2010-2011 UF Graduate Catalog (PDF Format) - Graduate School ...

University of Florida Graduate School
http://test.gradschool.ufl.edu/catalog/current-catalog/FOI/ATY01.htm[9/15/2010 4:07:06 PM]
apply our theoretical understanding of stellar structure and
evolution to the properties of stars in a variety of environments.
Origins of stars and planets: Observational studies focus on the
properties of giant molecular clouds, the collapse of molecular cloud
cores, the formation of stars in clusters and in isolation, and the
formation and evolution of circumstellar and protoplanetary disks.
Theoretical studies emphasize the influences of thermodynamics,
velocity fields, and interface instabilities on star formation.
Structure and evolution of galaxies: Some observational
programs use multi-wavelength photometry of stars and star
clusters in galaxies throughout the Local Group and in nearby
groups, including the Milky Way, to study galaxy evolution. Other
observations focus on the structure and dynamics of galaxies using
neutral hydrogen (H I) and molecules such as carbon monoxide
(CO).
Extragalactic astronomy and cosmology: Observational
programs investigate the nature of ultra-luminous galaxies, active
galactic nuclei (AGNs), and the formation and chemical evolution of
distant galaxies and clusters of galaxies. Theoretical investigations
focus on the emission/absorption features in AGN spectra, the starformation
and chemical-evolution properties of galaxies, and
applications of general relativity and particle physics to conditions in
the very early universe.
Instrumentation programs: The UF Infrared Astrophysics
Laboratory is a world leader in designing and constructing advanced
near-infrared and mid-infrared instrumentation for major telescopes
around the world, including the National Optical Astronomy
Observatory, the 8m Gemini North and South Telescopes, and the
10m Gran Telescopio Canarias. The Laboratory for Astrophysics is a
leading developer of satellite instruments for NASA and international
space agencies to measure the optical properties of dust particles in
diverse environments.
Computing facilities: The Astronomy Department maintains a
network of high-performance computers running Linux, OS-X, and
the Sun Solaris operating systems. The University campus also has
several high-performance GRID supercomputing clusters that faculty
can access for research and modeling. The local network is
maintained by a full-time systems manager and a full-time support
person.
AST 5113: Solar System Astrophysics I (3) Prereq: 2 years of
college physics. Survey of the solar system, including its origin and
laws of planetary motion. The earth as a planet: geophysics,
aeronomy, geomagnetism, and the radiation belts. Solar physics
and the influence of the sun on the earth.
AST 5114: Solar System Astrophysics II (3) Prereq: AST 5113.