CHEM 439: SPECIAL TOPICS: ASTROPHYSICAL CHEMISTRY
Catalog Description (for all Special Topics Courses): An advanced study in one of the following fields: Inorganic, Organic, Analytical, Polymer, Physical, or Biochemistry.
Basically, this is an Astronomy course geared towards Science and Engineering majors, which meets the requirement for the three-hour Chemistry elective which a number of these students need to have. This course can also be used as a free elective or even as an extra course.
Prerequisites by Topic:
Math Prerequisites: Some calculus will be used, depending upon the actual background of the class. Typical algebraic calculations will include the determination of escape velocity from a planet, the event horizon of a black hole, the velocities of various molecules at given temperatures, distances to stars when absolute and visual magnitudes are known (which involves the use of logarithms), and the probability of life elsewhere in the Universe.
Other Prerequisites: The only official prerequisites are Physics 150 or Physics 201, and Chemistry 114. Junior standing is recommended in order to make the most of the "capstone" aspect of the course. Either requirement may be waived by the instructor.
Goals: Astronomy has often been thought of as the best subject in which to teach the scientific method, even to non-science majors. In this course, Astronomy is used as the framework upon which to hang many other topics; every opportunity is 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 is a "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.
Textbook: ASTRONOMY: From the Earth to the Universe (5th Edition) by Jay M. Pasachoff. Recommended: A Short Course in Astronomy by William J. Busler (Memphis Astronomical Society).
Major Topics: The course follows a traditional approach to Astronomy, and includes the following topics: 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, and cosmology.
Attendance and punctuality are required.
Three tests, three take-home special projects, and a comprehensive final examination will be administered.
Several optional night viewing sessions will be held.