PHY 4130 Stellar Astrophysics
Students in this class will learn about the interstellar medium, star formation, stellar structure and evolution, and compact objects. Students will make the connection between these topics and the first principles learned in other upper level physics courses.
Prerequisite
PHY 3130 or permission from instructor; MTH 2510
Course Outcomes
- Develop a deeper understanding of stellar astrophysics – The physics of star formation, stellar structure, and stellar evolution quickly involves calculus and differential equations once you have a conceptual level of understanding. Students will complete the following objectives throughout the semester:
• Apply mathematical tools analytically with pencil and paper calculations
• Solve equations numerically with Python
• Focus on visualizing the output of large astrophysical codes built to solve complex sets of interrelated equations - Connect astrophysical phenomena to relevant physics coursework – A goal of this class is for students to learn how physical principles introduced in classical mechanics, quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, and nuclear physics apply to the physics of stars. Specifically, the following concepts will be covered:
• Statistical distributions of particles
• Acoustic oscillations
• Quantum mechanical tunneling
• Thermonuclear reactions
• Equations of state and thermodynamic processes
• Newtonian and relativistic dynamics