3
Corequisite: MATB41H3
Exclusion: (ASTB21H3), (ASTC22H3), [AST221H & AST222H]
Breadth Requirement: Natural Sciences

ASTC25H3 Astrophysics of Planetary Systems
Overview of planetary astrophysics at a level appropriate for science students. Planets as a by-product of star formation: theory and observations. Protostellar/protoplanetary disks. Planetesimal and planet formation. Solar system versus extrasolar planetary systems. Giant planets, terrestrial planets, dwarf planets and minor bodies in the Solar System: interiors and environments.
Prerequisite: MATB41H3 & PHYA21H3
Corequisite: MATB42H3
Exclusion: (ASTB21H3), (ASTC22H3)
Breadth Requirement: Natural Sciences

ASTD01H3 Astrophysics Research Project
An application of individual effort to reading and research on a topic of current interest. The student will research on some topic of current interest in astrophysics and write a report ("minithesis") on his or her work. The student is expected to gain an appreciation of the current state of knowledge about a particular topic of astrophysical interest and to become familiar with the basic methods of research. The topic will be selected by one of the instructors in consultation with the student. The bibliography is dependent upon the topic selected. Students are advised that they must obtain consent from the supervising instructor before registering for this course.
Prerequisite: ASTB23H3, ASTC25H3, 14.0 completed
FCE's, cumulative GPA of at least 2.5, and permission from the coordinator.
Exclusion: AST425H, (ASTC01H3)

ASTD02H3 Supervised Reading in Astrophysics
An individual study program chosen by the student with the advice of, and under the direction of a faculty member. A student may take advantage of this course either to specialize further in a field of interest or to explore interdisciplinary fields not available in the regular syllabus.
Prerequisite: 14.0 credits, cumulative GPA of at least 2.5, and permission from the coordinator.
Exclusion: AST425H
Breadth Requirement: Natural Sciences

Tomorrow is created here.

University of Toronto Scarborough