An Introduction to Astrophysics

In this course students will learn the fundamental concepts and techniques used by astronomers to understand the universe and its contents. These include the physics of light (which conveys the properties of astrophysical phenomena) and gravity (the fundamental force that drives orbits). We will apply these techniques to learn about the physics of stars including stellar interiors and stellar atmospheres as well as their nuclear energy generation processes. We will use real astrophysical data to explore the wide-ranging properties of stars and stellar evolution from birth to death. Students will engage with the literature and learn to use data analysis tools, including Python programming, to analyze real data. No prior experience with programming is required. 3 hrs. lect. 1 hour discussion (PHYS0110 OR PHYS0111 OR PHYS0114) AND (PHYS0212 OR PHYS0214 OR PHSY0216 OR MATH0223)