Undergraduate Courses
Fall 2022 Course Offerings
The following is a list of all undergraduate courses offered in the Yale Department of Astronomy for Fall 2022.
For more detailed information, including syllabus, video introductions, or to search for course listings by semester, please use Yale Course Search.
ASTR 040 - Expanding Ideas of Time and Space
Discussions on astronomy, and the nature of time and space. Topics include the shape and contents of the universe, special and general relativity, dark and light matter, and dark energy. Observations and ideas fundamental to astronomers’ current model of an expanding and accelerating four-dimensional universe.
Enrollment limited to first-year students. Preregistration required; see under First-Year Seminar Program.
ASTR 110 - Planets and Stars
Astronomy introduction to stars and planetary systems. Topics include the solar system and extrasolar planets, planet and stellar formation, and the evolution of stars from birth to death.
No prerequisite other than a working knowledge of elementary algebra.
ASTR 155 - Introduction to Astronomical Observing
A hands-on introduction to techniques used in astronomy to observe astronomical objects. Observations of planets, stars, and galaxies using on-campus facilities and remote observing with Yale’s research telescopes. Use of electronic detectors and computer-aided data processing.
Evening laboratory hours required. One previous college-level science laboratory or astronomy course recommended.
ASTR 160 - Frontiers and Controversies in Astrophysics
A detailed study of three fundamental areas in astrophysics that are currently subjects of intense research and debate: planetary systems around stars other than the sun; pulsars, black holes, and the relativistic effects associated with them; and the age and ultimate fate of the universe.
No prerequisite other than a working knowledge of elementary algebra.
ASTR 255 - Research Methods in Astrophysics
An introduction to research methods in astronomy and astrophysics. The acquisition and analysis of astrophysical data, including the design and use of ground- and space-based telescopes, computational manipulation of digitized images and spectra, and confrontation of data with theoretical models. Examples taken from current research at Yale and elsewhere. Use of the Python programming language.
Prerequisite: background in high school calculus and physics. No previous programming experience required.
ASTR 310 - Galactic and Extragalactic Astronomy
Structure of the Milky Way galaxy and other galaxies; stellar populations and star clusters in galaxies; gas and star formation in galaxies; the evolution of galaxies; galaxies and their large-scale environment; galaxy mergers and interactions; supermassive black holes and active galactic nuclei.
Prerequisites: MATH 115, PHYS 201, and ASTR 210 or 220, or equivalents, or with permission of instructor.
ASTR 343 - Gravity, Astrophysics, and Cosmology
Introduction to frontier areas of research in astrophysics and cosmology exploring ideas and methods. In-depth discussion of the physics underlying several recent discoveries including extrasolar planets—their discovery, properties, and issues of habitability; black holes—prediction of their properties from GR, observational signatures, and detection; and the accelerating universe—introduction to cosmological models and the discovery of dark energy.
Prerequisites: PHYS 170, 171, or 180, 181, or 200, 201, or 260, 261, or permission of instructor.
1 Yale College course credit(s)
ASTR 420 - Computational Methods for Astrophysics
The analytic, numerical, and computational tools necessary for effective research in astrophysics and related disciplines. Topics include numerical solutions to differential equations, spectral methods, and Monte Carlo simulations. Applications to common astrophysical problems including fluids and N-body simulations.
ASTR 471 - Independent Project in Astronomy
Independent project supervised by a member of the department with whom the student meets regularly. The project must be approved by the instructor and by the director of undergraduate studies; the student is required to submit a complete written report on the project at the end of the term.
Instructor/Advisor permission required. Please contact Astronomy Registrar, Robyn Lisone, for more details.
ASTR 490 - The Two-Term Senior Project
A two-term independent research project to fulfill the senior requirement for the B.S. degree. The project must be supervised by a member of the department and approved by the director of undergraduate studies.
ASTR 492 - The One-Term Senior Project
A one-term independent research project or essay to fulfill the senior requirement for the B.A. degree. The project must be supervised by a member of the department and approved by the director of undergraduate studies.