Introduction to Astrophysics

Catalog description

This course is intended for students who are considering a major in astrophysics. In the course we will bring together ideas from mathematics and physics to help understand the nature of the Universe and the objects it contains. Concepts and mathematical expressions that are used in observational astronomy, such as flux, luminosity, and magnitude will be introduced, and several important derivations of ideas in star formation and stellar structure will be discussed. Students will practice quantitative problem solving and qualitative reasoning applied to astrophysical phenomena including planetary systems, stars, stellar systems, and galaxies as a bridge to upper division courses that will develop these ideas more deeply.