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ASTRONOMY (ASTR) 100 Level Courses Schedule Type: Lecture ASTR 103: Astronomy. 3 credits. Grading: Introduction to origin of life, Earth, and , , galaxies, This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale. (http:// quasars, nature of space radiation, and general theory of relativity. Note: catalog.gmu.edu/policies/academic/grading/) ASTR 103 with ASTR 112 or ASTR 114 can be used to fulfill a 4-credit lab science requirement. Not for majors. Offered by Physics & ASTR 114: Stars, Galaxies, and the Lab. 1 credit. Astronomy (http://catalog.gmu.edu/colleges-schools/science/physics- Laboratory course associated with ASTR 113. Notes: ASTR 113 and 114 astronomy/). Limited to three attempts. can be used to fulfill a 4-credit lab science requirement; not for physics majors. Offered by Physics & Astronomy (http://catalog.gmu.edu/ Mason Core: Natural Science Overview (http://catalog.gmu.edu/mason- colleges-schools/science/physics-astronomy/). Limited to three core/) attempts.

Schedule Type: Lecture Mason Core: Natural Science with Lab (http://catalog.gmu.edu/mason- Grading: core/) This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale. (http:// Schedule Type: Laboratory catalog.gmu.edu/policies/academic/grading/) Grading: ASTR 111: The . 3 credits. This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale. (http:// Topics include , evolution of the solar system, catalog.gmu.edu/policies/academic/grading/) properties of planets, scientific method, critical thinking, nature of light, and principles of telescope design. Notes: ASTR 111 and 112 can be ASTR 115: Finding New Worlds. 4 credits. used to fulfill a 4-credit lab science requirement; not for physics majors. Topics include the search for planets outside the solar system, and new Offered by Physics & Astronomy (http://catalog.gmu.edu/colleges- developments in the theory of solar system formation with an emphasis schools/science/physics-astronomy/). Limited to three attempts. on student-led investigation using public data sources. Notes: ASTR 115 can be used to fulfill a 4-credit lab science requirement; not for physics Mason Core: Natural Science with Lab, Natural Science Overview (http:// majors. Offered by Physics & Astronomy (http://catalog.gmu.edu/ catalog.gmu.edu/mason-core/) colleges-schools/science/physics-astronomy/). Limited to three Schedule Type: Lecture attempts.

Grading: Mason Core: Natural Science with Lab (http://catalog.gmu.edu/mason- This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale. (http:// core/) catalog.gmu.edu/policies/academic/grading/) Schedule Type: Laboratory, Lecture

ASTR 112: The Solar System Lab. 1 credit. Grading: Laboratory course associated with ASTR 111. Notes: ASTR 111 and 112 This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale. (http:// can be used to fulfill a 4-credit lab science requirement; not for physics catalog.gmu.edu/policies/academic/grading/) majors. Offered by Physics & Astronomy (http://catalog.gmu.edu/ colleges-schools/science/physics-astronomy/). Limited to three ASTR 124: Introduction to . 1 credit. attempts. Practical introduction to observational astronomy using the campus observatory. Introduces the basic principles of light, telescopes, Mason Core: Natural Science with Lab (http://catalog.gmu.edu/mason- astrophotography, and image analysis. Offered by Physics & Astronomy core/) (http://catalog.gmu.edu/colleges-schools/science/physics-astronomy/). Schedule Type: Laboratory Limited to three attempts.

