University of Toronto at Scarborough 2001/2002 Calendar
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(B.Sc.)
Discipline Representative: C.C. Dyer (416-287-7206)
Astronomy is at the same time one of the oldest and one of the most dynamic areas of science. It is basically 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 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 quarter century has 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 further understanding. 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.
The full range of modern astronomical topics is
covered in the introductory course ASTA03Y. For students wishing
to further their study in astronomy, there are a number of B-level
courses, which are integral components of a number of the Physical
Sciences Specialist Programs. In addition, the course ASTB03S
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.
Please refer to the Physical Sciences Scarborough
preamble on page 148 for a list of the Programs offered. Students
interested in Programs which involve Astronomy are referred to
Physics and Its Applications on page 153 and Physical and Mathematical
Sciences on page 149.
Supervisors: C.C. Dyer, M.J.G. Lee
The Specialist Program in Astronomy, Mathematics
and Physics has been withdrawn. Students currently registered
will be allowed to complete the Program (refer to 1995/96 calendar
for requirements).
A description of the solar system, sun, stars, galaxies and other phenomena of the Cosmos in which we live.
In this course, the mechanisms which make our sun and other stars shine are explained, and the nature and evolution of our solar system, star systems, galaxies and the Universe as a whole are discussed in a manner suitable for both the science and non- science student. Methods and techniques for exploring the Universe are described, including the recent use of radio telescopes and telescopes on spacecraft. Two lectures and one tutorial per week. This is supplemented by a planetarium demonstration and a class trip to the David Dunlap Observatory. Using the College's 12 inch Questar telescope, students also have an opportunity to observe and to photograph heavenly bodies if they wish.
Two hours of lecture per week and a one hour tutorial per week.
Exclusion: AST101, 121, 201, 221
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. Implications of the revised outlook are also discussed. The course will focus on: the first measurement of stellar distances; the prediction of the existence of Neptune; the discovery of the nature of stars; the proof of the existence of "island universes"; the birth of the theory of stellar structure; the detection of the cosmic fireball; and the expansion of the Universe. The perspective gained is used to assess current astronomical research and its impact on society.
The course is intended primarily for students not in Physical Science who, in their second or higher years, wish to acquire an understanding of the origins and significance of our present world view. A term paper dealing in detail with an aspect of one of the topics is required.
Two hours of lecture per week and a one hour drop-in session.
Exclusion: AST210
Prerequisite: Four full-course equivalents
The application of physical principles to study the structure and evolution of astrophysical bodies, particularly planets and stars and their locale and motion in the universe.
The structure of astrophysical bodies such as planets and stars using the principles of physics will be considered. The motion of these bodies can usually be described using Kepler's laws of planetary motion, which will be considered as a consequence of Newtonian gravitation's inverse square force law. The use of the Euler-Lagrange equations to describe such mechanical systems will be considered.
Two hours of lecture per week and a one hour tutorial per week.
Exclusion: ASTB21H & ASTC50H & ASTC51H & AST221
Prerequisite: ASTA03Y & MATA26Y & PHYA21H
Corequisite: MATB41H
The study of the structure of the Galaxy and other galaxies, and the place of galaxies, clusters of galaxies, and other large-scale systems, in the Universe, using the principles of physics and mathematics.
Building on the knowledge of the structure of individual astrophysical bodies, their place in successively larger scale systems in the Universe, such as star clusters, galaxies, and clusters of galaxies, will be considered. This will lead to the consideration of the Universe as a whole system. Questions concerning the possible origins of structure in the Universe, its final end-sate, and related topics in cosmology will conclude the course.
Two hours of lecture per week and a one hour tutorial per week.
Exclusion: ASTB21H & ASTC50H & ASTC51H & AST222
Prerequisite: ASTB21H & MATB41H
Corequisite: MATB42H
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. Formal lectures are replaced by regular consultation between the student and instructor. It is expected that at least 80 hours of work will be done during the year, following which the mini-thesis will be submitted to the instructor. For more detailed information see Professors Dyer or Kronberg. 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.
Exclusion: AST425
Prerequisite: [ASTA03Y or AST323] & PHYB21H &
permission of the instructor
University of Toronto at Scarborough 2001/2002 Calendar
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