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Courses
In the following course descriptions, L refers to courses with
laboratory.
181. The Milky Way (=PhySci 181). PQ: Any 100-level Common Core sequence
in chemistry, geophysical sciences, physical sciences, or physics. In
this course we study what is known about our galaxy, the Milky Way. We discuss
its size, shape, composition, location among its neighbors, motion, how
it evolves, and where we are located within it, with an emphasis on how
we know and what we know. K. Cudworth. Autumn.
182. The Origin and Evolution of the Universe (=PhySci 182). PQ:
Any 100-level Common Core sequence in chemistry, geophysical sciences, physical
sciences, or physics. This course discusses how the laws of nature allow
us to understand the origin, evolution, and large-scale structure of the
universe. After a review of the history of cosmology, we see how discoveries
in the twentieth century--the expansion of the universe and the cosmic background
radiation--form the basis of the hot Big Bang model. Within the context
of the Big Bang, we learn how our universe evolved from the primeval fireball.
Not offered 1996-97; will be offered 1997-98.
183. Searching Between the Stars (=PhySci 183). PQ: Any 100-level
Common Core sequence in chemistry, geophysical sciences, physical sciences,
or physics. With the advent of modern observational techniques such
as radio and satellite astronomy, it has become possible to study free atoms,
molecules, and dust in the vast space between the stars. The observation
of interstellar matter provides information on the physical and chemical
conditions of space and on the formation and evolution of stars. Not
offered 1996-97; will be offered 1997-98.
184. Comets and Asteroids (=PhySci 184). PQ: Any 100-level Common
Core sequence in chemistry, geophysical sciences, physical sciences, or
physics. Comets have always attracted our interest because of their
strange--almost eerie--appearance in the night sky. In contrast, asteroids,
which are so faint that the brightest was not discovered until 1801, seemed
to be less important members of the solar system--until we realized that
one could wipe out life on earth. We know that because of their small size,
comets and asteroids carry with them important clues about the formation
of the solar system, clues that were long ago erased on the planets by weather.
In this course, we take a somewhat historical approach to the study of comets
and the class of asteroids that may derive from them. P. Palmer. Winter.
200. Tutorial in Astronomy and Astrophysics. PQ: Any 100-level Common
Core sequence in chemistry, geophysical sciences, physical sciences, or
physics. Class limited to six students. May be taken either for a
letter grade or for P/N or P/F. Readings on topics in
astronomy and astrophysics under the supervision of a faculty member. Students
meet with the instructor in groups of one to three for approximately two
hours per week to discuss readings on mutually agreed upon topics. Staff.
Summer, Autumn, Winter, Spring.
213. Origin and Evolution of the Solar System (=GeoSci 213). PQ:
Consent of instructor; physical chemistry helpful. Representative topics
include abundance and origin of the elements; formation, condensation, and
age of the solar system; meteorites and the historical record of the solar
system they preserve; comets and asteroids; planets and their satellites;
temperatures and atmospheres of planets; and the origin of the earth's lithosphere,
hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere. L. Grossman. Winter. L.
214. The Physics of Stars and Stellar Systems (=GeoSci 214). PQ:
Phys 123, 133, or 143; or consent of instructor. This course introduces
the astrophysics of stars and stellar systems. A discussion of the tools
of astronomy is followed by the study of the physical nature of stars. Topics
covered are observational and theoretical Hertzsprung-Russell diagrams,
structure and evolution of stars, binary stars, star clusters, and end states
of stars such as white dwarfs, neutron stars, and black holes. J. Truran.
Autumn.
215. The Physical Universe (=GeoSci 215). PQ: Astron 214 or consent
of instructor. The laws of physics are applied on the scales of time
and distance that are required in astronomy. Physical laws are applied in
attempts to understand the structures and evolution of galaxies, quasars,
clusters of galaxies, and the universe at large. D. Q. Lamb. Spring.
280. Senior Research Seminar. PQ: Astron 214 and 215, or consent
of instructor. Current research topics in astrophysics are studied.
Topics vary each year, but some examples include the early universe, high
energy astrophysics, magneto-hydrodynamics in astrophysics, observational
cosmology, and cosmic microwave background. Staff. Winter, Spring.