Grading: Schedule Type: Laboratory This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale. (http:// Grading: catalog.gmu.edu/policies/academic/grading/) This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale. (http:// ASTR 113: Stars, Galaxies, and the Universe. 3 credits. catalog.gmu.edu/policies/academic/grading/) Topics include electromagnetic radiation, , , galaxies, , scientific method, and critical thinking. 200 Level Courses Notes: ASTR 113 and 114 can be used to fulfill a 4-credit lab science ASTR 210: Introduction to . 3 credits. requirement; not for physics majors. Offered by Physics & Astronomy Introduction to astrophysics for scientists. Topics include astronomical (http://catalog.gmu.edu/colleges-schools/science/physics-astronomy/). measurement, , electromagnetic radiation, stellar Limited to three attempts. structure and evolution, the interstellar medium, galaxies, and a selection of topics at the forefront of astrophysics including space physics, Mason Core: Natural Science with Lab, Natural Science Overview (http:// exoplanets, galaxies, and cosmology. Offered by Physics & Astronomy catalog.gmu.edu/mason-core/) 2 Astronomy (ASTR)

(http://catalog.gmu.edu/colleges-schools/science/physics-astronomy/). Schedule Type: Lecture Limited to three attempts. Grading: Registration Restrictions: This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale. (http:// Required Prerequisites: PHYS 160C, 170C or 160XS. catalog.gmu.edu/policies/academic/grading/) C Requires minimum grade of C. XS Requires minimum grade of XS. ASTR 328: Stars. 3 credits. Stellar structure and evolution; radiative transfer. Includes computational Schedule Type: Lecture work. Previous programming experience is not required, as it will be developed in the course, but it is helpful. Offered by Physics & Astronomy Grading: (http://catalog.gmu.edu/colleges-schools/science/physics-astronomy/). This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale. (http:// Limited to three attempts. catalog.gmu.edu/policies/academic/grading/) Registration Restrictions: 300 Level Courses Required Prerequisites: ((ASTR 210C or 210XS) and (PHYS 260C, 260XS or C ASTR 301: . 3 credits. 270 )). C Physical science perspective on origin and evolution of life on Earth Requires minimum grade of C. XS and how life, in turn, has significantly influenced Earth's evolution. Requires minimum grade of XS. Topics include origin of Earth, mechanisms and sites for origin of life, co- evolution of life and Earth's atmosphere, habitability of planets, and the Schedule Type: Lecture search for extraterrestrial life. Offered by Physics & Astronomy (http:// Grading: catalog.gmu.edu/colleges-schools/science/physics-astronomy/). Limited This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale. (http:// to three attempts. catalog.gmu.edu/policies/academic/grading/)

Recommended Prerequisite: MATH 108 or 113. ASTR 390: Topics in Astronomy. 1-4 credits. Schedule Type: Lecture Selected topics not covered in fixed-content courses. May be repeated for credit with permission of department if topics are different. Notes: Grading: May not be included for credit by physics majors in the 45 credits of This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale. (http:// physics courses required for BS degree, or in 31 credits of physics catalog.gmu.edu/policies/academic/grading/) courses required for BA degree. Offered by Physics & Astronomy (http:// catalog.gmu.edu/colleges-schools/science/physics-astronomy/). May be ASTR 302: Foundations of Cosmological Thought. 3 credits. repeated within the term for a maximum 9 credits. Examines scientific, historical, and philosophical foundations and development of cosmological thought from antiquity to the present. Specialized Designation: Topic Varies Emphasizes qualitative understanding of the development of cosmology concluding with the present concept of origin and evolution of universe. Schedule Type: Lecture Notes: No advanced background in mathematics or natural sciences Grading: required. This course does not satisfy elective-category requirements This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale. (http:// for the physics and astronomy majors. Offered by Physics & Astronomy catalog.gmu.edu/policies/academic/grading/) (http://catalog.gmu.edu/colleges-schools/science/physics-astronomy/). Limited to three attempts. 400 Level Courses Mason Core: Natural Science Overview (http://catalog.gmu.edu/mason- ASTR 401: Computer Simulation in Astronomy. 3 credits. core/) Techniques and methods to simulate astronomical phenomena using a computer. Examples taken from a wide variety of astronomical Schedule Type: Lecture phenomena, including radiation transfer in astrophysical objects, self-gravitating systems, hydrodynamics, and stellar models. Notes: Grading: Emphasizes hands-on projects. Offered by Physics & Astronomy (http:// This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale. (http:// catalog.gmu.edu/colleges-schools/science/physics-astronomy/). Limited catalog.gmu.edu/policies/academic/grading/) to three attempts.

