Spring 2012
This course will provide an introduction to fundamental principles and concepts in astrophysics, intended for students majoring in in physics and/or astronomy or for students with comparable physics and mathematics prequequsities.
Class Hours: Tues and Thurs 11:05-12:20 B&L 407
Prof: Eric Blackman, Bausch &Lomb 417, blackman@pas.rochester.edu
Office Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays 12:30-2pm
TIs: Alexandra Kuznetsov (akuznet2@u.rochester.edu);
Office Hours: Thursdays 2:00pm to 4:30pm and Fridays from 1:30pm to 3:15pm in Room B&L 203H
TIs: Ruka Murugan (s.murugan@rochester.edu)
Office Hours: Mondays 11-noon; Fridays 1-2pm; or by appt. in Room B&L 203H
Office Hours:
Textbooks:
The required course textbook is: "Foundations of Astrophysics" by Barbara Ryden \& Bradley Peterson
Another book of interest, also on reserve in PoA Library:
"An Introduction to Modern Astrophysics" (Carroll and Ostlie)
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Syllabus
The syllabus and order of topics to be covered is below: (Subject to adjustments as course proceeds.)
Early Astronomy and Basic Orbital Mechanics
Chapter 1
Chapter 2: sections 2.5, 2.6
Chapter 3: sections 3.3, 3.4
Radiation and its Interaction With Matter and Detection of Radiation
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Stars
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
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Coursework:
(1) Approximately 8 problem sets (each counted equally and together a total of 25% of final grade)
(2) Two in-classroom exams (each are 37.5% of final grade)
March 8th, May 1st
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Problem Sets:
All Homework to be turned into the course locker
next to Room B&L 104 by 6pm on the due date shown
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Exams