Christian Brothers University
CHEM 439 Departmental Syllabus
SPECIAL TOPICS: ASTROPHYSICAL CHEMISTRY

Catalog Data (Special Topics) An advanced study in one of the following fields: Inorganic, Organic, Analytical, Polymer, Physical, or Biochemistry.
Prerequisite: PHYS 150 or 201; CHEM 114.
Textbooks

ASTRONOMY: From the Earth to the Universe; 5th edition by Jay M. Pasachoff.
Recommended: A Short Course in Astronomy by William J. Busler (MAS).

Prerequisite by topics: algebra, logarithms
Calculator Policy  
Goals Astronomy has often been thought of as the best subject in which to teach the scientific method, even to non-science majors. This will be much more than an Astronomy course! Astronomy will be used as the framework upon which to hang many other topics; every opportunity will be taken to incorporate, review, and expand upon the student's previous knowledge from the fields of chemistry, physics, biology, mathematics, history, and even philosophy, music and religion. In other words, this should be an excellent "capstone" course for science and engineering students, a true interdisciplinary adventure. It is hoped that Astrophysical Chemistry will not only provide perspective and depth to knowledge acquired before and during the course, but might also lead to a lifelong interest in the area of Astronomy.
Syllabus
Topic Sections Classes
An overview of the universe    
The sky and the earth    
The early history of astronomy    
Light and telescopes    
The origin and evolution of the solar system    
Life in the universe    
The nature and evolution of stars, supernovae, neutron stars, pulsars, black holes,    
The Milky Way and other galaxies    
Interstellar molecules    
Quasars    
Cosmology    
Exams  
Review for Final 1
Total 42
Final Exam  
Resources
Attendance  
Coordinator Dr. William J. Busler
Computer Useage



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