ASTR 303: Black Holes. 3 credits. Registration Restrictions: Introduction to systems. Topics include qualitative Required Prerequisites: ((ASTR 210C or 210XS) and (PHYS 251C or understanding of in Newton's and Einstein's perspectives, 251XS)). stellar evolution and compact objects, characteristics of stellar and C Requires minimum grade of C. supermassive black holes, observational evidence of black holes from XS Requires minimum grade of XS. electromagnetic radiation and gravitational waves. Offered by Physics & Astronomy (http://catalog.gmu.edu/colleges-schools/science/physics- Schedule Type: Lecture astronomy/). Limited to three attempts. Grading: Mason Core: Natural Science Overview (http://catalog.gmu.edu/mason- This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale. (http:// core/) catalog.gmu.edu/policies/academic/grading/) Astronomy (ASTR) 3

ASTR 402: RS: Methods of Observational Astronomy. 4 credits. Grading: An introduction to the observational, statistical, and computational This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale. (http:// techniques used by observational . The course covers catalog.gmu.edu/policies/academic/grading/) some of the basic skills needed to pursue a career in astronomy and is designed around preparing for and executing an observational research ASTR 405: Honors Thesis in Astronomy I. 3 credits. project. Fulfills writing intensive requirement in the major. Offered by Project chosen and completed under the guidance of a faculty member, Physics & Astronomy (http://catalog.gmu.edu/colleges-schools/science/ resulting in a written thesis. An oral progress report is required for physics-astronomy/). Limited to three attempts. ASTR 405. Offered by Physics & Astronomy (http://catalog.gmu.edu/ colleges-schools/science/physics-astronomy/). Limited to three Mason Core: Capstone (http://catalog.gmu.edu/mason-core/) attempts.

Specialized Designation: Research/Scholarship Intensive, Writing Registration Restrictions: Intensive in Major Required Prerequisites: (((ASTR 210C or 210XS) and (ASTR 328C or 328XS)) or ASTR 402C, 402XS, PHYS 303C, 303XS, 305C or 305XS). Registration Restrictions: C Requires minimum grade of C. C XS C C Required Prerequisites: (PHYS 260 , 260 or 270 ) and (ASTR 124 XS Requires minimum grade of XS. or 124XS) and (ASTR 210C or 210XS) and ASTR 401*C and (ASTR 328C, 328XS, 403C, 420C, 420XS, 480C or 480XS). Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Astronomy. * May be taken concurrently. C Requires minimum grade of C. Schedule Type: Lecture XS Requires minimum grade of XS. Grading: Schedule Type: Laboratory, Lecture This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale. (http:// catalog.gmu.edu/policies/academic/grading/) Grading: This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale. (http:// ASTR 406: Honors Thesis in Astronomy II. 3 credits. catalog.gmu.edu/policies/academic/grading/) Project chosen and completed under the guidance of a faculty member, resulting in a written thesis. An oral progress report is required for ASTR 403: . 3 credits. ASTR 406. Offered by Physics & Astronomy (http://catalog.gmu.edu/ Introduction to the physics and of planets and their natural colleges-schools/science/physics-astronomy/). Limited to three satellites, asteroids, and comets. Topics include history of the solar attempts. system; origin and evolution of planets, their internal structure and atmospheres; and analytical techniques used in remote and in situ study. Registration Restrictions: C Offered by Physics & Astronomy (http://catalog.gmu.edu/colleges- Required Prerequisite: ASTR 405 . C schools/science/physics-astronomy/). Limited to three attempts. Requires minimum grade of C.

