Astronomy 405/505: Astronomy and Astrophysics I (Fall 2007)
| Lectures: | Tuesdays & Thursdays 10:20am - 11:35am,
Astronomy #119 |
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| Textbooks: | Modern Astrophysics, by Bradley Carroll & Dale Ostlie
(required; either edition is fine) |
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| Radiative Processes in Astrophysics, by George Rybicki & Alan Lightman (strongly recommended) |
| Both texts are being held on three-day reserve at Zuhl Library. |
| Webpage: |
http://astronomy.nmsu.edu/nicole/teaching/ASTR505 |
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| Instructor: | Prof. Nicole P. Vogt |
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| Office hours: | Tuesdays & Thursdays 11:35 - 12:50,
Astronomy #203 |
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| Phone: | 646-6522 |
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| Email: | nicole (please add @nmsu.edu) |
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During Fall 2008, this course will be taught by Dr. Rene Walterbos.
He will establish his own grading scheme and course plan, but feel
free to use the scientific contents of these notes as reference
materials.
This course is valued at 3 credits, and is a single semester in length. Our
goal is to provide you with an overview of the universe and the physical
principles critical to modern astronomy, including radiation mechanisms and
radiation transfer in astronomical systems. We will focus in turn on optics,
probability, celestial mechanics, classical mechanics (including orbital
mechanics), radiative transfer, properties of spectra, and the basic
phenomenology of stars and galaxies.
Astronomy is the most observational of all the physical sciences, and
astronomers rarely have the opportunity to manipulate the objects we
study. Given this limitation, how have we managed to learn so much about the
universe?
Background
This course is designed for graduate students, and senior undergraduate
students with a solid background in physics or astronomy. It will be assumed
that you are familiar with solid geometry and calculus. There will be
considerable emphasis on the physical processes believed to be operating in
our universe, and the development of basic physical concepts will be a
fundamental part of the course. We will also focus upon problem solving
strategies. A strong interest in the course material (and the consent of the
instructor) is the best prerequisite!
Evaluation
Performance will be judged on the basis of 12 weekly homework assignments,
12 weekly quizzes, and 2 in-class exams. Inspired class participation can
merit up to 5% in additional credit.
| Homework | 35% |
| Quizzes | 20% |
| Midterm examination | 20% |
| Final examination | 25% |
| Class participation | +5% |