Astronomy/Physics

Contact Information

Website: www.uis.edu/astronomy-physics
Email: asp@uis.edu
Office Phone: (217) 206-6589
Office Location: HSB 314

Degree Opportunities

Students with an interest in Astronomy/Physics and who want to earn a related degree are encouraged to consider B.A. degrees offered by Mathematical Sciences, Chemistry, or Computer Science. Each of those are related subjects that allow for opportunities to satisfy B.A. degree requirements with research or directed study in Astronomy/Physics.

Thematic Activity

The Astronomy-Physics option provides courses and laboratory work in astronomy and physics. Facilities feature an on-campus astronomical observatory with a 14-inch Schmidt-Cassegrainian telescope, 8-inch Newtonian telescope, 3-inch comets telescope and an eight-inch fixed focal point telescope for persons with disabilities. A 20-inch telescope and a 16-inch telescope are installed under dark skies at a site remote from the campus. They are used for training advanced students and for research work in photometry and spectroscopy. Opportunities are provided for students to do research with Astronomy-Physics faculty.

EHS HDC Admissions
Degree Program	Program Type	Dept Application Materials and Admission Criteria	Prerequisite Course Requirements	Department ADM Review	Dept Conditional Admits	Dept Appeal Process
Astronomy/Physics - Thematic Activity		Courses are open to undergraduate and master’s degree students. In 400-level courses, however, graduate students are expected to do additional work, including reading selected primary sources and, when appropriate, completing additional observatory/laboratory work.	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Courses

ASP 101. Solar Systems and Planets. 3 Hours.

A classic introductory astronomy course that is a descriptive introduction to modern concepts of the physical nature of the astronomical universe for non-science majors. Topics include methods of scientific inquiry, astronomical instrumentation, our solar system, the planets, and extra-solar planets and other solar systems. Course Information: This course fulfills a general education requirement at UIS in the area of Physical Science without a Lab (IAI Code: P1 906).

ASP 102. Stars and Galaxies. 3 Hours.

A classic introductory astronomy course and descriptive introduction to modern concepts of the physical universe for non-science majors. Topics include methods of scientific inquiry, telescopes, relativity and modern physics, the Sun, stars, galaxies, and the greater universe. Course Information: ASP 101 is NOT a prerequisite for this course. This course fulfills a general education requirement at UIS in the area of Physical Science without a Lab (IAI Code: P1 906).

ASP 103. Practical Astronomy Lab. 1 Hour.

Intro to methods for conducting experiments in astronomy: navigating the sky, motions of the Sun and Moon, photometry, digital imaging-with a goal of developing skills to be a productive contributor to citizen science. Combine with another gen ed astronomy course to fulfill required hours of physical science with lab gen ed requirement. Course Information: This course fulfills a general education requirement at UIS in the area of Physical Science with a Lab.

ASP 104. Introduction to Physical Science. 3 Hours.

An introduction to physics, geology, and astronomy and the relationship of each to the other. Emphasis on critical thinking skills and problem-solving techniques using both computer-based and laboratory activities. Course Information: This course fulfills a general education requirement at UIS in the area of Physical Science without a Lab.

ASP 191. College Physics I. 4 Hours.

Algebra based lectures and laboratories in kinematics; Newton's Laws; work and energy; conservation of linear momentum; angular momentum; rotational dynamics; simple harmonic motion, and waves. Course Information: Prerequisites: College Algebra. This course fulfills a general education requirement at UIS in the area of Physical Science with a Lab.

ASP 192. College Physics II. 4 Hours.

Algebra-based lectures and laboratories in fluids; the laws of thermodynamics; ideal gases and thermal properties; kinetic theory of gases; electricity and magnetism; electrostatic induction; geometric optics; wave properties of light and selected topics in modern physics. Course Information: Prerequisites: ASP 191 or ASP 201.

ASP 201. University Physics I. 4 Hours.

Calculus based lectures and laboratories in kinematics; Newton's Laws; work and energy; conservation of linear momentum; angular momentum; rotational dynamics; gravitation; fluids; simple harmonic motion, and waves. Course Information: Prerequisites: MAT 115 or equivalent course or placement. This course fulfills a general education requirement at UIS in the area of Physical Science with a Lab (IAI Code: P2 900L).

ASP 202. University Physics II. 4 Hours.

Calculus based lectures and laboratories in the laws of thermodynamics; ideal gases and thermal properties; kinetic theory of gases; electricity and magnetism; electrostatic induction; geometric optics; wave properties of light and selected topics in modern physics. Course Information: Prerequisites: ASP 201.

ASP 221. Introduction to Cosmology. 3 Hours.

The scientific study of the origins and evolution of our universe: how the universe began, how it has evolved, and what its future may be. Topics: physics according to Galileo, Newton, & Einstein, relativity, black holes, the expanding universe, scientific models for our universe, the Big Bang, the origins of matter, energy, dark matter and dark energy, and how human society and culture has affected and been affected by our understanding of our place in our universe. Course Information: This course fulfills a general education requirement at UIS in the area of Physical Science without a lab.

ASP 303. Modern Astronomy. 4 Hours.

Quantitative approach to the solar system, astrophysics, and stellar systems.

ASP 410. Research. 1-4 Hours.

Investigation of a specific problem in astronomy-physics of interest to the student and instructor. Course Information: May be repeated with approval.