Registration Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Astronomy. Required Prerequisites: ((ASTR 210C or 210XS) and (PHYS 260C, 260XS or Schedule Type: Lecture 270C)). C Requires minimum grade of C. Grading: XS Requires minimum grade of XS. This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale. (http:// catalog.gmu.edu/policies/academic/grading/) Schedule Type: Lecture ASTR 408: Senior Research. 3 credits. Grading: Independent work under guidance of faculty member on research project This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale. (http:// in experimental, observational, or theoretical astronomy. Notes: Students catalog.gmu.edu/policies/academic/grading/) may not receive more than 6 credits of ASTR 408 and 409. Written report ASTR 404: Galaxies and Cosmology. 3 credits. on project required. May be taken twice with department permission. The structure of the Milky Way as the basis for our knowledge of Offered by Physics & Astronomy (http://catalog.gmu.edu/colleges- galaxies; the properties of galaxies from our local neighborhood out schools/science/physics-astronomy/). May be repeated within the to the youngest galaxies in the far distant universe; observational and degree for a maximum 6 credits. theoretical approaches to the structure and evolution of galaxies; the Registration Restrictions: basics of cosmology and the formation of structure in the universe. Required Prerequisites: (ASTR 210C or 210XS) and (ASTR 328C, 328XS, Computational tools introduced in ASTR 328 are developed further. 402C, 402XS, PHYS 303C, 303XS, 305C or 305XS). Offered by Physics & Astronomy (http://catalog.gmu.edu/colleges- C Requires minimum grade of C. schools/science/physics-astronomy/). Limited to three attempts. XS Requires minimum grade of XS. Registration Restrictions: Schedule Type: Research Required Prerequisites: (ASTR 328C or 328XS). C Requires minimum grade of C. Grading: XS Requires minimum grade of XS. This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale. (http:// catalog.gmu.edu/policies/academic/grading/) Schedule Type: Lecture 4 Astronomy (ASTR)

ASTR 409: Astronomy Internship. 3 credits. Recommended Prerequisite: PHYS 303, 305, 308; MATH 214. On-the-job experience for astronomy majors in industry or government laboratories, including summer research programs. Students work Registration Restrictions: in observational, experimental, or theoretical astronomy, and prepare Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, written report at end of internship. Notes: See department for other Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus. requirements and application procedure prior to enrollment. Students Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Non-Degree or Undergraduate level may not receive more than 6 credits of ASTR 408 and 409. Offered by students. Physics & Astronomy (http://catalog.gmu.edu/colleges-schools/science/ physics-astronomy/). Limited to three attempts. Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.

Registration Restrictions: Schedule Type: Lecture Required Prerequisites: (ASTR 210C or 210XS) and (ASTR 328C, 328XS, 402C, 402XS, PHYS 303C, 303XS, 305C or 305XS). Grading: C Requires minimum grade of C. This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale. (http:// XS Requires minimum grade of XS. catalog.gmu.edu/policies/academic/grading/)

Schedule Type: Internship ASTR 590: Selected Topics in Astronomy and Astrophysics. 1-6 credits. Advanced topics from recent theoretical or observational developments Grading: and their applications. Satisfies needs of professional community to keep This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale. (http:// abreast of current developments. Offered by Physics & Astronomy (http:// catalog.gmu.edu/policies/academic/grading/) catalog.gmu.edu/colleges-schools/science/physics-astronomy/). May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 6 credits. ASTR 420: Exoplanets. 3 credits. Survey of exoplanet science. Topics include techniques for detecting and Specialized Designation: Topic Varies characterizing exoplanets, including their composition, atmospheres, and demographics. Offered by Physics & Astronomy (http://catalog.gmu.edu/ Recommended Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. colleges-schools/science/physics-astronomy/). Limited to three attempts. Registration Restrictions: Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Registration Restrictions: Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus. Required Prerequisites: (ASTR 210C or 210XS). C Requires minimum grade of C. Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Non-Degree or Undergraduate level XS Requires minimum grade of XS. students.

Schedule Type: Lecture Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.

