Physics 5561 Syllabus

Instructor: Alec Habig

Office: MWAH 384

Office Hours: 11:00-12:00 M

& 13:00-14:00 F (or by appointment)

Telephone: 726-7214

email: ahabig@d.umn.edu

http://neutrino.d.umn.edu/phy5561

Text: Bradley W. Carroll & Dale A. Ostlie,

An Introduction to Modern Astrophysics (2^nd ed.)

Additional readings or assignments from other texts or the web might be assigned over the course of the semester, but arrangements will be made so you do not have to buy more books. This one is expensive enough.

Course Objectives: This course is a quantitative introduction to astrophysics. In addition to learning what is out there, we want to explore how it works and how we know what we know. We will apply our earthly knowledge of the laws of physics to astronomical observations.

The topics to be covered include the following. Things will be added or subtracted based on the needs of the course and as we see how long it takes to cover the topics in question.

Review of the tools used in astronomy:
- Celestial Mechanics
- Spectra, both continuous and discrete
- Telescopes and optics
How stars work:
- Determining stellar parameters from observation
- Stellar Atmospheres, radiative transfer
- Stellar Structure, equations of state
- Star Formation, Stellar Evolution and remnants
The Interstellar Medium
Galaxies:
- Galactic Structure and Classification
- Galactic Evolution
Large Scale Structure
Cosmology

Grading: Course grades will be determined based on the following four areas, with their respective weights:

Homework 50%
Mid-term 20%
Final exam 30%

Letter grades will be assigned based upon the weighted average on a non-competitive curve. In order to keep the students informed as to their progress, a letter grade will be assigned after the mid-term exam or guesstimated upon request.

Homework: Homework assignments are important and will be assigned at least on a weekly basis. Hearing or reading about something does not make it sink in. In order to really learn about a topic, you need to practice it. Homework is this practice as applied to the concepts and theory, thus the comparatively large weight in the grade. In addition to really helping one learn things, the homework helps the instructor see what areas need more or different explanation.

When writing out your homework solutions, include not only the diagrams and equations which lead to the answer, but elaborate on the reasoning that led you to the steps in your answer. Think of the good and bad examples your various physics texts have presented you with. Write your homework problems like the good ones, and remember how frustrating those “the remainder is an exercise left to the reader” passages have been. Late homework grades depreciate at a rate of 25% per 24 hours.

Note on disabilities: Individuals who have any disability, either permanent or temporary, which might affect their ability to perform in this class are encouraged to inform the instructor at the start of the quarter. Adaptation of methods, materials, or testing may be made as possible to provide for equitable participation.

Midterm Exam, on or near March 4 – the only day which gives a command (read it out loud).