The Physics of the Interstellar Medium
Prof. Gayley
Fall 2011


Lecture Schedule and Reading Assignments

  • LECTURE OUTLINE


    Part I: Broader Brush, General Physics, Physics of H

    Week 1: Galactic Census and Atomic spectroscopy
  • Aug 23
  • Aug 25
    Week 2: Thermodynamics and statistical equilibrium
  • Aug 30
  • Sep 1
    Week 3: Photon coupling to the ISM plasma
  • Sep 6 (....Homework 1 is due)
  • Sep 8
    Week 4: HII and photodissociation regions
  • Sep 13
  • Sep 15 (....Homework 2 is due)
    Week 5: Nebulae, winds, and dynamics
  • Sep 20
  • Sep 22
    Week 6: supernovae, hypernovae, and GRBs
  • Sep 27 (....Homework 3 is due)
  • Sep 29
    Week 7: midterm exam week
  • Midterm Exam in class Oct 4
  • go over midterm, Oct 6
    Week 8: Research talks
  • oral talks, Oct 11
  • oral talks, Oct 13

    Part II. Greater Detail, Role of Metals and Dust

    Week 9: The role of metals in the energy balance
  • Oct 18
  • Oct 20
    Week 10: Radiative cooling and scattering
  • Oct 25
  • Oct 27 (....Homework 4 is due)
    Week 11: dust scattering and dust formation in winds
  • Nov 1
  • Nov 3
    Week 12: Nebulae, winds, and dynamics with metals
  • Nov 8
  • Nov 10
    Week 13: chemistry and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
  • Nov 15 (...Homework 5 is due)
  • Nov 17
    Week 14: Research talks (Nov 29 and Dec 1) (....Homework 6 is due Dec 6)
    Week 15: grant proposal (due Dec 8) and final review
  • Final Take-Home Exam Due Fri, Dec 16

  • Go to Astro I cover page