Introduction to Stellar Astrophysics

3 Credits

This course will take an observational, theoretical, and computational perspective to investigate the physics of stars. Students will learn how to measure fundamental stellar properties (distance, brightness, mass, radius, and temperature). Students will combine astronomical data analysis with physical modeling, including applications from classical mechanics, quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, and nuclear physics, to describe the atmosphere, internal structure, energy generation, and evolution of stars. Additional topics include: binary stars, variable stars, supernovae, white dwarfs, neutron stars, pulsars, and black holes. Prerequisites: ( PHY 010 or PHY 011 ) and ( PHY 013 or PHY 021 or PHY 023) and PHY 031 and ( MATH 022 or MATH 032 or MATH 052 ) Attribute/Distribution: NS, Q, W