ASTR 301: Astrophysical Concepts

Course Description

A one-semester course introducing the Physical concepts used in Modern Astrophysics, with an emphasis on the application of these ideas to Astrophysical objects. The course familiarizes the student with the Astronomical concepts and vocabulary used in other Astronomy courses at the 300-level and beyond. The course begins with an overview of Astronomical objects and terminology, before introducing conservation laws in Physics and their applications in Astronomy. Newtonian mechanics and gravity are then introduced and applied to various self-gravitating systems and scenarios. Electromagnetism, Quantum Mechanics and a small amount of Statistical Physics are covered at sufficient detail to understand the behavior of electromagnetic radiation and thermal emission. Special and General relativity are introduced from the point of view of understanding the behaviors of certain exotic objects in Astronomy. Common statistical distributions used in upper-level Astronomy courses are also introduced with an emphasis on application. Four hours lecture. (OC).