ASTR 111
Introduction to Astrophysics Fall 2018
Division III Quantitative/Formal Reasoning
This is not the current course catalog

Class Details

How do stars work? This course answers that question from start to finish! In this course we undertake a survey of some of the main ideas in modern astrophysics, with an emphasis on the observed properties and evolution of stars; ASTR 111 is the first course in the Astrophysics and Astronomy major sequences. It is also appropriate for students planning to major in one of the other sciences or mathematics, and for others who would like a quantitative introduction that emphasizes the relationship of contemporary physics to astronomy. Topics include radiation laws and stellar spectra, astronomical instrumentation, physical characteristics of the Sun and other stars, star formation and evolution, nucleosynthesis, white dwarfs and planetary nebulae, pulsars and neutron stars, supernovae, relativity, and black holes. We will also discuss the detections of long-sought gravitational waves’ the first detection generated during the merging of two massive stellar black holes more than a billion light-years away, and, another from the merger of two neutron stars in a galaxy over 100 million light-years distant. Observing sessions include use of the 24-inch and other telescopes for observations of stars, nebulae, planets and galaxies, as well as daytime observations of the Sun.
The Class: Format: lecture/discussion, observing sessions, and five labs per semester
Limit: 28
Expected: 15
Class#: 1072
Grading: yes pass/fail option, yes fifth course option
Requirements/Evaluation: evaluation will be based on weekly problem sets, two hour tests, a final exam, lab reports, and an observing portfolio
Prerequisites: a year of high school Physics, or concurrent college Physics, or permission of instructor, and MATH 140 or equivalent
Distributions: Division III Quantitative/Formal Reasoning

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