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ASTRON 702

BASIC ASTROPHYSICS II

3 credits.

Introduces a broad range of physical concepts used to analyze problems in astrophysical dynamics. Topics include the particle and fluid dynamics of stellar and gaseous systems, gravitational dynamics, two-body relaxation, and phase space. Covers the fundamental equations of fluid dynamics and their applications to waves, shocks, winds, accretion, and instabilities, along with an introduction to magneto-hydrodynamics.

Topics

Topics explicitly listed in official catalogue description

Prerequisites & course information

Requisites: Graduate/professional standing Course Designation: Grad 50% - Counts toward 50% graduate coursework requirement Repeatable for Credit: No Last Taught: Spring 2026 Learning Outcomes: 1. Demonstrate proficiency in the basic physics of astrophysics. Audience: Graduate 2. Obtain the necessary preparation to succeed in a rigorous curriculum of graduate level astronomy. Audience: Graduate 3. Apply a quantitative understanding of the physical underpinnings of fluid dynamics to problems drawn from astrophysical contexts. Audience: Graduate 4. Derive and apply the basic equations that govern the role of magnetic fields in astrophysical fluids. Audience: Graduate 5. Demonstrate a basic understanding of the role and occurrence of turbulence in astrophysical fluids. Audience: Graduate Learning Outcomes: 1. Demonstrate proficiency in the basic physics of astrophysics. Audience: Graduate 2. Obtain the necessary preparation to succeed in a rigorous curriculum of graduate level astronomy. Audience: Graduate 3. Apply a quantitative understanding of the physical underpinnings of fluid dynamics to problems drawn from astrophysical contexts. Audience: Graduate 4. Derive and apply the basic equations that govern the role of magnetic fields in astrophysical fluids. Audience: Graduate 5. Demonstrate a basic understanding of the role and occurrence of turbulence in astrophysical fluids. Audience: Graduate

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