Astrophysics for ISP (331-0-1)

Instructors

Claude-Andre Faucher-Giguere
Tech F243

Meeting Info

Locy Hall 106: Tues, Thurs 2:00PM - 3:20PM

Overview of class

Introduction to key topics in astrophysics for advanced undergraduate students. The two main topics will be the structure of stars and an introduction to Big Bang cosmology. Rather than a very broad survey, the course will focus on those foundational areas in order to allow us to cover them with significant depth and rigor.

Registration Requirements

PHYS 125-1, PHYS 125-2, and PHYS 125-3, or a year of equivalent calculus-based physics
PHYS 339-1, 2

Class Materials (Required)

"Stellar Structure and Evolution" by Marc Pinsonneault and Barbara Ryden
"Introduction to Cosmology" by Barbara Ryden

Online copies of both books (from Cambridge University Press) should be accessible for free via the Northwestern Libraries. We will not follow either book closely but they will be useful references. It is not recommended that students purchase hard copies in advance of the course.

"Astrophysics in a Nutshell" by Dan Maoz is another potentially useful reference.