640-361 Astrophysics

Credit Points

Coordinator

Prerequisites

At least two 220 or 240-series Physics subjects.

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

The application of scientific ideas to understanding astrophysical objects has been a great triumph of modern science. The constituents of our galaxy, in particular stars, pulsars, and supernovae, the formation and evolution of stars and galaxies, and extragalactic astronomy and cosmology will be discussed. A wide variety of astrophysical techniques and methods will be presented and applied to science problems. Areas of current research will be discussed.

Topics will include: Stellar classification, stellar structure, stellar evolution, stellar motions. Supernovae and pulsars. Galactic structures and dynamics. Quasars. Cosmological red shift, expansion of the universe. Most topics will be discussed in the context of basic 200-level physics.

Assessment

A 1.5 hour end-of-semester written examination plus tests and/or assignments, set during the semester, which may account for up to 20% of the final mark.

Prescribed Texts

• Zeilik M and Smith E V P, Introductory Astronomy and Astrophysics. 2nd ed. Saunders.