BASIC ASTROPHYSICS I
Thermodynamics, atomic and molecular spectra, ionization and excitation, line and continuum opacities. Synchrotron radiation, Compton scattering, X-ray spectra. Radiative transfer, simple model atmospheres, radiative and convective energy transport.
Prerequisites & course information
Requisites: Graduate/professional standing Course Designation: Grad 50% - Counts toward 50% graduate coursework requirement Repeatable for Credit: No Last Taught: Fall 2026 Learning Outcomes: 1. Write scientifically rigorous prose through homework problems. Audience: Graduate 2. Model astrophysical systems through the application of the electrodynamics of light from first principles. Audience: Graduate 3. Apply the underlying principles of radiative transfer to astrophysical systems such as stars and the interstellar medium. Audience: Graduate 4. Explain where and how basic quantum mechanics governs astrophysical systems. Audience: Graduate 5. Derive the statistical mechanics of astrophysical systems from the micro canonical ensemble. Audience: Graduate Learning Outcomes: 1. Write scientifically rigorous prose through homework problems. Audience: Graduate 2. Model astrophysical systems through the application of the electrodynamics of light from first principles. Audience: Graduate 3. Apply the underlying principles of radiative transfer to astrophysical systems such as stars and the interstellar medium. Audience: Graduate 4. Explain where and how basic quantum mechanics governs astrophysical systems. Audience: Graduate 5. Derive the statistical mechanics of astrophysical systems from the micro canonical ensemble. Audience: Graduate
Sources
- Course catalogue ↗2026-2027