Grading: Schedule Type: Lecture This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale. (http:// Grading: catalog.gmu.edu/policies/academic/grading/) This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale. (http:// ASTR 480: The Interstellar Medium. 3 credits. catalog.gmu.edu/policies/academic/grading/) Physical processes in the interstellar medium. Topics include the production and transfer of radiation, ionization and recombination, 600 Level Courses atomic and molecular excitation, dust physics, gas heating and ASTR 601: Computer Simulation in Astronomy. 3 credits. cooling, and formation. Offered by Physics & Astronomy (http:// Techniques and methods to simulate astronomical phenomena using catalog.gmu.edu/colleges-schools/science/physics-astronomy/). Limited a computer. Examples taken from a wide variety of astronomical to three attempts. phenomena, including radiation transfer in astrophysical objects, self- gravitating systems, hydrodynamics, and stellar models. Offered by Registration Restrictions: Physics & Astronomy (http://catalog.gmu.edu/colleges-schools/science/ Required Prerequisites: ((ASTR 210C or 210XS) and (PHYS 260C, 260XS or physics-astronomy/). May not be repeated for credit. 270C)). C Requires minimum grade of C. Recommended Prerequisite: ASTR 210, PHYS 251 XS Requires minimum grade of XS. Registration Restrictions: Schedule Type: Lecture Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus. Grading: This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale. (http:// Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll. catalog.gmu.edu/policies/academic/grading/) Schedule Type: Lecture

500 Level Courses Grading: ASTR 532: Phys Interplanetary Med. 3 credits. This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale. (http:// Offered by Physics & Astronomy (http://catalog.gmu.edu/colleges- catalog.gmu.edu/policies/academic/grading/) schools/science/physics-astronomy/). May not be repeated for credit. Astronomy (ASTR) 5

ASTR 602: Methods of Observational Astronomy. 4 credits. Schedule Type: Lecture An introduction to the observational, statistical, and computational techniques used by observational astronomers. The course covers Grading: some of the basic skills needed to pursue a career in astronomy and is This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale. (http:// designed around preparing for and executing an observational research catalog.gmu.edu/policies/academic/grading/) project. Offered by Physics & Astronomy (http://catalog.gmu.edu/ ASTR 620: Exoplanets. 3 credits. colleges-schools/science/physics-astronomy/). May not be repeated for Survey of exoplanet science. Topics include techniques for detecting and credit. characterizing exoplanets, including their composition, atmospheres, and Registration Restrictions: demographics. Offered by Physics & Astronomy (http://catalog.gmu.edu/ Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, colleges-schools/science/physics-astronomy/). May not be repeated for Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus. credit.

Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Non-Degree or Undergraduate level Registration Restrictions: students. Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus. Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll. Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll. Schedule Type: Laboratory, Lecture Schedule Type: Lecture Grading: This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale. (http:// Grading: catalog.gmu.edu/policies/academic/grading/) This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale. (http:// catalog.gmu.edu/policies/academic/grading/) ASTR 603: Planetary Sciences. 3 credits. Offered by Physics & Astronomy (http://catalog.gmu.edu/colleges- ASTR 660: Plasma Physics for Space and Astrophysics. 3 credits. schools/science/physics-astronomy/). May not be repeated for credit. Offered by Physics & Astronomy (http://catalog.gmu.edu/colleges- schools/science/physics-astronomy/). May not be repeated for credit. Recommended Prerequisite: ASTR 210, PHYS 260. Equivalent to PHYS 660.

Registration Restrictions: Recommended Prerequisite: PHYS 305 Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus. Registration Restrictions: Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Non-Degree or Undergraduate level Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus. students. Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Non-Degree or Undergraduate level Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll. students.

Schedule Type: Lecture Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.

