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Instruction offered by members of the Department of Physics and Astronomy in the Faculty of Science.
Department Head – R.I. Thompson
Note: For listings of related courses, see Astronomy, Physics, Medical Physics, and Space Physics.
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Astrophysics
213
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Introduction to Astrophysics
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Fundamentals of modern astrophysics including observations and physical interpretation physical phenomena in the Universe. Topics include the nature of the Sun and stars, galaxies, and the interstellar medium; distances and motions in the universe; radiation and telescopes; celestial mechanics; stellar evolution. Minor laboratory exercises including one at the Rothney Astrophysical Observatory as circumstances permit.
Course Hours:
H(3-1T-1)
Prerequisite(s):
Physics 211 or 221 or 227 or Engineering 202.
Notes:
Recommended for science majors.
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Astrophysics
307
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Introduction to Observational Astrophysics
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Lectures and practical laboratory sessions in observational astronomy. Students will collect, reduce, and interpret astronomical data, develop an understanding of telescopes, instruments, and detectors; reduction and analysis methods; simulations and model fitting; data and error analysis. Observations will be carried out at the Rothney Astrophysical Observatory and/or the main campus.
Course Hours:
H(3-3)
Prerequisite(s):
Astrophysics 213; Physics 211 or 221 or 227, or Engineering 202 and Physics 255 or 259 or 323.
Also known as:
(formerly Astrophysics 507)
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Astrophysics
401
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Galactic Astrophysics
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The galaxy: space distribution of stars and interstellar material; kinematics and dynamics of stellar systems; rotation and spiral structure; classification and global properties of galaxies; active galaxies.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Astrophysics 213, Physics 325, 381, and one of Mathematics 349 or 375 or Applied Mathematics 307.
Notes:
Taught in the Fall of even years.
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Astrophysics
403
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Stellar Structure and Evolution
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Observational properties of stars; equations of stellar structure; physics of stellar interiors; structure and evolution of stars; white dwarfs, neutron stars, black holes; observational aspects of stellar atmospheres; radiative transfer in stellar atmospheres; opacity; spectral line formation.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Astrophysics 213, Physics 325, 381 and one of Mathematics 349 or 375 or Applied Mathematics 307.
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Astrophysics
409
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Planetary Astrophysics
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Orbital mechanics. Planetary interiors, surfaces, atmosphere, ionospheres and magnetospheres. Solar magnetism and activity cycles. Comets, asteroids, meteorites. Origin of the solar system. Exoplanets.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Astrophysics 213, Physics 381, and Applied Mathematics 307 or Mathematics 375.
Notes:
Taught in the Winter of odd years.
Also known as:
(formerly Astrophysics 309)
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Astrophysics
503
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The Interstellar Medium
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Multiwavelength observations of gas and dust in our Galaxy; distribution and physics of neutral atomic hydrogen and molecules; interstellar chemistry; physics of dust grains; HII regions; interstellar shocks; gas dynamics; star formation.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Astrophysics 213, Physics 325, 381, and one of Mathematics 349 or 375 or Applied Mathematics 307.
Notes:
Taught in the Fall of odd years.
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Astrophysics
509
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High Energy Astrophysics and Cosmology
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Clusters of galaxies; microwave and X-ray background radiation; dark matter and dark energy; overview of cosmology; general relativistic considerations; large-scale structure and expansion of the universe; nucleosynthesis; gamma ray bursts and cosmic rays.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
Prerequisite(s):
Astrophysics 213, Physics 325, 381, and one of Mathematics 349 or 375 or Applied Mathematics 307.
Notes:
Taught in the Winter of even years.
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Astrophysics
607
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Advanced Observational Astrophysics
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Principles and tools of modern ground-based and space astronomy emphasizing ultraviolet, optical, infrared, and radio radiation. Data acquisition and reduction techniques for astrometry, photometry, spectroscopy, imaging, and interferometry. Use of astronomical data analysis software.
Course Hours:
H(1-6)
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Astrophysics
611
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Radio Astronomy
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Wave propagation, antennas, interferometry, aperture synthesis, radio receivers, and spectrometers. Applications to continuum and line radiation in stars, interstellar medium and extragalactic objects.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
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Astrophysics
621
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High Energy Astrophysics
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Interaction of high energy particles with matter, propagation and origin of cosmic rays; structure of white dwarfs and neutron stars; the physics of jets and the accretion process onto compact objects; supernovae and supernova remnants; active galactic nuclei.
Course Hours:
H(3-0)
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COURSES OF INSTRUCTION