Course Title:
Astrophysics and Cosmology
Course Description:
Introduces current ideas in astrophysics and cosmology, with emphasis on recent advances in this field. Topics include tools of the astronomer (telescopes, spectroscopy, and methods of distance measurement); the solar system; stellar properties (stellar spectra, stellar energy sources including gravitational or nuclear); Hertzsprung-Russell diagram; evolution of stars (birth, life, and ultimate collapse); our Milky Way galaxy; and extragalactic objects (galaxies, clusters of galaxies, radio galaxies, and quasars); cosmology (Olber’s paradox, recession of galaxies, big bang theory, cosmic background radiation, formation of galaxies, and the future of the universe). For students with undergraduate degrees in fields other than physics or lacking preparation in one or more of the topics covered in the required first-year graduate courses.
Fall Offering:
None
Lab/Coreq 1:
Spring Offering:
None
Lab/Coreq 2:
Summer Offering:
None
Lab/Coreq Remarks:
Summer 1 Offering:
None
Prerequisite 1:
Summer 2 Offering:
None
Prerequisite 2:
Cross-Listed Course 1:
PHY U611
Prerequisite 3:
Cross-Listed Course 2:
Prerequisite 4:
Cross-Listed Course 3:
Prerequisite 5:
Cross-Listed Course 4:
Prerequisite Remarks:
Permission of graduate coordinator.
Cross-Listed Course 5:
Repeatable:
N