Grading: Schedule Type: Lecture This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale. (http:// catalog.gmu.edu/policies/academic/grading/) Grading: This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale. (http:// ASTR 604: Galaxies and Cosmology. 3 credits. catalog.gmu.edu/policies/academic/grading/) The structure of the Milky Way as the basis for our knowledge of galaxies; the properties of galaxies from our local neighborhood out ASTR 680: Physics of Interstellar Media. 3 credits. to the youngest galaxies in the far distant universe; observational and Physical processes in the interstellar media. Topics include the theoretical approaches to the structure and evolution of galaxies; the production and transfer of radiation, ionization and recombination, basics of cosmology and the formation of structure in the universe. atomic and molecular excitation, dust physics, gas heating and Offered by Physics & Astronomy (http://catalog.gmu.edu/colleges- cooling, and star formation. Offered by Physics & Astronomy (http:// schools/science/physics-astronomy/). May not be repeated for credit. catalog.gmu.edu/colleges-schools/science/physics-astronomy/). May not be repeated for credit. Recommended Prerequisite: ASTR 328 and MATH 214. Recommended Prerequisite: PHYS 402 or permission of instructor. Recommended Corequisite: PHYS 308. Registration Restrictions: Registration Restrictions: Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus. Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus. Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Non-Degree or Undergraduate level Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Non-Degree or Undergraduate level students. students. Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll. Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll. 6 Astronomy (ASTR)

Schedule Type: Lecture techniques and observations. Offered by Physics & Astronomy (http:// catalog.gmu.edu/colleges-schools/science/physics-astronomy/). May Grading: not be repeated for credit. This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale. (http:// catalog.gmu.edu/policies/academic/grading/) Recommended Prerequisite: PHYS 502 and 513, and ASTR 530; or permission of instructor. 700 Level Courses ASTR 730: Stellar Astrophysics. 3 credits. Registration Restrictions: Survey of contemporary astrophysics. Topics include physical concepts, Enrollment is limited to Graduate or Non-Degree level students. stellar spectra, Hertzsprung-Russell diagram, stellar atmospheres, Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll. stellar structure, interstellar , stellar evolution, high-energy phenomena, hydrodynamical processes in astrophysics, accretion disk Schedule Type: Lecture formation, and shock formation. Offered by Physics & Astronomy (http:// catalog.gmu.edu/colleges-schools/science/physics-astronomy/). May Grading: not be repeated for credit. This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale. (http:// catalog.gmu.edu/policies/academic/grading/) Recommended Prerequisite: MATH 214, PHYS 303, 305, 308. ASTR 790: Topics in Astronomy and Astrophysics. 1-6 credits. Registration Restrictions: Topics from recent theoretical or observational developments and Enrollment is limited to Graduate or Non-Degree level students. applications not covered in fixed-content astronomy and astrophysics courses. Notes: Satisfies need of professional community to keep Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll. abreast of current developments. Offered by Physics & Astronomy (http:// Schedule Type: Lecture catalog.gmu.edu/colleges-schools/science/physics-astronomy/). May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 6 credits. Grading: This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale. (http:// Specialized Designation: Topic Varies catalog.gmu.edu/policies/academic/grading/) Registration Restrictions: ASTR 764: Computational Astrophysics. 3 credits. Enrollment is limited to Graduate or Non-Degree level students. Covers statistical mechanics concepts important in astrophysics. Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll. Presents unified approach to particle acceleration and interaction theory based on analytical and of Boltzmann and Liouville Schedule Type: Lecture equations. Discusses computational methods relevant to particle transport problems, with emphasis on Fokker-lanck and Monte Carlo Grading: solution techniques. Applications from space sciences include studies of This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale. (http:// acceleration, photon comptonization, particle transport in the catalog.gmu.edu/policies/academic/grading/) near-Earth environment, energy transport in stellar atmospheres, and self- ASTR 796: Directed Reading and Research. 1-12 credits. gravitating system dynamics. Offered by Physics & Astronomy (http:// Reading and research on a specific topic in astronomy, astrophysics, catalog.gmu.edu/colleges-schools/science/physics-astronomy/). May or related field under direction of faculty member. Offered by Physics & not be repeated for credit. Equivalent to CSI 764. Astronomy (http://catalog.gmu.edu/colleges-schools/science/physics- Recommended Prerequisite: ASTR 530. astronomy/). May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 12 credits. Registration Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Graduate or Non-Degree level students. Recommended Prerequisite: Admission to masters program and permission of instructor. Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll. Registration Restrictions: Schedule Type: Lecture Enrollment is limited to Graduate or Non-Degree level students.