299. Participation in Research. PQ: Third- or fourth-year standing
and consent of instructor. May be taken either for a letter grade or for
P/N or P/F. Students are assigned to work in the research
group of a member of the faculty. Participation in research may take the
form of independent work on a small project or assistance to an advanced
graduate student or faculty member in his or her research. A written report
must be submitted at the end of the quarter. Students may register for this
course for as many quarters as they wish; they need not work with the same
faculty member each time. Staff. Summer, Autumn, Winter, Spring. L.
Students with adequate preparation may register for the following graduate-level
courses with the consent of the instructor.
301-302-303-304. Astrophysics I, II, III, IV. PQ: Consent of instructor
and a minimum of one year of physics. (Normally students should have completed
or be enrolled concurrently in Phys 321-322-323 or 341-342-343.)
This course is designed to provide a firm foundation in the principles
of astrophysics (such as hydrostatic equilibrium of a self-gravitating object,
radiative transfer, and radiation from a diffuse gas) needed to carry out
modern astrophysical research. Many astrophysical topics are discussed,
but the emphasis is on elucidating general principles rather than attempting
to survey the field. During the academic year, participation in a weekly
seminar on current topics in astrophysical research is also required. J.
Frieman, Autumn; A. Königl, Winter; D. A. Harper, E. Kolb, Spring.
313. Extragalactic Studies. PQ: Consent of instructor. Topics
include galaxies and intergalactic space, determination of Hubble's law,
and peculiar extragalactic objects such as radio galaxies, Seyfert galaxies,
and quasars. Not offered 1996-97; will be offered 1997-98.
315. Dynamics I (Fluids). PQ: Consent of instructor. This course
examines the principles of hydrodynamics and hydromagnetics. Topics also
include equilibrium and stability of fluid systems in astrophysics, waves,
shocks, and turbulence. A. Königl. Autumn.
316. Dynamics II (Particles). PQ: Consent of instructor. This
course examines the dynamics of collisionless plasmas and stellar systems.
Stochastic processes and kinetic equations, dynamics of galaxies and star
clusters, and astrophysical plasmas are topics that are explored. P.
Vandervoort. Winter.
320. Relativistic Astrophysics. PQ: Consent of instructor. This
course covers topics in special relativity, including the general theory
of relativity and its experimental tests, and applications to astrophysical
problems such as super-massive stars, black holes, relativistic star clusters,
and gravitational radiation. Not offered 1996-97; will be offered 1997-98.
321. Cosmology. PQ: Consent of instructor. The standard Big Bang
cosmological model, together with its tests and a discussion of nonstandard
models is covered. Specific topics covered include the Robertson-Walker
metric, the 3K background, Big Bang nucleosynthesis, the determination of
the age of the universe, and galaxy formation, as well as other current
problems in cosmology. M. Turner. Autumn.
355. Radiation Measurement. PQ: Consent of instructor. Topics
include methods of detection and measurements of radiation important in
astronomy; theory of detectors in the X-ray, far-ultraviolet, optical, infrared,
and radio regions of the spectrum; and the potential of various detectors
for astronomical measurements. J. Carlstrom. Autumn.
361. Interstellar Matter. PQ: Consent of instructor. Topics covered
include the physics of interstellar gas, emission nebulae, HI regions, interstellar
grains and molecules, and cosmic rays and the interstellar magnetic field.
L. Hobbs. Winter.
385. Astronomy in the Scientific Revolution. PQ: Consent of instructor.
This is a lecture/discussion course on the history of astronomy in the
early modern period concentrating on the work of the most important figures:
Copernicus, Brahe, Kepler, Galileo, and Newton. The readings are principally
primary sources. N. Swerdlow. Winter.
Other courses of interest:
PhySci 118-119-120/122. Introduction to Astrophysics I, II, III. R.
Rosner, Autumn; J. Truran, Winter; D. York, P. Vandervoort, Spring. L: P.
Palmer, Autumn; L. Hobbs, Winter; J. Carlstrom, Spring.
Phys 291-292-293. Bachelor's Thesis. PQ: Open to physics concentrators
with fourth-year standing and consent of instructor. This yearlong sequence
is designed to involve the student in current research. The student works
on a research project in physics or a closely related field such as astrophysics,
leading to the writing of a bachelor's thesis. The project may be one suggested
by the instructor or one proposed by the student and approved by the instructor.
Staff. Summer, Autumn, Winter, Spring.
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