Astronomy C2001
  Introduction to Astrophysics I
                                  
                  Fall 2007


Instructor: Kristen Menou
Office: Room 1331, Pupin Hall, Department of Astronomy
Phone: 854-6899
E-mail: kristen //at\\ astro.columbia.edu
Web page: http://www.astro.columbia.edu/~kristen/teaching/C2001.html
Office Hours:  Tuesday, 3:30-5:30 pm and by appointment



TIME & PLACE:
Tuesdays, Thursdays,  1:10pm - 2:25pm
Room 1332, Pupin Hall, Department of Astronomy



DESCRIPTION:  Introductory Course for Science Majors.

This course is an introduction to the fundamental concepts of stellar astrophysics.  In stars, gravitational forces compress the gas to high pressures and temperatures, to the point where atomic nuclei overcome their electrostatic repulsion and fuse together, releasing nuclear energy and powering stellar light as we see it.  In this course, we will introduce important concepts of Newtonian mechanics, thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, nuclear physics and relativity. We will use this knowledge to develop a quantitative understanding of the structure and the evolution of stars. This will allow us to interpret a large body of observations collected by generations of astronomers, up to this day.

TOPICS:


PREREQUISITES:
A working knowledge of calculus. Co-requisite: a course in calculus-based general physics.


TEXTBOOK:
"An Introduction to Modern Astrophysics, " by Carroll & Ostlie.

- See http://departments.weber.edu/astrophysics/Index.html for extras from the book, such as computer codes, downloadable figures and useful astronomy links.

- Note that the second half of the book deals with galaxies and cosmology, and may be useful to you if you plan on taking Astro C2002.



It is also recomended that you take a look at "The Physical Universe, " by Shu.



PROBLEM SETS:
Handed out in class and posted on this website, approximately every other week (total of 5-6). Due one week later.

Policy on collaboration: You are welcome to discuss the problems with fellow students, but you must write your own solutions, individually.

Policy on late problem set returns: In order to be fair to those who turn assignments in on time, points will be deducted on assignments turned in late.



GRADING:
Problem sets: 30%
Midterm exam: 30%
Final exam: 40%


SCHEDULE:

See the University academic calendar.