Grading: Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll. This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale. (http:// catalog.gmu.edu/policies/academic/grading/) Schedule Type: Research

ASTR 765: High-Energy and Accretion Astrophysics. 3 credits. Grading: Overview of the field of atomic and , including nuclear This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale. (http:// reactions of use to high-energy astrophysics. Discusses radiation catalog.gmu.edu/policies/academic/grading/) processes in cosmic plasmas emphasizing quantum mechanical ASTR 798: Research Project. 3 credits. calculations; stellar evolution and ; computational Research project chosen and completed under the guidance of a models of stellar evolution; binary stars and accretion disks; numerical graduate faculty member resulting in an acceptable technical report. models of the structure of accretion disks; compact stars, white dwarfs, Offered by Physics & Astronomy (http://catalog.gmu.edu/colleges- neutron stars, and black holes; acceleration processes and cosmic schools/science/physics-astronomy/). May be repeated within the rays; interstellar medium and propagation of cosmic rays; high-energy degree for a maximum 6 credits. processes in the center of galaxies; and ground- and space-based Astronomy (ASTR) 7

Recommended Prerequisite: Nine graduate credits or permission of catalog.gmu.edu/colleges-schools/science/physics-astronomy/). May be instructor. repeated within the degree for a maximum 24 credits.

Registration Restrictions: Recommended Prerequisite: Admission to doctoral candidacy in Physics Enrollment is limited to Graduate or Non-Degree level students. PhD program and permission of advisor.

Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll. Registration Restrictions: Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy. Schedule Type: Thesis Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students. Grading: This course is graded on the Satisfactory/No Credit scale. (http:// Schedule Type: Dissertation catalog.gmu.edu/policies/academic/grading/) Grading: ASTR 799: Master's Thesis. 1-6 credits. This course is graded on the Satisfactory/No Credit scale. (http:// Research project chosen and completed under guidance of graduate catalog.gmu.edu/policies/academic/grading/) faculty member resulting in acceptable technical report and oral defense acceptable to three-faculty-member thesis committee. Offered by Physics & Astronomy (http://catalog.gmu.edu/colleges-schools/science/physics- astronomy/). May be repeated within the degree.

Recommended Prerequisite: 9 graduate credits and permission of instructor.

Registration Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Graduate or Non-Degree level students.

Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.

Schedule Type: Thesis

Grading: This course is graded on the Satisfactory/No Credit scale. (http:// catalog.gmu.edu/policies/academic/grading/) 900 Level Courses ASTR 998: Doctoral Dissertation Proposal. 1-12 credits. Covers development of a research proposal under the guidance of a dissertation director and the doctoral committee. The proposal forms the basis for the doctoral dissertation. Notes: Note: No more than 24 credits in ASTR/PHYS 998 and ASTR/PHYS 999 may be applied toward satisfying doctoral degree requirements in the physics PhD program. Out of the 24, no more than 12 credits of ASTR/PHYS 998 may be applied. Offered by Physics & Astronomy (http://catalog.gmu.edu/colleges- schools/science/physics-astronomy/). May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 21 credits.

Recommended Prerequisite: Admission to the Physics doctoral program, and permission of advisor.

Registration Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

Schedule Type: Dissertation

Grading: This course is graded on the Satisfactory/No Credit scale. (http:// catalog.gmu.edu/policies/academic/grading/)

ASTR 999: Doctoral Dissertation. 1-12 credits. Doctoral research performed under direction of dissertation director. Notes: No more than 24 credits in ASTR/PHYS 998 and ASTR/PHYS 999 may be applied toward satisfying doctoral degree requirements in the physics PhD program. Offered by Physics & Astronomy (http://