Additional instructors:
Dr. Dimitri Klebe
Dr. Grey Tarkenton
This course is an introduction to astrophysics at an advanced undergraduate / introductory graduate level. After a brief survey of astronomy, we well develop the physical concepts (mainly statistical mechanics and quantum mechanics) needed to understand the structure and evolution of stars and apply these concepts to the birth, life, and death of stars. Other topics may also be included depending on the interest of the students.
Speculative schedule (subject to extreme revision)
I. Introductiona. Astronomy (Ch. 1 and 2)b. Astrophysics overview (Ch. 2 )
II. Stellar structure and evolution
a. basic equations and physics (Ch. 3)b. stellar interiors (Ch. 4)
c. main sequence stars (Ch. 5)
III. Star formation and early stars (Ch. 5)
IV. Other topics
V. Final project presentations
Text: "The Stars: Their Structure and Evolution", R. J. Tayler, 2nd edition
Other books on Reserve (3 day check-out) in Library:
1. L. H. Aller, "Atoms, Stars, and Nebulae" - descriptive astronomy book2. W. K. Rose, "Astrophysics" - similar level to course
3. G. W. Collins, "The Fundamentals of Stellar Astrophysics" - generally more advanced
Homework problems (approximately every week) ..................... 25 %Virtual Recitation Discussion .............................................. 10 %
Midterm I (take-home) (approx. July 7) ..................................20 %
Midterm II (take-home) (approx. July 21) ............................... 20 %
Final project (due August 4) ............................................... 25 %
Problem Set and Exam solutions will be placed on reserve after they are graded.
Throughout the semester we will have a continuing discussion on various topics in astrophysics using a threaded discussion format on the internet (WWW). Sometimes I will post questions and ask you to reply. Other times I will ask you to post questions. At any time, you are welcome to post any question you might have and open it up for discussion. This could be questions on the reading, assignments (but not exams), or just things you are curious about. You will be graded for participation, so you should identify yourself at least some of the time when you comment or raise questions.
Outline due: Tuesday July 7Project due: Tuesday August 4
The final project will consist of a research paper, computer program, or some other type of project involving a topic of your choice in astrophysics. This should be a PHYSICS paper; not a review of popular astronomy. The topic does not have to be related to the material covered in this course. During the last few class meetings and final exam time, you will each give a presentation (about 30 minutes) on your project.
Possible nature of project:
1. approx. 10 - 15 page double spaced paper2. computer project (but do some physics with it)
3. observational project
AND a 20 -30 minute presentation to the class on your project
Possible topics:
1. Measuring distance in astronomy2. Celestial mechanics - orbits
3. Interstellar medium - gas, dust - scattering of radiation
4. Planet formation
5. Galaxy structure and formation
6. Black holes and general relativity
7. Cosmology and the Big Bang
8. Special "star" types: quasars, pulsars, brown dwarfs . . .
9. Novas, supernovas
10. Final states of stars: white dwarfs, neutron stars, black holes
etc.
Good starting points:
1. Tayler2. books on reserve and in UCCS library
3. Sky + Telescope, Scientific American, Physics Today . . .
Feel free to suggest other links to add to this list. Send the address of the link to: tchriste@mail.uccs.edu
last updated: June 9, 1998