Fundamental Astronomy I & II (ASTR:1771 & 1772)

Fall 2023, Spring 2024 (previous semesters: Fall 2022, Spring 2023)

This two-semester introductory course is designed for science majors who wish to learn basic astrophysics from a quantitative perspective. Students looking for a descriptive treatment of the subjects are encouraged to sign up for ASTR:1070 (Stars, Galaxies, and the Universe) or ASTR:1080 (Exploration of the Solar System). The first semester covers celestial coordinate systems, gravity and celestial mechanics, observational techniques, the formation and evolution of the Solar System, and the detection of exoplanets. The second semester covers the properties and evolution of stars, galaxies, and the expanding universe, as well as the physical models that we employ to understand these astrophysical objects.

Lecture Slides for Part I:

Lecture Slides for Part II:

Textbooks:

  • Exploration of the Universe, by Abell, 2nd Edition (1969)
  • Moons and Planets, by Hartmann, 5th Edition (2004)

Observational Techniques (ASTR:4850)

Spring 2022, Spring 2020

The laboratory course is designed to acquaint students with telescopes and instruments and the basics of astronomical research. Students will gain hands-on experience with computer-controlled instruments, observations with telescopes, and the reduction and analysis of imaging and spectroscopic data. Lab equipment includes CCD cameras, optical spectrographs, portable telescopes, and a 17-in telescope on the roof. Students will work in small teams, analyze and process data with Python and DS9, and write lab report in LaTeX.

Lab Manuals:

Textbooks:

  • Handbook of CCD Astronomy, by Howell, 2nd Edition (2006)
  • Introduction to Astronomical Spectroscopy, by Appenzeller, 1st Edition (2013)
  • Practical Statistics for Astronomers, by Wall and Jenkins, 2nd Edition (2012)

Galaxy Formation and Evolution (ASTR:6782)

Fall 2021, Fall 2017, Spring 2014

How galaxies form and evolve is one of the most fundamental questions in astrophysics. This graduate-level course introduces this exciting research field through lectures, journal clubs, and homework exercises. We will review the observed properties of galaxies of all masses across the cosmic history and discuss observational techniques, semi-analytical models, and numerical simulations astronomers use to understand galaxy formation and evolution.

Lecture Slides and Notes:

Textbook: Introduction to Galaxy Formation and Evolution: From Primordial Gas to Present-Day Galaxies, by Cimatti, Freternali, and Nipoti, 1st Edition (2020)

Modern Astrophysics I & II (ASTR:3771 & 3772)

Fall 2018, Spring 2019 (previous semesters: Fall 2016, Spring 2017)

This two-semester upper level introductory Astrophysics course is designed for juniors and seniors majoring in Physics & Astronomy. The topics for the Fall semester include celestial mechanics, radiative transfer, stellar structure and evolution, and star formation. The topics for the Spring semester include post-main-sequence stellar evolution, stellar remnants, close binary stars, the Milky Way and other galaxies, active galactic nuclei, galaxy evolution, and cosmology.

Textbook: An Introduction to Modern Astrophysics, by Carroll and Ostlie, 2nd edition (2007)

Stars, Galaxies, and the Universe (ASTR:1070)

Spring 2016, Fall 2014, Spring 2015

This general education course is a survey of stars, galaxies, and the universe. Topics include the life cycles of stars, the diversity of galaxies, and the history, the structure, and the fate of the universe. High school algebra and geometry are used.

Textbook: Understanding Our Universe, by Palen, Kay, Smith, Blumenthal